SAN JOSE, CA – Working with AV contractor BBI Engineering, which installed the system, The Shalleck Collaborative, Inc. recently designed an new audio system for the San Jose Civic Auditorium using a Harman system including JBL loudspeakers.
The upgrade was part of a $13 million renovation at the city-owned hall, which previously relied upon costly outside equipment rentals to service shows and special events. The auditorium's managers are hoping to improve the venue's long-term balance sheet by investing in their own PA system.
The task for Shalleck Collaborative was to provide coverage for the 15,000 square foot auditorium, plus the balcony above. The design positions eight JBL VerTec VT4888 midsize line array elements and four VT4880A full-size subwoofers on each side of the stage – 16 VT4888s and eight VT4880As in all.
The system also includes 10 VP7212 loudspeakers for side fill and four VRX932LAP loudspeakers for front fill, plus BSS Soundweb BLU-120 and 160 processing with a Soundcraft Vi6 digital console. So far, the new setup has supported concerts by Crosby, Stills and Nash; Steely Dan; and productions of Disney On Ice.
Along with the challenges of properly covering the venue, The Shalleck Collaborative needed to ensure that rigging points in the ceiling and other work had a minimal impact on the building, which has been designated a historic landmark.
"The entire installation turned out very nicely and has received great reviews from city administrators, fans and artists themselves," said Ian Hunter, senior consultant for The Shalleck Collaborative. "We are happy that our relationship with the Civic Auditorium put us in a position to design and install a system that allows the venue to attract great performances and continue providing great service to San Jose."
For more information, please visit www.harman.com, www.shalleck.com and www.bbinet.com.
