An SLS Loudspeakers sound system was used at the recent Celebration Three: Star Wars convention at the RCA Dome Indianapolis Convention Center (Indianapolis). The speakers, installed by Forte Pro Audio Inc., were used in four different rooms ranging in size. The convention, which was held over three days, averaged between 20,000 to 40,000 ticket-holders daily.
“We originally bid for just one of the four main stages,” says Chuck Oliver, executive director and chief engineer of Forte Pro Audio. “When we were called back and told we were given all four stages, we immediately knew the SLS speakers were the main selling factor. We went into this strictly as an SLS provider and knew we had to make a great impression. This is such a huge event and would not use anything other than SLS for this show.”
On the Jedi Training stage, an area for children, Oliver placed two SLS 112RTs on stands. Another room, with a capacity of more than 2,500, was home to Star Wars the Musical, a 30-minute comedic play based on the entire Star Wars script, and used a 16 SLS RLA/2 speaker system. The main ballroom, which seats 3,500, used 32 line array boxes. Another 16-box system was used for the opening and closing ceremonies in the 5,000-seat room.
The 1,500-seat movie viewing room played an eight-minute preview of the newest film with a mock surround sound system. Due to fire safety codes, speakers were not allowed in the back of the room, so Oliver used the LS8695 line array column speakers along with an RLA/2 monitoring system.
“One of the challenges we faced was hiding the speakers,” says Oliver. “We needed to position them in some difficult spaces. We used SLS’ Line Array Simulation Software (LASS) program by punching in the location of the stage, where the speakers needed to be placed, the height of the room and it mapped out all of the angles perfectly. Fulfilling the unique needs of the client was interesting. It was a big challenge, but SLS gave us all the support we needed and more.”
Show producers also wanted clear audible sound from front to back without letting the low-end music make it past the half-way point of the room, which posed another challenge for Oliver. He was able to use the LASS program to coordinate how he should arrange the speakers so the low end would fade out.
“We were very excited to be part of this event,” comments Rod Falconer, national sales manager for SLS Loudspeakers. “It was a very challenging job and we gave all the technical support and assistance that was needed. The producers had special requirements, but we knew our systems would be the perfect fit.”
For more information, please visit www.slsloudspeakers.com and www.forteproaudio.com.
