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.”

Local and International artists including Peking Duk, Sticky Fingers, London Elektricity, Shapeshifter, Ladi6, Tash Sultana and rapping superstar Cardi B formed part of the line-up.

In only four years, Bay Dreams has fast become one of New Zealand’s best summer festivals. The event began in 2016 with 5,000 attendees to over 30,000 in 2019 for the North Island event. A second South Island location has now been added to the itinerary in the city of Nelson.

NZ Sound Reinforcement, a full-service production company deployed a stunning JBL Professional audio solution for the second stage with a combined audio output of 500,000 watts RMS that included the innovative JBL VTX A12 and new VTX A8 line array elements.

Having recently become part of the JBL VTX A-series family in New Zealand, NZ Sound owners Ray and Brenda Ward are exceedingly happy. “We are blown away; Bay Dreams was pretty epic. The JBL VTX A12 and A8 systems have performed even beyond our expectations – they sound amazing. JBL certainly helped the artists to put on some of their best performances and the crowd loved it,” says Brenda Ward.

Ray Ward adds: “The new JBL VTX A-Series systems have provided an amazing experience for all involved, from the artists to the spectators. The systems have shown impressive coverage outdoors, providing a very smooth and natural top-end. We look forward to providing incredible sound for the summer festivals and international artists making their way to New Zealand in the coming months. We thank organisers Pato Alvarez and Mitch Lowe for putting on another sold-out masterpiece.”

System Features

NZ Sound deployed a complete JBL Professional audio system featuring 24 VTX A12 line array loudspeakers on the main hang and 18 of the all-new smaller format VTX A8 line array loudspeakers on side hangs. Due to the nature of the performances, 24 ground shaking VTX G28 subwoofers provided tight, powerful bass coverage. Infills comprised of 8 VTX F12 12” biamplified loudspeakers.

Stage monitoring was equally impressive, allowing for exceptional audio for all performers with 16 JBL VTX M20 dual 10” and 4 VTX M22 dual 12” tour monitors for DJ and drum wedges. 2 VT4883 subwoofers took care of the drum subs with side-fills consisting of 2 VTX F35 dual 15” 3-way enclosures and 2 G28 subs.

All amplification was provided by Crown V-Racks with Crown iTech 3500 amplifiers, totalling in excess of 500,000 watts of sound power. Audio System management and control were handled through JBL HiQnet Performance Manager software and system set-up made easy with JBL’s Line Array Calculator.

The Impact

“Performance Manager and Line Array Calculator has helped save time and energy as we were able to pre-configure settings and system alignment before the event,” says Tim Robertson from local JBL distributor JPRO, who provided technical support and system design for the event. “System predictions have been very accurate and minor tweaks were needed once the system was loaded in and set up.”

NZ Sound is set to bring exceptional audio coverage to the Summer Festivals and international artists such as Bryan Adams, Toto and UB40 who are making their way to New Zealand in the coming months.

At the time of writing, with the new Bay Dreams location on his mind, organiser Mitch Lowe can hardly contain himself. “This is easily the most impressive event we have ever put together, I am ecstatic. Its off to Nelson we go!”

Stage & Audio’s owner Tim Buchholz first owned a pair of JBL K140s back in the 1970s and he was blown away by the A8’s high-end performance, courtesy of the A-Series’ revolutionary new drivers and waveguide. These designs are responsible for the A-Series redefining the ‘JBL Sound’ and winning over long-term JBL fans and sceptics alike. “I have never heard clarity like that or top end that accurate in all my years working in pro audio. The level of performance is ridiculous,” enthuses Tim. “I’ve simply never heard anything like it. It’s still JBL, but noticeably more ‘European’. It’s a totally new sound.”

19 elements of JBL A8 have joined Stage & Audio’s inventory. Crown iTech HD3500 power amplifiers have also been brought in to supplement their existing racks, and the rig has just been augmented by the recent acquisition of 12 x JBL B18 Subwoofers.

The A8s have already been out working hard in their first two weeks, covering a Queen tribute band, the Rockhampton River Festival across two stages, and an awards night. “After these jobs, all our in-house engineers and guest techs that have mixed on them can talk about is the high-end performance. It’s such a step up,” adds Tim.

“Overall, the A8s have fantastic linearity,” concludes Tim. “There’s a newness to their sound, and you know every parameter and every frequency is being carefully watched over by advanced FIR filters, and compression and control algorithms. It creates and natural, sophisticated sound that is comparable to the best European touring systems on the market.”

The Opportunity

The premiere entertainment destination is home to 22 of Auckland’s top restaurants and bars, a convention centre with up to 21 function rooms, two hotels and a 700-seat theatre. The Sky Tower, at 328 metres, is the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand, and offers views of up to 80km in every direction.

Co-ordinating and controlling audio on a site this diverse involves many challenges. There are several background music and television audio sources that need to be distributed to each zone, as well as local inputs in each area. Each of these sources needs to be available in every zone, and then prioritised depending on the function, or type of promotion that is running in that area.

The Solution

To gain this functionality and flexibility, SkyCity changed to the BSS BLU family of digital audio processors in 1995, and has grown to be New Zealand’s largest Soundweb installation.

The system currently consists of more than 35 BSS BLU processors and numerous ethernet control panels. Audio is distributed around the site using Dante.

The site is powered by a number of multi channel Crown DriveCore CDi and DCi installation amplifiers.

Each restaurant or bar within SkyCity has been architecturally designed and themed. Whether it be a discrete Control Contractor ceiling speaker, or something more stylised like the unobtrusive Pendant series, JBL’s extensive catalogue of purpose-built speakers help deliver that vision to the customer while maintaining the highest standards in audio fidelity. The site now totals more than 500 JBL speakers of various models.

Some venues in the complex have local control using AMX or Crestron interfaces, while a site-wide control interface has been created within the London Architect software.

The VTX A8 is a compact line array system available in installed and tour formats for small to medium sized venues. VTX A8 and its bigger brother VTX A12 have impressed this year during NZ’s Summer Festivals – being used extensively with touring artists and music festivals such as Toto, UB40, Slayer, KORA, Sound Splash and The Hollies.

The demo took place at the newly rebuilt Christchurch Town Hall in the exquisite James Hay Theatre.

“It’s fantastic that we are able to use venues such as the James Hay Theatre to allow audiences to get a first-hand impression of the JBL VTX A8,” comments JPRO’s Tour Sound Manager Tim Robertson. “This is a new sound from JBL and it is important for people to experience the transparent, smooth sound for themselves. I enjoyed watching everyone’s response when the system is run in full range – we had jaws dropping when we told our guests that we were not running the subs.”

“The response at James Hay from the industry has truly been overwhelming and we would like to thank everyone for attending,” says Andrew Sorrill, Customer Support and Marketing at JPRO. “We would like to get as many industry professionals in New Zealand as possible to experience the system for themselves. If you have not recently heard the new JBL VTX A Series, I encourage you to get in front of a system – please contact us and we will arrange for you to hear one.”

Production company NZ Sound provided the audio for the event that featured Pendulum and Home Brew as some of the headline acts. The main PA system consisted of JBL Professional’s latest line array system, the VTX A12.

“It was my first time mixing on the VTX A12 system by JBL. As soon as we turned the system on, I was blown away. Detailed and crisp high end, beautiful mid-range and deep, defined lows,” says Pendulum’s FOH Engineer Owen Charles. “The system threw an extremely long way back and I was more than happy with the coverage.”

The main PA system featured a total of 24 JBL VTX A12 line array elements, with a ground shaking 18 JBL VTX G28 subwoofers. 4 Vertec 4888 were used as front fills and a number of JBL VTX M22 and M20 tour wedges were used for stage monitoring.

“Definitely my PA of the Day,” quips Tim Robertson, Tour Sound Manager for JPRO the NZ distributor for JBL Professional. “We are proud to have supported an event such as Ohakune with JBL VTX A12. “The system continues to impress locally and our aim is to have it added to more technical riders in the NZ market.”

All loudspeakers were powered by Crown V-Racks, which included I-Tech 12000HD and I-Tech 4x3500HD amplifiers, while system management and control were handled with JBL HiQnet Performance Manager software.

Featuring BSS OMNIDRIVEHD processing with linear phase FIR filters and the acclaimed LevelMAX Limiter Suite, both models provide crystal-clear amplification with ample headroom. Network connectivity via HiQnet and Ethernet protocols provides a high degree of control and real-time diagnostics.

The Impact

Owen Charles who currently mixes for Yungblud & Pendulum, has previously mixed audio for international artists such as Macy Gray, D’angelo, MF DOOM and Jay Electronica, adds: “When I was mixing on the Waves LV1 console, the JBL VTX A12 translated perfectly – what the artist and I were hearing in the studio during pre-production came out better than we could have hoped for on the day. Let’s just say the JBL VTX A12 line array and A-Series line array systems are now going straight on my rider.”

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.

The Great Hall is its centrepiece, seating up to 1,529 people in theatre-style on three levels. Designed for live performances, it includes a 17 metre stud and permanent concert platform. To ensure an exceptional audio experience for patrons with consistent, reliable sound coverage, the Great Hall received an audio upgrade to a JBL Professional high performance audio system. Auckland Live contracted Liquid Automation for the supply, programming and installation of the system.

Liquid Automation’s Commercial Sales Team noted that there were several important considerations when contemplating the design for this audio system, which were re-enforced by their customer Auckland Live who had very high expectations for its performance.

Firstly the heritage status – any system would need to be approved by the heritage panel so that it could not be any more obtrusive than the existing system and the Loudspeakers had to blend in with the existing colour scheme and overall look of the reflector panels.

Secondly the system must be easy to use for day to day operation as the Town Hall is a multi-use venue and the operators needed to be able to reconfigure the system to allow any combination of speaker zones to be activated, and it should be configurable as delay support for temporary PA systems when required.

The technical considerations included the redesigning and installation of new speaker brackets within the permitted loading limits, providing consistent sound coverage across the three vertical levels of seating, achieving good speech intelligibility from the audio system within a reverberant venue, fixing historical issues with noise in the audio chain caused by the mains power supply in the venue, the long cable runs between amplifiers and speakers and, the long analogue cable runs between the operating positions and amplifiers.

With a building of this heritage, three design approaches were considered: firstly a Line Array solution (JBL VTX), secondly a Steerable Array Column solution (JBL Intellivox) and thirdly a Point Source Cluster solution (JBL PD – Precision Directivity).

Careful consideration was given to each approach including in-depth modelling and system design. After a detailed review of all options the JBL Precision Directivity Point Source Cluster was considered to be a highly effective approach.

The PD6322 Full Range Three-Way Loudspeakers and the PD6212 Full Range Two-Way Loudspeakers allowed excellent vertical and horizontal pattern control and, good bandwidth response down to 40hz (PD6322) as well as the ability to precisely aim the cluster and in keeping with the aesthetic of the previous system.

Liquid Automation’s Commercial Project Manager and Shore Engineering Ltd co-designed the main central cluster array bracket to allow fine adjustment “pan/tilt” of every speaker in the cluster. The speaker angles were set in precise alignment in accordance with the computer modelling.

To complement the PD central cluster, JBL Application Engineered Series AC16 two way compact loudspeakers were installed under the balcony areas and were also used for stage fills and delays. The AC16 speakers offered high output and high fidelity which was required for the system brief of a multi-use sound system.

JBL CBT70J Constant Beamwidth Technology™ Two Way Line Array Column speakers were used for Circle delays. “The asymmetrical vertical coverage of these speakers sends more sound towards the far area of room to make front-to-back sound levels more consistent,” says Paul Edlin, Audio Designer at JPRO. “This made these speakers the perfect choice for the circle delays.”

Dante Audio was enabled using BSS BLU Processors allowing for a noise free digital backbone of up to 128 channels between the three critical locations – the control booth, the lower plant room below stage floor and the upper amplifier rack in the town hall roof.

All three were connected via fibre optic cable. The BSS Soundweb network provides complete routing options between all three locations as well as automated scenes to enable any combination of speakers to be turned on or off which allows for maximum flexibility.

Using Harman’s own HiQnet Audio Architect control software, Liquid Automation provided an elegant user interface using a touch screen PC to help the operator quickly and easily switch between the required modes to fine tune the setup. Audio Architect gives the system administrator one software platform to help manage and control the critical components in the system in real time including BSS Soundweb (routing), Crown ITech amplifiers (main cluster) and Crown DCI Amplifiers (all delay speakers).

Continuing on with a need to make the system fully digital, the Digital Mixing Console chosen was the Soundcraft Si Performer as it allowed direct connection to Soundweb (via Dante) while also allowing a fibre optic stage box to be run to the stage for additional patching (via Madi).

Auckland Live Technical Operations staff and clients have commented on the excellent audio in the Great Hall. “The versatility of the system has reduced the need to install temporary sound reinforcement systems for events. Back-up and support from JPRO through initial teething issues has been excellent.”