T3500 runs FoH at Plaza Ballroom
Wednesday, 17 June 2009 16:19
MC2 Audio’s T3500 amplifiers have been chosen to run the front of house system at the newly refurbished Plaza Ballroom located below Melbourne’s famous Regent Theatre. Owned by the Marriner Theatres Group, the Plaza Ballroom is one of the most spectacular multi-function rooms in the country, perfect for grand gala dinners, cocktail receptions, weddings or AGMs.
Mark Allen, Technical Director of all Marriner Theatres, made the decision this year to upgrade the audio system in the Plaza Ballroom. MC2 Audio Australian distributor, CMI Music & Audio, was brought in, along with Parker Black Pro Audio to help solve what was a very complex problem. After trying different positions with subwoofers and taking readings from around the venue, both downstairs and in the Regent, it became very clear that line array technology was to come into play. ‘We needed to use a line array due to the fact we had a wide vertical dispersion and a need to throw the sound forward,’ says Brad Parker of Parker Black, head consultant for the project. He continues, ‘We went with the HK Audio Contour Array set up and, to offset the low end problems, we chose to run with three CTA-208s a side with a CT-118.’
To run the front of house system MC2 Audio T-3500s are being used in-line with the HK Audio DSM-2060 controller. ‘We went right into the DSM and set it up especially for the job,’ says Brad. ‘We also incorporated the dance floor fill into it and set it up so it can be used in various configurations around the stage area,’ he continues. ‘The T-3500s are one of the most amazing amps. I don’t think we could ever get them to clip and the sonic capabilities make these one of the best amps on the planet everything out the front is just flat - and that’s the way it should be.’
With the install up and running, Mark Allen is very pleased with the result: ‘It has been a fantastic experience. The guys from both CMI and Parker Black have been great and they have come up with a great solution. Anywhere you walk around the venue the audio is smooth and a pleasure to listen to. I am rapt that they have not only found a solution to a problem we have been having for years, but they have also made a very easy-to-use and great sounding system as well.’
