Audio/video rental company PA Plus recently upgraded the sound reinforcement system at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto, Canada, with a JBL VerTec line array. The Sony Centre seats 3,200 and showcases performances by some of the world’s foremost artists across a broad spectrum of genres. Recent concerts have included the Beastie Boys, Damien Rice, Tori Amos and Queens of the Stone Age.
Originally designed to stage opera and ballet performances, the Sony Centre turned to PA Plus to bring added flexibility to its sound reinforcement system. Management desired to support rock, pop and jazz artists, as well as the classical productions that continue to play at the Centre. “The venue wanted to implement a system with more impact that would meet the demands of higher-energy performances,” says Mark Radu, systems engineer at PA Plus. “We proposed a permanent line array system, and out of the various products available the venue chose a JBL VerTec rig.”
PA Plus designed and installed a VerTec line array system featuring 12 VT4888DP-CN powered mid-sized line arrays on each side of the stage, accompanied by four VT4882DP-CN powered mid-sized arrayable subwoofers per side, for a total of 32 VerTec enclosures. The VerTec DP Series includes JBL DrivePack technology, featuring Crown’s exclusive BCA (Balanced Current Amplification) and Class I circuitry. The system is remotely controlled and monitored via Harman’s HiQnet System Architect software.
“The internally powered characteristic of the VerTec system was a huge selling point for us,” says Ross Tuskey of the Sony Centre. “It allows us control of each individual box so we can finesse the system to the specific needs of each performance. Additionally, since purchasing the system, we have found VerTec to be rider-friendly and widely recognized as a top-quality loudspeaker, so it’s an easy sell for us. Half the acts that come here with a full P.A. in their truck choose to leave it in the truck.”
For more information on the line array, visit www.jblpro.com. For more information on PA Plus, visit www.pa-plus.com. For more information on the venue, visit www.sonycentre.ca.
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