Massey University’s heritage listed Sir Geoffrey Peren Building, recently underwent a three year $17 million renovation which has brought back to life many of the building’s original features and provided seismic strengthening. The NZ Institute of Architects Heritage Award winning multipurpose venue features the Central Auditorium, a key space which has been restored to its original elegant form and now a grand function room filled with natural light and is an ideal space for events.

The University specified an audio system that would predominantly be used for speech, with occasional musical performance. The system not only had to be versatile but easy to use, meet the aesthetic requirements in keeping with the elegant building status and of come within budget.

ML Consultants were appointed to supply and install a world class sound system and worked with JPRO’s audio team to design a system that would cover all of the customer requirements.

A Soundweb BSS BLU-100 audio processor with BSS Contrio Ethernet EC-8BV wall controller was installed to control the conference events, with the wall controller also controlling the functioning of the projector. The system processor was programmed and commissioned by ProVision Technologies.

Two JBL CBT-70J column array speakers and CBT70-JE extension speakers were installed for FOH with JBL Control25AV speakers installed for delays and balcony speakers. As JBL CBT column arrays are designed to perform without additional audio signal processing, Crown XTi series amplifiers power the loudspeakers.

JPRO’s audio designer comments “The ease model showed less than 3dB variation of volume throughout the venue for speech. This model was backed up once installed as the sound throughout the venue is extremely consistent at every listening position. It is what I like to call a good day at the office!”

For musical performances, two JBL PRX715XLF powered subwoofers were installed for when extra Low Frequencies are required.

A Soundcraft Si Impact digital mixing console was selected for its simplicity. The Si Impact offers the unique FaderGlow system for an easy-to-follow workflow. “The Soundcraft digital consoles are the easiest to use digital consoles on the market,” says JPRO. “This is perfect for a venue where the console could be used by multiple users with varying levels of ability”.

To make set up easy for the venue technician a BSSBLU-SI card was installed into the console. This provides flexibility for when a production is performed in the venue and the Si-Impact is in use, the system can be switched over to the local inputs at the console. Further expandability is achieved with a Madi Controlled MSB-16 Channel Digital Stagebox, mounted in the Auditorium next to the stage area and run via CAT5.

“We are incredibly pleased with the audio system that has been expertly installed in the Sir Geoffrey Peren Building,” says a spokesperson for Massey University. “The audio fidelity is quite impressive – we are able to hear all around the room and balcony without the sound being too loud.”

This release contains some significant new features together with additional bug fixes and improvements. These are summarized below, but for full details please see the Vi V6.4.3 Software User Guide, available here.

In order to ensure maximum stability and usability, Soundcraft recommend that this software is installed on all Vix00 and x000 consoles

New Features:

• Tie Lines now have a new ‘Isolate ALL’ control to allow their patch and label settings to remain unchanged when loading different Shows, in conjunction with the existing ‘Load ISO with Show’ control.
• VCA Master Isolation: VCA Masters now have the ability to individually Isolate the VCA label, Fader/mute and Aux VCA master parameters, allowing more granular control over the recall of these items globally in snapshots using the fader-panel ISO button on the VCA Master strips. New touchscreen controls act as pre-selects for the function of the fader-panel ISO buttons, with a text indicator in the VCA label showing whether ‘partial’ or ‘full’ isolation is active for each VCA master.
• VCA Scope: As with the isolation controls, the VCA Channel Scope and Apply Changes systems also now have the ability to deal with the VCA label, Fader/mute and Aux VCA elements of the VCA Masters separately in terms of selection for recall on individual snapshots. A key benefit this gives is the ability to update VCA labels and Aux VCA fader positions in multiple snapshots, which was not possible in earlier software.

Bug Fixes / Improvements:

• SHURE® ULXD4™ Receivers with REV2 hardware and ULXD4 and QLXD4™ receivers with new frequency bands (DCIDs) are now supported for Wireless Mic Monitoring (VM2). This fixes the issue where these receivers do not show up in the console’s device list even though they are on the network and detected by SHURE Wireless Workbench™.
• Loading a show from a larger Vi surface on Vi1000 could result in GEQs being stuck in ‘large’ mode with insufficient faders to control all the bands. ‘Small’ GEQ mode is now automatically selected for all Shows loaded on Vi1000.
• In Aux VCA mode, VCA master ISO failed to protect channel Aux send On/Off from changing when snapshots are recalled.

Vi1/2/4/6 Consoles Note

Note that Vi1, 2, 4 and 6 consoles use software version 4.9.x, therefore the V6.4.3 software update cannot be installed on these consoles. No updates to the V4.9 software that runs on these consoles are being planned at this time. The current version is V4.9.2.306b.

Offline Editor

An updated version of the Virtual Vi Offline Editor is also available incorporating the above features and bug fixes, allowing pre-programming of Show files.

Show Compatibility

There are no Show compatibility issues with this release, but please see the Software Features User Guide for notes on two points to be aware of.

ViSi Remote iPad App

There is no change to the ViSi Remote app with this release.

Where to get the software update

Downloads are now available on the Soundcraft website: www.soundcraft.com.

• From the Vi1000, 2000, 3000, 5000, 7000 and Vi400/600 CPU Upgrade product pages. Scroll down the page to the ‘Downloads’ area and look under ‘Software’.
• From the ‘Software’ page in the Support menu, scroll directly to the 6.4.3 update file links.

Update Instructions

Please download and read the Update Instructions here.

Powered by JBL and Soundcraft, learn the difference between an XLR and RCA and get some practical insights into the basics of good sound.

Suitable for musicians, regular ‘sound guys’ and sound engineers from beginner to intermediate, Audio Fundamentals will be held in a casual environment and focus on the essentials of good audio, including the basics of sound mixing, providing tips and tricks to get great sound through a PA system.

The workshop will be presented by Tim Robertson from JPRO. Tim worked as an audio engineer with well-known bands in New Zealand for more than 20 years before representing JPRO with Soundcraft, JBL and AKG. He is well-versed in educating, training and lecturing people of all skill sets in understanding audio.

Please use the button below to register your interest for a workshop near you.

Please use the button below to register your interest for a workshop near you.

Suitable for musicians, regular ‘sound guys’ and sound engineers from beginner to intermediate, Mixing with Professionals will be held in a casual environment and focus on the basics of sound mixing, providing tips and tricks to get a great sound mix.

The workshop will be presented by Tim Robertson from JPRO. Tim worked as an audio engineer with well-known bands in New Zealand for more than 20 years before representing JPRO with Soundcraft, JBL and AKG. He is well-versed in educating, training and lecturing people of all skill-sets in understanding audio.

Please use this link to register your interest for a Soundcraft Mixing with Professionals workshop near you.

Local Music Instrument Store Music Mania in Pukekohe hosted a successful round of the popular Soundcraft ‘Mixing with Professionals’ which was presented by JPRO, the authorised distributor for Soundcraft in New Zealand.

Suitable for musicians and beginner to intermediate sound engineers, Mixing with Professionals is held in a casual environment and focuses on the basics of sound mixing, providing tips and tricks to get a great sound mix.

The workshops are presented by Tim Robertson from JPRO. Tim worked as an audio engineer with well-known bands in New Zealand for more than 20 years before representing JPRO with Soundcraft, JBL and AKG. He is well-versed in educating, training and lecturing people of all skill-sets in understanding audio.

Enquiries for future Mixing with Professionals workshops can be made here.

This means that the need for clear, easily heard sound in conference (video) calling is vitally important. Poor audio can ruin your meeting experience. Lets face it – how many times have you struggled to make out what a person is saying during a video or audio call that just ruins the meeting experience?

We take a look at what essential WFH AV communication tools there are (that do not break the bank) that will help you to be heard clearly and seen no matter where it is you’re remotely connecting from.

Enhance Your Focus Time with AKG K361 and K371 Headphones

The new AKG K300 range of headphones offer two variants – the K361/K371 wired headphones and K361BT/K371BT Bluetooth version. K361-BT and K371-BT are the first AKG Professional headphones to combine pro-grade performance, Bluetooth functionality and comfort in a closed-back, over-the-ear, folding design that are perfectly suited for work and play.

The earpads across the range are designed for extended listening sessions, providing supreme comfort over the ear. They help isolate from some external distractions, allowing personal space to focus for home office and learning. The K371 headphones provide additional audiophile listening enjoyment with reference quality 50mm titanium drivers.

The Bluetooth headphones can be used wireless or wired. They have a built-in microphone for video or mobile calling, pairing easily with any device. K361-BT and K371-BT have gesture control, 40-hour battery life and you can fold them up for portability and storage. As with all AKG headphone and microphone technologies, they sound fantastic.

Be Heard Clearly with AKG USB Microphones

When working remotely, being heard clearly is the name of the game. Clear sound starts at the source – a standalone microphone, when used correctly, will almost always sound dramatically better than the one that’s built into your laptop or phone.

AKG USB Microphones are useful plug and play audio interfaces that greatly enhance your voice through a computer or mobile device and simply connect via USB.

With two models to choose from, AKG Ara and Lyra have eye-catching appeal based on iconic models that look stylish no matter the application.

The newly launched Ara is competitively priced with dual-pick up patterns that allow podcasters, communicators, vloggers, gamers and musicians to capture pro-quality, high-resolution sound right from their desktop.

If you’re on Teams, Zoom or other web conferencing platforms, both models give you quick access to a mute button and headphone volume, without fumbling for a mouse.

Inspired by classic studio microphones like the legendary AKG C414, AKG USB microphones have a sleek, retro look with future-oriented application, allowing users to look like a professional and sound like one too.

Get the Message Clearly with the JBL 104BT Desktop Speaker Set

Providing clarity and richness far above that of a laptop or computer that allows you to follow the conversation, JBL’s 104BT Series powered desktop speaker set is now available in a stylish matte white or matte black finish. In addition to Bluetooth, these speakers offer a variety of inputs via the front-panel source select for Bluetooth, RCA, TRS, 3.5mm or All with Volume Control. The 104BT can be used in conjunction with the AKG Lyra USB microphone for Audio & Video Conferencing calls. Should you need to have discrete audio, a headphone can be connected via the front panel.

JBL104BT are studio reference quality and can be used for office, content creation and critical audio listening as well as anyone looking for accurate, yet compact speakers on their desktop.

Be Seen and Heard with AMX Acendo Vibe Video Conference Solutions

The AMX Acendo Vibe is perfect for executives, small meeting rooms and home offices. If you are conducting business meetings by video conferencing and want an excellent sound and picture experience for you and your customer, without the need for headphones or external speakers, then the AMX Acendo Vibe all-in-one sound bar is an elegant solution. It can easily be used in small meeting spaces and huddle rooms or taken home for remote working*

The first total conferencing sound bar solution designed for the demands of the modern workspace, with tuned-for-voice JBL speakers and microphones delivering experienced audio with built-in signal processing and Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC). A wide-angle camera catches every movement in the space and professional features like CEC display control, USB and convenient Bluetooth connectivity ensure an optimised experience. A stylish external desktop remote provides easy source selection, volume and mute control. Installation is made easy with an integrated mounting bracket.

*Perfect for meeting room sizes of 3m x 3m or smaller.

Soundcraft Notepad USB Desktop Audio Mixer Interface

Soundcraft Notepad is the reimagined version of the legendary Soundcraft Spirit Folio Notepad Mixers released in the 1990s, updated with a modern look and USB connectivity that make them equally at home on your desktop or on-the-go.

Reimagined with today’s online streamers in mind, the Notepad mixers are perfect if you’re looking for a little more tech on your desktop. They have additional input connections for microphones and external audio devices while the USB audio interface allows you to easily connect to your computer, where you can record, edit and play projects using your favourite audio software.

Headphones and external speakers such as the JBL104BT can be connected for the optimum desktop audio experience. The latest driver updates include amongst others a pro-broadcast audio ducking feature.

Soundcraft Notepad mixers are available in 3 variants – Notepad5, Notepad 8FX and Notepad 12FX

Situated in the picturesque New Zealand town of Queenstown and near to its famous outdoor sporting and tourist locations, the newly built Wakatipu High School has breathtaking views of the Remarkables mountain range and Southern Alps.

Wakatipu High is one of several Kiwi schools that are embracing OECD Innovative Learning Environment principles, with flexible learning spaces and open plan learning environments, all of which encourage collaborative educational methods. The way teachers and learners engage with each other has changed significantly, which has led to changes in the way schools are designed. As a result, many new school building projects are designed with this method in mind, while older schools are being renovated to accomplish the same philosophy.

Built in a public-private partnership, the relocated state-of-the-art school was built to designing quality learning spaces (DQLS) guidelines, ensuring good lighting, acoustics and ventilation, and to meet a high standard of technology. Wakatipu has a strong focus on arts, indoor and outdoor sports and boasts facilities like a performing arts theatre, gymnasium, a café, aerobics room, dance and music recording studio.

The high technology requirement meant partnering with experts in audio and visual system integration. Leading AV integration company Strawberry Sound provided a HARMAN Professional school integration solution. JPRO NZ, one of New Zealand’s foremost specialists in Sound System design and supplier of HARMAN Professional audio equipment, was called upon because of their audio and product knowledge base, extensive support and ability to provide a unique approach to AV solutions.
The school’s intercom paging system and the sound systems for the gymnasium and auditorium run over fibre ties with Dante distribution between zones, providing a Layer 3 backbone. Audio processing is done with the open architecture platform BSS Soundweb Audio Architect. This design element creates a completely customisable platform for the end-client with an audio and paging system tailored specifically for their needs.

Future proofing was taken into consideration with the paging and PABX system that has been programmed to offer an all-page or individual-page zones. “Due to the open architecture platform, we can add customised panel settings via iPad for the paging system if required” adds Reuben Pearce of Strawberry. “The PABX has the ability to dial into the BSS BLU-103 if needed, and page school-wide through the headset.”

Audio processing and distribution is done primarily with BSS BLU-103 and BLU-100 signal processors and audio distributed throughout the school with JBL Control series and JBL CSS8006BM commercial series speakers.

“We encountered a challenge ensuring the Dante clocks synced over Layer 3,” comments JPRO NZ’s technical specialists when talking about the audio distribution via Dante. “This was ultimately achieved with the BSS BLU-DAN that adds Dante to the BSS network and has proven to be extremely solid and reliable.”

The music, dance and drama suites are purposeful, with three soundproof rooms available. A music recording studio and dance studio overlook the impressive cultural and performing arts auditorium that features a solid sound reinforcement system with JBL SRX812P powered 12” loudspeakers flown in a left-centre-right configuration. JBL SRX818SP subwoofers are flown using a customised rigging frame and take care of the lower bass frequencies.

“We are extremely satisfied with the way the SRX series is able to handle varying content, providing consistent and even distribution in the room,” adds Ryan Dougherty from Strawberry Sound. Audio is kept within the digital domain with a Soundcraft Si Impact Digital Mixer at FOH, MSB-16i Digital Stage Box with time-alignment and processing via BSS BLU-100.

With school’s embracing technology from an educational perspective, the importance of using good quality audio visual equipment and loudspeakers is critical. “Good quality speakers mean better coverage at a lower volume, often with less speakers due to the efficiency of its coverage in a professional audio design” says JPRO’s audio experts. “This in turn has a positive impact on teachers and pupils as they are not mentally fatigued due to poor sound and acoustics.”

Building project manager Blair Grier says that Wakatipu High has the best acoustic system he has installed in his 28 years in the industry.

When asked what some of his favourite features of the school were, principal Steve Hall says “The Arts Department with its new dance rehearsal rooms and a recording studio – and the Arts Theatre that can seat up to 600 people, which would be used ‘heaps’!”

Regarded as one of the most iconic albums in New Zealand history, Drive was released in August 1997. It achieved platinum status seven times and won the New Zealand Music Award for Album of the Year in 1998.

Audiences were treated to a special full band performance of the entire album along with carefully chosen hits and select gems from her numerous multi-platinum releases, with accompaniment by special guests.

The Auckland leg of the anniversary tour was held at The Civic Performance Art Theatre to a sold-out audience. Guests were in for an unforgettable experience from talented artists and state-of-the-art production equipment.

The main sound system supplied especially for the event was JBL Professional’s newest line array series – the VTX A12. Designed from the ground up, JBL VTX A12 is a dual 12″ three-way line array element that has been purpose built for mid-to-large size touring applications and high-end fixed installations – which was perfectly suited for The Civic.

“When we were given the opportunity to mix with the VTX A12, it was a no-brainer really,” says leading sound engineer Kevin Bennett, who mixed FOH for the show. “I have never received as many compliments from an audience as I did after this performance. Sonically the A12 is exceptionally smooth – on and off axis. Very little tweaking was necessary to get the system to work at its optimum in the venue.”

It is seldom that an artist comments on the sound quality of a show, yet Bic was gracious enough to offer a spontaneous remark.

“The audience response to this show was not something I was expecting,” comments Bic Runga. “I do think a combination of Kevin Bennett’s experienced mixing and the PA he got to use gave the show an extra clarity and presence that translated to a special experience for the listener. Most of our feedback after the show was not just about the music, but about the sound quality – it seemed to move them.”

Four VTX A12 loudspeakers per side were ground-stacked to cover the floor area, while six VTX A12’s were flown to cover the balcony. 2x JBL VTX G28 subwoofers per side were used for the bottom end.

JBL have completely redesigned the rigging system for the A12 which has made a notable difference when setting up the system.

“The system is amazingly quick to install,” says Kevin Bennett. “When I entered the venue to set up the console, the rigging was almost complete and the PA ready to sound check before I was!”

Kevin mixed the show using Soundcraft’s smaller format Vi2000 digital console – which was just the right size for the band accompanying Bic Runga.

“I have a soft spot for the BSS DPR901ii Dynamic EQ,” quips Bennett. “I am familiar with the earlier generation Vi consoles and the straightforward, analogue-like design that allows for instant responses makes mixing a pleasure, as does the exceptional audio quality and road-proven reliability. Vi2000 is now my go-to console for smaller gigs.”

JBL’s flagship VTX-M professional stage monitors with their excellent sound quality ensured low but clear stage volume so that the musicians never missed a beat.

“We are immensely proud that we were able provide high-quality sound equipment for an icon such as Bic Runga in a venue like The Civic” concludes Tim Robertson, Tour Sound manager for JBL Professional distributor JPRO. “There has been fantastic interest with the VTX A12 locally and our aim is to have it added to more technical riders in the New Zealand market.”

Nestled in Henderson Valley in Western Auckland, Whoa! Studios is a state-of-the-art film studio and theatre specialising in live action, puppetry and miniatures. Its flagship offering is an original, world class, live show based on the characters and sets of Custard’s World – adapted for stage from a script by Bob Baker, BAFTA award winning screenwriter of Wallace & Gromit.

Whoa’s owner David Sutherland wanted to create an exciting family destination in Auckland with unforgettable live experiences. He says “It started out as an idea to do something fun for children and for families, to do something that was different to what they had engaged with before. We wanted to try and do something that was magical.”

David’s vision has resulted in a world class facility with a children’s adventure playground, a modern family restaurant and hi-tech studio and theatre facilities. In order to realise this vision and create a truly immersive experience alongside the mix of puppets, digital effects and live action from within the main stage movie set, leading world class AV technologies were needed.

World Class meant that one of New Zealand’s top integration companies, ITAV was called upon to knit together this immersive experience that would create lasting memories. Their brief was clear: sound quality, flexibility and ease of use.

Consultant and ITAV Integrator Paul Ivory had no doubts when it came to selecting his team that would partner on this project. Paul declares “I called on the best of the best in all different aspects of this project.”

Leading AV equipment supplier and specialists in Sound System and Video Distribution design JPRO were selected because of their far-reaching support, emphasis on relationship, as well as audio and product knowledge base.

AMX specialist Quentin White designed the video and switching distribution system. Projector mapping was suggested in conjunction with specialist lighting to create themes for the shows. AMX touch panels control scene changes, projectors and video monitors. This resulted in a unique part of the delivery and a main component now written into all live shows.

JPRO Sales Director and Audio Designer Paul Edlin designed the fully integrated networked audio system for the theatre and restaurant. BSS Soundweb and Soundcraft Vi3000 are an integral part of the audio distribution and essentially, the heart of the theatre system.

The primary objective was to keep as much of the Audio Signal in the digital domain as possible. Audio was passed in and out of the Vi3000 via Dante, into the BSS BLU-806 signal processor before reaching the Crown DCi Amplifiers that powered the JBL CBT-70J Array speakers and eight Zones such as the Green Room and back of stage.

Audio outputs for the live film studio and theatre were configured in 7.1 and 5.1 respectively. This was not only for a surround sound effect, but for localised sources as puppets came in from different locations around the room.

For the theatre, the first choice of speakers for Paul Ivory was always going to be the JBL CBT 70’s. “They are great for speech and music” he says, “the array of the speakers is perfect for having clear sound for the front and back end of the room; there was nothing else that came close to that decision.”

The new AKG MicroLite HC81 headworn microphones were selected as they are comfortable and lightweight to wear for the actors while the AKG wireless microphone technology used has a track record of solid reliability.

Through clever configuration and use of the Soundcraft VISI App, from an operator’s point of view the Soundcraft Vi3000 mixing console provided the central control point for all performance areas.

Paul Edlin from JPRO explains the use of the VISI integration: “Vi3000 controls all the actors and playback audio within the main theatre and on the second layer it controls audio in the second theatre.” This resulted in a cost saving of an additional mixing surface. Paul continues, “So the main theatre can be running a show and the second theatre can simultaneously run another show with audio controlled via the VISI iPad App.”

The approach to the AV design for the restaurant and mezzanine areas is equally as ingenious, with exceptional sound quality produced by the unobtrusive JBL Pendant speakers.

“You can walk throughout the café, into the parent’s area, toilets, the shop into the entrance way and the sound is all even, it is not overbearing in any area” states ITAV’s Paul Ivory.

All AV technologies such as switching on projectors and lowering screens, operating lights and adjusting volume are controlled on a touch panel system via an automated process. Third party systems control is made simple and easy to execute with Audio Architect and AMX seamlessly integrating together.

Through effective communication, simplistic AV and sound system design and leading World Class products from Harman Professional, the teams from ITAV and JPRO were able to put together a solution that will provide simplistic user operation for staff, and unforgettable live experiences for families.

David Sutherland concludes “We wanted to exceed expectations. I didn’t think it would be as good as this result – and that makes it all worthwhile.”

Changes to the firmware include:

• Performance improvements to web server stability
• Performance improvements to WiFi frequency accuracy
• Performance improvements to clocking stability, including clocking during Cascade operations

v3.3.8293 is approved for use on all Ui24R hardware.

It is recommended that all Soundcraft Ui24R users update their hardware for maximum performance.

As of the 2019 v3.0 firmware update, the Soundcraft Ui24R has been enhanced with Cascading and many significant new features.

Features as of the v3.0 firmware update:

• Cascading: Double your inputs or double your mixes
• Cue Recall: save mix settings as Cues and then quickly and seamlessly recall them
• UDP Control Recall: for triggering lighting control snapshots
• Lexicon Reverb PreDelay: easily set the time before first surface reflections and simulate desired acoustic environments
• More than 25 new supported touch screens
• And more…

Software update instructions and download link can be found clicking on the button below.

Auckland, New Zealand. The Stardome Observatory and Planetarium in Auckland’s One Tree Hill Domain recently upgraded its Cinema and Live Performance System with a 5.1 surround multi-purpose high-performance JBL AE Series sound system.

The new system was specified and installed by AV Integration company Avid Automation after they were called upon by the Auckland Observatory and Stardome team to provide a state-of-the-art sound system for the planetarium theatre.

Stardome opened to the public in 1967 as an observatory, while New Zealand’s largest planetarium theatre was added in 1997. The 360-degree panoramic theatre allows for a complete immersive experience with a full-dome concave screen on which 360-degree films are projected with laser projectors, IMAX model angled seating and the brand new JBL Professional AE series surround sound system.

“A system of this nature is a significant investment,” says Darian Sundar, Director at Avid Automation. “The venue is open to the public with performances 6 days a week, requiring the selected system to work day-in and day-out – so for Stardome and Avid Automation, localised support, reliability and versatility was key in our decision making.”

Leading specialists in sound system design and JBL distributor JPRO were chosen to assist with the supply and commissioning because of their product knowledge base and approach to the system design.

Darian Sundar continues “The primary use of the system would be to provide an immersive 5.1 cinema experience, but the theatre also doubles as a live performance venue for small bands and events – everything from strings to electronica. So, whilst having to offer an accurate cinematic experience the system would need to be capable of handling larger SPL to accommodate live performances.”

JPRO Sales Director Paul Edlin and his audio design team specified JBL AE Series loudspeakers for the theatre. “JBL have an extensive range of purpose-built products that are manufactured in-house. The AE series are specifically manufactured for theatrical sound design and performing arts facilities, so we knew that they would suit the scope of this project perfectly.”

To fit in with the demanding schedule of the Stardome and minimise down time, the Avid Automation team were given two days to remove the old infrastructure and install the new system. Knowing that this would not be enough time AVID implemented all the new system cable infrastructure ahead of time after evening show times.

“We needed to be ready for business as usual Tuesday morning,” says Darian. “To achieve this the entire sound and control systems were built off-site at the Avid workshop. We essentially torture tested the system through multiple configuration modes such as it would be used in real day-to-day use – this is the only way we could be confident that any programming issues where found and resolved. The ability to plot all JBL speakers in a 3D model of the Stardome gave us the confidence that we knew it would work 100 percent. The translation into a real-life installation was incredibly accurate with very little tweaking necessary, saving us heaps of time.”

Due to the shape of the venue, all brackets and flyware were custom-built and physically attached to the exterior of the Stardome structure.  The surround system comprises of 2x JBL AM7215-95 High Power 2-Way Loudspeakers for Left and Right, while a JBL AM7215-26 with a 120° x 60° rotatable waveguide provide accurate audio for the critical centre channel.

JBL AC18/95 compact 2-way loudspeakers were selected for the surround channels as their enclosure design allows for installation very close to the ceiling, providing a smooth, natural immersive audio experience throughout the intended listening area.

Three JBL VTX-B18 single 18″ high performance subwoofers provide a solid bass foundation for a ground-shaking experience.

“The cardioid sub array configuration is simply magic and is an integral part of the system design,” enthuses Darian. “It allows the performance volume of the bass to be focused into the room without sub-bass spill into the foyer and office areas.”

Amplification and system management is achieved with two Crown DriveCore CDI41200BL power amplifiers. “That allowed for an impressive mix of high-performance and ease of use. Taking full advantage of the preloaded JBL Speaker tunings allowed us to get the best performance not only out of the speakers but the amplifiers as well.

Additional audio system processing, including Dante distribution and interfacing with the venues fire evacuation system was achieved with a BSS BLU-806 signal processor.

The Stardome system is used on heavy rotation daily by various Stardome operators, including volunteers. It was essential that a user-friendly operating system was implemented that could be understood and operated by all. Avid Automation designed a custom touch panel interface known as ‘TP Mode’ that could be used to operate the system via the touch panel or switch the system over to ‘Console Mode’ where the Soundcraft Si Performer digital mixer with Dante card and MSB16 stage box was the main controller for live performance events.

The interface was designed in collaboration with the client to ensure it was easy and intuitive to use. Specific ‘dark mode’ colour palates were chosen to not only minimise light pollution within the observatory during shows but to also tie in with the Soundcraft Fader Glow colour coded layers of the Si Performer for continuity.

Darian Sundar concludes: “The HARMAN Professional range of products and JPRO were the only choice for us and our client to achieve all the objectives with minimal downtime. It is not only about the product; it is also about the knowledge pool that you tap into and the service you get and with this in mind everyone one benefitted.”

Ducking temporarily lowers, or “ducks,” the volume level of a specified audio signal anytime a second specified audio signal is present. In live sound, ducking is commonly used to lower background music anytime a person speaks, then raise it when that person finishes speaking, as in the emcee example above. This technique can be employed in any scenario where you need to be heard over backing tracks, whether you’re hosting an event, giving a speech or teaching a fitness class.

Ducking isn’t limited to live sound; in the studio, ducking is used when recording narrations, voiceovers, translations, podcasts, YouTube videos, and other productions that benefit from lowering background music under speech. It’s even used (or more accurately, misused) creatively in EDM and pop music production to trigger volume “pumping” and other special effects. (Great examples of pumping include Eric Prydz’ “Call on Me” and Daft Punk’s “One More Time.”) A ducker can also be inserted in a reverb or delay line to manipulate those effects.

Whether you’re performing live or in the studio, ducking is a fast and easy way to manage audio levels, make room for all of the elements in your mix and ensure your voice is always heard, loud and clear.

Event Production has always been Forge’s passion – delivering clean sound, crisp images and purposeful lighting. Their aim is to provide exceptional technical service for customers looking at making their event memorable.

After conducting numerous tests with various brands, the Vi3000 was chosen because of its straightforward, analogue-like design that allows instant responses for operators, superb audio quality as well as its road-proven reliability. Featuring four Vistonics II touchscreens, built-in Dante capability and iconic Lexicon effects, the Soundcraft Vi3000 is a top choice for live sound engineers around the world.

JPRO is the official supplier of Soundcraft Vi Digital Consoles in NZ.