Case Study

Great Park Live

Unmatched Clarity for Audiences, Uninterrupted Peace for Neighbors

Great Park Live is a live entertainment venue in Irvine, California that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for guests of all ages. For this installation, Great Park Live collaborated with Pacific Coast Entertainment, a live event production company and AV equipment provider in Southern California.

Anya

Anna

Otto

CHALLENGE

Nestled within residential neighborhoods, Great Park Live faced concerns from nearby residents and city officials due to higher than allowed noise levels. Because of its unique location and proximity to residential areas, the venue needed an audio system with precise control – delivering a high-quality experience for audiences while limiting sound bleed into surrounding neighborhoods.

In 2024, Great Park Live resolved this issue by installing an EAW ADAPTive sound system. Originally launched with 24 Anya boxes and 24 Otto subwoofers, the initial installation successfully addressed the venue’s unique acoustic challenges, particularly minimizing sound bleed into surrounding neighborhoods. However, with the addition of approximately 1,500 new seats across both sides of the venue, the system required further expansion.

“The difference was immediate. Adding those Anna boxes underneath completely transformed the center section. It was a space we didn’t realize needed reinforcement until we heard the results. Now the system sounds balanced from left to right and front to back.”

“The rig performed wonderfully. Artists’ front of house engineers are consistently impressed with the headroom and even coverage. We often have to remind them that they don’t need to keep pushing the levels—the sound carries evenly all the way to the back.”

SOLUTION

To accommodate the newly extended seating sections, Great Park Live upgraded its ADAPTive system to now feature two columns of 16 Anya modules, providing 140 degrees of horizontal coverage per side that supports coverage of the more than 220-foot-wide seating area. Additionally, two Anna modules were added beneath each main hang to strengthen the center fill, while three more per side serve as delays behind front of house. The 24 Otto subwoofers remain in place, finely retuned on site by EAW engineers.

Since upgrading their EAW ADAPTive system, Great Park Live has successfully hosted a variety of shows, all benefiting from the expanded system. EAW’s personable support combined with the adaptability of EAW’s ADAPTive technology ensures the venue is ready for a wide variety of performances, including orchestras, symphonies, touring acts, and high energy concerts. As Great Park Live advances toward its goal of becoming a permanent amphitheater by 2027, Pacific Coast Entertainment and EAW continue to provide innovative audio solutions that enhance the experience for both performers and audiences.