ASPEN, CO – Halcyon Productions updated the sound systems for both the landmark Hotel Jerome and Silver Queen restaurant recently. Halcyon's Heath Manning specified Ashly Audio's ne24.24M modular DSP and the WR-5 control units for both projects.
"User control is a critical issue in the commercial atmosphere of a banquet hall, restaurant, or bar, where the staff are rightly focused on getting food and drinks to paying customers and have no time to wrestle with an obtuse sound system," said Manning. "It comes down to durability and usability."
Instead of specifying touch-panels, Manning combined an Ashly ne24.24M matrix processor with an Ashly WR-5 keypad. "The processor provides a modular input/output count and tons of flexibility and power, and the keypad presents a simple user interface that has proven to be rock solid, even in the face of abuse," he noted.
New inputs at the Hotel Jerome include an iPod dock and a CD player, along with various inputs for a computer (or other unbalanced line source), a DJ rig (or other balanced line source), and a collection of Sennheiser wireless microphones. Source selection on two redundant Ashly WR-5 keypads works together with preset selection to configure the system for different kinds of events.
The Ashly ne24.24M processor is set up for 12 inputs and 12 outputs. Apart from input logic, it provides overall input and output conditioning, as well as ducking for the hotel's frequent pages.
One Lab.gruppen C16:4 four-channel amp and two Lab.gruppen C20:8x eight-channel amps combine with two Symetrix 581E distribution amps to provide power to 37 Tannoy CMS601BM six-inch coaxial ceiling-mounted loudspeakers.
At the Silver Queen restaurant/bar, Manning's assignment was to provide a great-sounding audio system that wouldn't disturb the owner of the multi-million dollar condo above. He specified Grundorf GT-601 full-range loudspeakers, positioned in close proximity to patrons, which meant that no single loudspeaker would have to be very loud, reducing bleed upstairs. A pair of Grundorf subwoofers round out the system's frequency response. Face Audio amplifiers provide power.
The Ashly ne24.24M DSP provides the range of functionality typical of such a system, plus well-calibrated limiting. "The limiting prevents overly-enthusiastic staff from cranking the system up to the condo danger zone," said Manning. An Ashly WR-5 keypad allows staff to select inputs and to adjust the volume – again, within limits.
"The Ashly ne24.24M and WR-5 is a great combo," said Manning. "It's simple, powerful, flexible, and tremendously affordable."
For more information, please visit www.ashly.com
