JBL VerTec Line Arrays Take Center Stage At Gallo Center For The Arts

Demonstrating the rider-friendly performance and ease of installation of JBL Professional VERTEC® line arrays, audio consultant Media Systems Design Group oversaw the design of the sound reinforcement system at the new Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto, California. The Gallo Center is a $40 million complex that includes two performance spaces: the Mary Stuart Rogers Theatre (1,250 seats) and the Foster Family Theatre (444 seats).

The Gallo Center for the Arts is a non-profit organization owned by Modesto County designed to enrich the quality of life in California’s Central Valley by providing an inspirational civic gathering place where regional, national and international cultural activities illuminate, educate and entertain. The Gallo Center celebrates the diversity of the Central Valley by offering an array of affordable cultural opportunities designed to appeal, and be accessible, to all.

During the design process, the decision was made to integrate a line array system in a left-right configuration at the Mary Stuart Rogers Theatre. “Until a few years ago, performance halls didn’t always invest a lot of money in fixed systems,” said Timothy Hart, Principal, Media Systems Design Group. “The venues would typically rent equipment for different events, but the growth in touring circuits, combined with the desire to provide rider-friendly systems, led to many more venues installing larger, permanent audio systems. It’s also a revenue-generating stream for the venues, because money isn’t being spent on a rental system every time there’s a show.”

With these rider-friendly specifications in mind, Media Systems Design Group recommended VERTEC line arrays for the Mary Stuart Rogers Theatre’s front-of-house system. “We looked at a number of different line arrays, and VERTEC has a wide acceptance in the industry, which was a primary concern,” Hart said. “Additionally, JBL’s in-house engineering support was very helpful in working with us on the design to ensure the products and configurations were ideal for the space.”

The audio system at the Mary Stuart Rogers Theatre includes a left-right configuration of nine VERTEC VT4888 midsize line array elements per side, along with two VT4882 midsize arrayable subwoofers per side. Crown I-Tech amplifiers power the system. The Foster Family Theatre features a left-right configuration of six JBL VRX932LA portable line arrays per side, with four stage-mounted VRX918S portable line array subwoofers.

According to Henry Beaumont of PCD, Inc., the systems integrator on the project, the easy setup and reliable performance of the VERTEC line arrays helped overcome the short time frame within which the system needed to be installed. “The rigging on the VERTEC line arrays is so well engineered that we were able to set up the system and have it sounding great almost immediately,” he said. “This project clearly demonstrates JBL’s ability to meet the demands of performing artists, tour sound professionals and systems integrators alike.”

“The system at the Mary Stuart Rogers Theatre is a prominent example of VERTEC’s continued emergence in the world’s most prestigious performing arts venues,” said David Scheirman, Vice President of Tour Sound, JBL Professional. “Media Systems Design Group and PCD, Inc. have collaborated to create an aurally pristine listening environment that demonstrates the implementation of world-class technology by an expert team of audio professionals.”

For more information on Media Systems Design Group, please visit www.msd-group.com or call 310-398-0281.

For more information on PCD, Inc., please call 707-546-3633.