Case Study
Mechanics Hall
Center Mono Cluster of ADAPTive Ensures Pristine Audio
Mechanics Hall, located in Worcester, Massachusetts, is a renowned concert hall built in 1857. It is celebrated for its stunning acoustics and historic architecture, making it one of the finest performance venues in the world. The hall has hosted countless concerts, recordings, and events, attracting artists like Yo-Yo Ma and being acoustically sampled for reverb plugins. In addition to its use as a concert venue, Mechanics Hall serves as a multi-functional event space, blending its rich heritage with modern-day functionality.
SUMMARY & CHALLENGE
The existing PA system, installed in 1991, was outdated, lacking power, coverage flexibility, and clear midrange output. Mechanics Hall required a modern solution to enhance its versatile performance and event needs.
Mechanics Hall posed several unique design challenges. The hall’s extended balconies required targeted coverage to avoid sound spilling onto the stage. Additionally, the stage’s depth could be extended, meaning the PA system needed to adjust coverage accordingly to prevent feedback during larger performances. These challenges called for a PA system that could adapt to the hall’s ever-changing event configurations.
SOLUTION
Revelation, MA-based AV Event Production and Installation company, partnered with EAW to deliver a custom solution using its ADAPTive speakers, Anna and Otto. EAW’s Resolution software allowed for precise modeling of the hall’s acoustics, ensuring seamless coverage across the floor and balconies. The vertical coverage adaptability of the Anna speakers addressed the stage extension issue, while horizontal coverage adjustments ensured optimal sound for every seat. The final design featured a 270° Anna array and Otto subwoofers, providing balanced audio performance and low-end extension down to 30Hz. Four MKD526 speakers powered by EAW’s UXA4403 amplifier were used as front fills. The installation also included a redundant Dante network for future-proofing, and presets were created to adapt to different stage configurations, ensuring pristine audio for years to come.
