Community Theater

Room design - option 1

For higher output levels or acoustics that present too much naturally reflective sound, a more directional loudspeaker system will deliver clearer music and voice articulation. The IV6 Modular Vertical Array offers line-array type directivity. Two IV6 arrays are configured to address all seating areas with supplemental front-fill loudspeakers arrayed across the stage lip. While there are no line-of-sight disruptions from any seats to a large portion of the array, there may be a need for supplemental fill speakers for the last rows on the first level. Grouping subwoofers close together achieves higher levels from a smaller number of subwoofers. To provide even bass coverage to all patrons, the outer subs are signal-processed with a short delay and a lower frequency Low Pass Filter (~60Hz) than the inner subs (~80Hz). This approach can apply as a design strategy for similar venues with wide prosceniums and a need for several subwoofers (for higher output).

Room design - option 2

A medium to large-format loudspeaker array addresses the majority of the first floor seating. In this case, a set of three IP8-1153/64s arranged in a monaural exploded array reinforces on-stage action while preserving localization for the audience. The main array’s coverage partially extends into the under/over balcony areas, but supplemental loudspeakers (IC6-1082 under balcony, IC6-2082 over balcony) ensure uniform coverage. Having supplemental fills allows for specific system adjustments to cover each area that acoustically differs from the larger open main floor space.

This system can be powered by two ALC-1604D and two ALC-404D

Subwoofers

For purpose-built venues of this type, subwoofers can often be integrated into, or perhaps concealed within, the stage front. Where possible, array the subwoofers evenly across the front of the stage to avoid the “power alley” effect caused by positioning them at the extreme right & left of the proscenium. Overhead subwoofer suspension may warrant cardioid or forward-steered arrays to raise bass levels in the seating while preserving GBF (Gain Before Feedback) on the stage.

Amplified loudspeaker controllers 

Biamp's line of Community Amplified Loudspeaker Controllers (ALC) offers factory-optimized DSP processing, protective limiting and amplification, as well as signal routing, zone switching, and remote monitoring for virtually any Community loudspeaker application.

Standard Ethernet communication protocols allow for fast system design, system control, and remote system monitoring. Analog and Dante® inputs included in each model are assignable per channel in static or failover/backup configuration, supporting quick and easy integration into any new or existing system. 

Community-authored loudspeaker presets include equalization, high pass filters, and multi-stage limiters tailored to each model, ensuring consistent sound quality and full loudspeaker protection in every application. Additionally, each Community loudspeaker preset includes loudspeaker power and impedance information, allowing the system configuration software to display the total power and impedance of multiple parallel wired loudspeakers, further reducing the time and effort required to match complete loudspeaker systems with the appropriate ALC models and output channel configurations.

In-depth control and monitoring is accomplished via ArmoníaPlus® system manager software.

Further reading

• IV6 System Design and Install Manual
• IV6 Rigging Frames, Accessories, and Safety Guide
• I SERIES Installation and Operation Quick Start Guide
• I SERIES Compact Installation and Operation Quick Start Guide
• I SERIES BalancePoint Flyware Guide
• I SERIES BalancePoint Flyware Quick Reference Guide
• Amplified Loudspeaker Controllers Installation and User Guide
• ArmoníaPlus System Manager Software
• Notes on Multi-Level Venues
• Designer Tips & Tricks
• EASE Focus Templates