McNear’s Mystic Theatre: High-Performance Sound

Bogen Amplified > McNear’s Mystic Theatre: High-Performance Sound

McNear’s Mystic Theatre: High-Performance Sound

Case Study / White Paper | August 06, 2006

Challenge

Achieve a smooth sound field throughout the 600-seat hall
Replace outdated head-end equipment with advanced technology equipment in a historic building
Provide lifelike sound for broad range of performances from sit-down acts to rock and roll concerts

Solution

Situated 35 miles north of San Francisco, McNear’s Mystic Theatre is located in historic downtown Petaluma and is described by many as the North Bay’s Premier Music Venue. Opened in 1912, The original Mystic Theatre was host to live Vaudeville entertainment and in 1992 was renovated to accommodate live music performances for up to 600 guests.

To maintain its reputation as a great place for entertainment, the theatre installed a new 40-channel house console and a new 40-channel monitor console (providing up to 12 outputs). The theater’s original install consisted of a scaled-down Apogee system, which they decided to upgrade.

“The Mystic requires a system that’s versatile enough to handle everything from acoustic, sit-down acts like David Grisman or Shawn Colvin to wild dance acts like Spearhead or The Violent Femmes,” said Randy Teaford of Fear No Art Entertainment, Santa Rosa, CA.

Installation

Teaford designed and installed the loudspeaker system in McNear’s Mystic Theatre hall. He has more than 25 years of professional experience in the design, installation, and engineering of top club and concert sound systems. In addition, he also served as Production Manager and Chief Engineer for the theatre. “Apogee wanted us to have the best performance system, so it would be great for the audience, the bands, and the theatre,” said Teaford. “When you hear the astonishing quality of an Apogee system in a real life application, it is much more impressive than any demo room.”

Results

Woody Nuss, McNear’s Mystic Theatre engineer, said, “The new Apogee rig allows me to mix for one environment. No more compensating for mixing in the balcony and having the second floor sound different... just one smooth sound field. I also find that I use less channel strip EQ, and my effects are further well defined at a lower volume.”

“Our use of Apogee equipment has enabled us to elevate this premier music and entertainment venue’s sound to a new standard of excellence,” said Ken O’Donnell, Managing Partner of McNear’s Mystic Theatre. “We spoke with other major loudspeaker manufacturers, but we loved the existing Apogee system and the compliments we’ve received from tour engineers and the public,” said Teaford.

Sound mixer, Howard Burke said, “The Mystic is one of those gigs that everyone in the group looks forward to. The room is great fun, the staff is first rate, and best of all, the Apogee system gives you the ability to hear and be heard in the way you always wanted to be.”

Speakers

For flown mains, McNear’s Mystic Theatre uses two Apogee Arrayable Concert Series Loudspeakers (FH-4). Two Apogee Arrayable Loudspeakers (AE-8) serve for side fills and there are also two additional speakers used for center fills as well. For floor subs, the theatre relies on two Apogee Concert Series Subwoofers (AE-12s2).

The Concert Series Loudspeakers (FH-4) are designed to produce a smooth natural sound, even at very high volume levels. The Apogee Arrayable Loudspeakers (AE-8) offer flat power response and a precisely controlled radiation pattern for smooth acoustic integration. Apogee Subwoofers (AE-12s2) deliver a deep, accurate response and intense impact without “muddying” or coloring the upper frequencies. These subwoofers complement the Arrayable Loudspeakers.

Amplifiers

The Apogee CA-Series Professional Amplifiers provide powerful, unparalleled sonic quality and exceptional reliability. Their frontend circuitry features an advanced clip eliminator to reduce distortion and ensure lifelike sound quality. Producing 940 watts per channel at 4 ohms, or 550 watts per channel at 8 ohms, the CA-Series Amplifiers (CA-8000) provide high power amplification.

Floor Monitors

The theater now also has a full complement of Apogee speakers for stage monitoring. Because of the size and caliber of acts the theater draws, they often are required to supply as many as 12 monitor mixes. Randy Teaford chose three different types of Apogee speakers to fill the venue's monitoring needs. "The FS-2 is our general purpose monitor. It’s low profile, high output, light weight and sounds great," said Teaford. In addition to the FS-2s, the theater has two APL-800 powered speakers that are used for side fill when required. A pair of AE-8B stage monitor speakers are used as stereo monitoring for lead vocalists or anywhere ultra high impact monitoring is required.

Equipment List

4 Apogee Arrayable Loudspeakers (AE-8)
2 Apogee Concert Subwoofers (AE-12s2)
2 Apogee Bi-amped Monitor Wedges (AE-8B)
2 Apogee Compact Concert Loudspeakers (FH-4)
2 Apogee Powered Loudspeakers (APL-800)
9 Apogee Bi-amped Monitor Wedges (FS-2)
Apogee Professional Amplifiers (CA-8000)

Key Products

FS-2 Bi-amped Monitor Wedges
AE-8 Bi-amped Arrayable Loudspeakers
AE-12s2 Concert Subwoofers
FH-4 Compact Concert Loudspeakers
CA-8000 Professional Amplifiers