The Robert and Marie Hansen Family Fine Arts Theatre in Divine Savior Holy Angels High School was built in 2002 and is the primary location for all school masses and assemblies. In addition, the theatre hosts four annual theatrical productions including the fall musical, winter play, spring Advanced Acting Class production, and summer Community Theatre Works musical. DSHA needed an audio system that could be easily run by non-technical staff and faculty for masses, assemblies, and other events requiring minimal production elements, while also supporting their four highly technical theatrical productions. Considering both applications, Clearwing Systems Integration chose QSC Q-Sys to be the backbone of the system.
Customized for this installation, the Q-Sys platform combines a robust feature set with an easy-to-use touchscreen interface. The installed system allows any staff or faculty member to navigate the touch screen prompts and run an event with a nominal number of microphones without needing an operator at the console.
As the theatrical productions typically require considerably more microphones, sound effects, music playback, and instrumental reinforcement, Clearwing chose the Allen & Heath SQ7 mixing console. The SQ7 has the same power and features as other industry-leading consoles while also maintaining an interface that is easy to navigate. Staff and students alike can navigate the board and utilize professional mixing techniques with minimal hassle due to the user-friendly nature of the console.
For sound reinforcement, Clearwing chose the L-Acoustics ARCS WIFO series of speakers. After modeling the room in Soundvision, two arrays were installed consisting of (3) WIFO enclosures and (1) SB18m subwoofer per side in a left/right configuration. The new speakers provide even, full range coverage of the audience seating area while minimizing reflections from the other room surfaces.
To round out the system, Clearwing installed Shure QLX-D wireless microphones with Countryman B3 elements along with a stage monitor package of QSC E110 speakers.
By giving careful attention to the behind-the-scenes details, end-user requirements, and specs of the space, DSHA’s new sound system is fully integrated and capable of achieving the school’s desired results.