Providence Center Booms Big Shows to Back Rows
Historic Preservation and High Technology
Ghosts of early movies haunt the halls of the Providence Performing Arts
Center. The original facility was built as a Loew’s movie palace
in the 1920’s. In the grand style of the era, ornate wall coverings
and bronze gilt set the stage for a spectacular proscenium arch. As the
decades rolled by, the theater saw many transformations and was almost
lost to demolition. In 1982, a nonprofit organization purchased and renovated
the building, and the Providence Performing Arts Center was born. The
3,200-seat theater is the second-largest in New England and is listed
in the National Register of Historic Places. Fortunately, this elegant
building has retained its earlier style and grace while undergoing a multi-million-dollar
expansion this year.
Inside the architectural trappings of yesterday, you’ll
find a state-of-the-art stagehouse equipped with 69 linesets, in-house
followspots and an enviable house sound system. Designed and delivered
by Sound Associates of New York, the new front-of-house system features
self-powered loudspeakers and the innovative Remote Monitoring System
(RMS™) developed by Meyer Sound Laboratories, Inc. And inside
the RMS, you’ll find a LonWorks based networking system. Instead
of the old “talkies” echoing off the ancient walls,
you’ll hear the crystal-clear sounds of Broadway-present,
in the form of such masterpieces as Les Miserables, Phantom of the
Opera, and Cats.
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Speakers, Speakers Everywhere
Strategically placed and connected speakers form the building blocks of
this amazing system. Three tiers of loudspeakers make a center cluster.
On the top tier, three MSL-4 loudspeakers cover the balcony. In the middle
tier, two CQTM-2 loudspeakers cover the mezzanine. On the lowest tier,
a single CQTM-1 loudspeaker serves as a downfill, covering the orchestra.
Each of two side stacks consists of five tiers: a CQ-2 covering a corner
of the mezzanine, a CQ-1 covering a side of the balcony, a CQ-1 covering
a side of the orchestra, a pair of CQ-2s arranged side by side, and a
650-P Self-Powered Subwoofer. So how do you keep track of all that sound?
Meyer’s Remote Monitoring System (RMS) connects all these speakers
with an IBM-compatible computer. The computer is fitted with an RMS Network
Communications Board and is connected to Self-Powered Series loudspeakers
using twisted-pair cable runs, over which it communicates with network
boards installed in the loudspeaker cabinets. On each network board, microprocessors
monitor a host of system parameters and report their status to the computer.
RMS software delivers extensive status and system performance data directly
to the operator from every installed speaker. An operator checks computer
monitor displays for information on amplifier voltages, limiting activity,
power output, temperature, fan, and driver status, warning alerts, and
other key data at a display update rate of 2-5 times per second. Each
speaker can be displayed on the monitor in a variety of configurations
(icons, panels, text). Sound operators can investigate unusual behavior
in detail and make adjustments as necessary. Optional speaker Mute and
Solo commands are available.
The Inside Story
The Remote Monitoring System uses the LonWorks networking platform developed
by Echelon Corporation. The RMS Computer Network Board includes an Echelon
PCLTA adapter and FTT-10 Free Topology Transceiver. Echelon DDE server
Software and LonMaker™ software allow users to install software
on the RMS network database and monitor activity.
This network has numerous advantages. The RMS network is a realtime data
acquisition system (no data is lost). Each speaker samples and holds all
data until it is transmitted. This platform is not affected by loss of
power at a speaker node, does not require coaxial or fiber optic lines,
is polarity insensitive, and supports Free Topology wiring. This means
that a system can be physically wired in a ring, loop, bus/drop, star,
or whatever configuration saves money or bests fits the situation. The
Free Topology wiring simplifies the audio professional’s job. In
a fixed installation like Providence, the ability to accommodate mixed
network topologies allows contractors maximum flexibility in wire-routing.
This feature proves even more beneficial for touring road crews working
under tight deadlines.
Tracking Down the Phantom
State-of-the-art sound systems are moving toward astounding levels of
complexity. Full-range units are integrated with mid-bass and subwoofer
systems. Down-fill, front-fill, and delayed-fill units are used for augmentation.
Each of these systems can branch into a complex subsystem. Trying to find
a loose connector or a blown AC breaker, especially in the middle of a
sell-out performance, would be impossible without a state-of-the-art monitoring
system.
The Meyer Sound Remote Monitoring System using Echelon’s LonWorks
technology gives sound operators the ability to instantly pinpoint these
types of malfunctions and keep systems running at peak performance.
The Remote Monitoring System also allows easy changes of speaker configuration
so that all or just a few of the speakers can be used.
At the Providence Performing Arts Center this season, they’ll
be setting up for such diverse performances as “Annie” and
the “Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble,” “Schoolhouse Rock
Live!” and “The Phantom of the Opera.” You can bet the
sound will be magnificent.
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