Chapel Hill, NC (March 23, 2016)––University of North Carolina’s Memorial Hall may have been built in 1885, but it has a brand-new audio system in the form of a Martin Audio MLA Mini recently installed by RMB Audio.
The venue was most recently renovated between 2002 and 2005, and since RMB has handled audio for the facility since that time, first suggesting MLA technology for the hall in 2014. For larger, more robust shows such as Buddy Guy, an MLA Compact system with DSX subs on the stage wings has been used to provide absolutely consistent coverage front to back and side to side with the understanding that audience sightlines are necessarily somewhat impacted.
For smaller, more intimate shows with lower SPL requirements, RMB Audio owner Cooper Cannady recently recommended a Martin Audio MLA Mini solution with two flown hangs consisting of 3 MSX power module subs and 12 Mini cabinets per side that doesn’t impact sightlines.
Cooper explains, “We needed the same coverage, control and noise cancellation that we got from the MLA Compact system without the subs on the proscenium walls that cost us about 40 seats in terms of impacted sightlines. The coverage has to be perfect for everyone in the room, because it involves high-profile artists in a critical and intimate setting with only 1,434 seats.
“With the MLA Mini, we have the MSX subs up in the air that work incredibly well and we also use four Martin Audio DD6s for lip fills which sound great. We basically have a PA flying upstage with the performers, which is a challenge because of the possible noise issues. Only MLA technology could make it all work.”
RMB Audio’s Roger Dennis adds, “I was extremely pleased with mixing on the MLA Mini system. It didn’t feel any different than MLA Compact with the same high level of responsiveness to nuanced level and EQ changes.”
Discussing the overall impact of MLA Mini in the hall, Cooper concludes: “We’ve already used the system successfully with distinguished artists such as the jazz pianist Fred Hersch and guitarist Julian Lage, Jason Moran, the Count Basie Orchestra and New York Voices, and vocalist Diane Schuur. Ultimately, Memorial Hall management has requested that the MLA Mini be provided for all applicable future events and shows.”
Martin Audio
www.martin-audio.com
