ISU’s new sound upgrades will blow your socks off
Published at | Updated at
POCATELLO – Imagine being used to the quality of a monochromatic television and then jumping forward to the technology of a 4K screening experience. That’s how some are describing Idaho State University’s sound system transition for its concert hall.
“The sound system is extremely unique in how it operates,” production manager Bill Stanton said.
In August, Idaho State University’s Joseph C. and Cheryl H. Jensen Grand Concert Hall received a multi-cellular loudspeaker array, or MLA. The system came from Martin Audio in London, England, and was installed by Performance Audio out of Salt Lake City.
“They’re one of the most cutting edge sound designers there is around,” Stanton said.
Stanton said the system before was adequate for the state-of-the-art room but there were some issues with clarity. It was becoming difficult to meet the requirement of touring acts.
He said with the large technological advance over the last decade, the old system was becoming outdated. With the MLA the quality of the sound is much cleaner, Stanton said.
“The design that went into the loudspeaker array, there’s a lot of software tools and processing behind them that give you the ability to steer sound in certain directions and avoid hard reflective walls,” technical coordinator Ron Hart said.
Stanton said the system was designed taking into account the audience perspective first and then moving backward to the stage. Each member in the audience is able to hear the same quality of sound sitting anywhere in the hall.
“What it does is allow really precise control over the sound, and the ability to make sure the sound is completely the same for every audience member,” Stanton said. “With the quality of the sound system you can actually run the sound louder, but it’s less taxing on the ears.”
The old system lasted about 11 years, but with the upgrades the new one could last closer to 15 years.
Along with the new sounds the concert hall received major lighting upgrades. The stage is equipped with 64 lights that could only be controlled in groups of four. Now there are 64 controls for each light. Dramatic lighting changes can happen on stage with ease.
“The new lighting system are LED’s and we have one-to-one control of those. Along with that we have individual color control over each individual light,” Stanton said.
Stanton said they’ve made several upgrades to the hall within the last year, but the lighting and sound upgrades were the most significant. The total cost reached some $500,000. Donations from the Bistline Foundation, and internal funds provided the means for the changes. The sound system itself cost $200,000, $37,500 coming from private funding.
The production staff is excited to have these improvements. They’ve said audience members can look forward to an enhanced sound experience.
“The new sound system really matches the hall,” Stanton said.