AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS—Jun 25, 2007
JBL Professional and Crown Power New Live Performance/Cinema Concept for Marcus Theaters in Wisconsin
In an example of how audio playback, performance and networking technologies from the Harman Pro Group can be engineered to support the business model of almost any enterprise, Marcus Theaters has just completed the installation of a unique concept cinema/performance venue in Brookfield, Wisconsin that features complete loudspeaker, microphone, amplification, audio processing and networking technologies from Harman Pro Group’s family of category-leading brands.
The entire system was designed by Mark F. Collins, Projection Manager and Chief Engineer, Marcus Theaters, incorporating Harman Pro Group JBL speakers, Crown power with Digital B-Chain™ technology, a Soundcraft console and AKG microphones. In conceiving the design, Collins noted that he immediately had only one choice for the hardware and software.
“The Harman Pro Group was an easy choice,” said Collins, “because the equipment is remarkably versatile and provided an easy way to multipurpose the facility. Even though it’s powerful and complex, it’s easy to operate at various skill levels and offers the flexibility of a thoroughly integrated system necessary in a multi-use facility. It’s unique to the industry.”
That Harman Pro Group versatility was necessary to accommodate the design Collins created for this unique facility, which combines the highest quality movie-going experience with the adaptability for hosting live performances of bands and combos or live comedy. The auditorium has stadium-style tiers, but instead of fixed seats, it offers counter tops and tables with movable chairs, more like a club. This accommodates meals and drink service. The venue has a curtain, which covers the screen when movies aren’t shown in order to provide a backdrop for live performance. All of this, of course, places a demand on a system that must be adaptable, well integrated and powerful enough to perform no matter what.
The system allows switching between the JBL screen systems and live performance loudspeakers. For cinema sound, JBL 3632 ScreenArray loudspeakers supported by JBL 4000 Series subwoofers are used. The 3632 cabinets are biamped and are powered by Crown CTs2000. The four 4000 Series subwoofers are powered by two Crown CTs3000 amplifiers.
For the live system, JBL VRX portable line array systems are used. They are flown left and right of the stage/screen with four VRX932LA’s in each array with two flying VRX915S subs. The subs are powered by a Crown CTs3000, one cabinet per channel, and the VRX932’s by Crown CTs2000. Stage monitoring is handled by VERTEC™ VRX 915M monitors powered by Crown CTs2000. Also for live stage performances, a 24 channel Soundcraft GB2 console can be moved from the projection booth to a Front-of-House position if required.
This powerful and versatile system is tied together with Crown’s Digital B-Chain (DBC®) technology on a CobraNet backbone. DBC provides system control, monitoring and digital audio transport and, through its network bridge, accepts standard analog, AES digital audio and CobraNet digital channels from cinema processors.
Commenting on the application, Michael MacDonald, Executive Vice President of Marketing, Harman Pro Group noted, “The system that Mark Collins and his team have engineered underscores not simply the category-leading performance of our loudspeakers, amplifiers, microphones and processing technologies but also the versatility and networkability of these components and the overall ability to couple performance with integration and control. It’s very exciting to see an enterprise deploy a new idea such as the cinema/performance concept that Marcus is deploying and we are very happy to support their ideas.”
