The multi-purpose space in the CL & LC (Simmons-Colwell Hall) has two separate sound systems for optimum performance. One is used as a Public Address (PA) system while the other is a Stage System used exclusively for stage performances.
Because of the physical characteristics of the space (i.e.-hard
rectangular surfaces and high ceiling), most gymnasium type spaces have a serious
reverberation problem and this makes intelligibility a challenge. For this reason, we decided to use two
Soundsphere speakers, hanging from the ceiling in the center of the room for the Public
Address (PA) system. The Soundsphere is a hemispherical, omni-directional, fiberglass
speaker enclosure designed to evenly disperse clear, intelligible voice announcements over
a broad area without dead spots. It is designed for use in difficult acoustical
environments (gymnasiums, ice arenas, swimming pools, and other large public areas).
This speaker system is augmented with a
computer-controlled digital equalizer with automated
feedback reduction circuitry to further assist in overcoming our less than ideal acoustic situation.
The Soundsphere speaker system is not the best speaker arrangement for musical type
productions
originating from the stage because the sound would not be coming from the
direction of the performers. For the Stage
System, a cluster consisting of two high quality JBL speaker/enclosures hanging from the ceiling, centered a few
feet in front of the stage, and angled downward are used. Of course, we still
have to deal with the less than ideal acoustic characteristics of the Simmons-Colwell
Hall, so another computer-controlled digital
equalizer with automated feedback reduction circuitry
is used in the Stage System.
A mobile cart
is used
with the Stage System to allow positioning of the sound system operator directly in 
front
of the stage area during performances. The mobile cart houses a 16 channel
Mackie mixer and a TASCAM CD/Tape player-recorder.
The mixer is connected to the equalizers and speaker
amplifiers located in the storage room adjacent to the stage via single multi-pair cable
(called a "snake"). When not in use, the mobile cart is
stored in
the sound/storage room. The sound system operator can control the level of every microphone,
adjust equalization, control both main and monitor speaker amplifier levels and control
"canned" music via the CD/Tape player.
Floor mounted "pocket
boxes" are located in the stage floor for plugging-in microphones and monitor
speakers. Four high quality microphones with stands and a wireless UHF microphone
system with handheld and lavalier transmitter packs are available for use with either
the PA or Stage systems. The wireless system also includes a headset
microphone that provides high-quality voice pickup for active microphone
users, such as aerobics instructors. In addition, three hanging microphones are permanently installed above the stage and two
12" portable floor monitor speakers are provided for the Stage system.
The PA System can be
activated and controlled without having access to the sound/storage room (where the signal
processing and speaker amplifiers are located) via a wall mounted control
panel to the right of the stage. A wall mounted "pocket box"
is also located on the Simmons-Colwell Hall back wall (adjacent to the
rear doors) for plugging-in microphones.
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EQUIPMENT CABINET – FRONT VIEW |
The power amplifiers, compressors, digital equalizer/feedback eliminators, patch panel, wireless receiver and miscellaneous components are mounted in a wall mounted equipment cabinet located in the sound/storage room. The cabinet door is normally locked to prevent access by unauthorized people. The cabinet swings out to gain access to the rear. Microphones (in pouches) along with cables are normally stored in a black horizontal file cabinet located beneath the wall mounted equipment cabinet. Microphone stands and monitor speakers are also located in the sound/storage room. The design of both sound systems includes extensive "patching" capabilities which allows any microphone receptacle to be connected to either the PA or Stage systems.