Allen & Heath Mixing Console

Powersoft Quattrocanali Amplifiers

QSC Q-SYS Core 110 DSP

• School officials wanted consistent coverage and high fidelity sound while maintaining clear sight lines to the stage.
• The positioning of the line array and subwoofers requires broad band directional control to keep low frequency energy from reflecting off the walls or building up on the stage.

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Tim Hamilton from Hamilton AV selected two arrays of seven FL283T Dual 8" Subcardioid Line Array Modules from Fulcrum Acoustic for the main loudspeakers. Division 16 installed the line arrays on both sides of the stage to provide uniform coverage throughout the auditorium without visual interference. "The FL283T delivers the consistent coverage and 'in-your-face' sound without the need for delay speakers," says Hamilton. "This was essential to the project as the administrators did not want loudspeakers to interfere with the lighting or distract from the stage."

Fulcrum Acoustic's low profile CS218L Dual 18" Subcardioid Subwoofers were installed sideways to minimize the visual impact. "I'm happy Fulcrum Acoustic incorporated their Passive Cardioid technology into their low profile subwoofers," says Hamilton. "It was a good fit for this project."

The FL283Ts and CS218L subwoofers both incorporate Fulcrum Acoustic's patented Passive Cardioid Technology to reduce rear low frequency radiation from the enclosure. Without this control, low frequency energy would build up on stage reducing gain-before-feedback and reflect off of the proscenium and side walls degrading speech intelligibility and musical clarity. "An active cardioid array would require more equipment, which they wanted to avoid for this project," says Hamilton. "They wanted the simplest system they could find and Fulcrum Acoustic helped me deliver."

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QSC Q-SYS Core 510i DSP

QSC CX-Q 4K8 Amplifiers

Linea 88C Series Amplifiers/DSP

Yamaha PM7 Digital Mixing Console

• The existing sound system could not achieve sufficient gain before feedback.
• The tall and shallow shape of the theater creates challenges for clarity of amplified music and speech intelligibility due to general reverberation and reflections from the expansive balcony facades.

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A line array of eight FL283T modules was suspended downstage center for the main coverage; it provides the necessary output and gain for amplified vocals. Two CS118 Subwoofers were placed on each side of the stage to extend the low frequency response of the system. The FL283T line arrays and the CS118 subwoofers incorporate Fulcrum Acoustic’s patented Passive Cardioid Technology to reduce rearward low-frequency radiation, a common drawback of typical line arrays and subwoofers.

Supplementing the center line array are Left/Right line arrays; these are used when a stereo image is required. The aesthetics dictated a split array design since tall left/right hangs would interfere with sight lines.

Due to the architectural design of the Theater, supplemental loudspeakers were required to provide fill coverage for certain areas. Six CX896 Compact 8" Coaxial Loudspeakers were mounted near the proscenium at each level on both sides for audience side fill. The tight vertical dispersion of the CX896 provides focused coverage while avoiding reflective balcony facades. Four RX699 compact 6” coaxial systems were installed at the stage lip to provide front fill without visual obstruction. The RX699s improve the sonic imaging for the near seats so that amplified sound seems to originate from the performers rather than from the main line array loudspeakers overhead. The compact size and high output of the CX and RX series speakers maintains sight lines and overall aesthetic while providing sufficient output to keep up with the main system.

For performers, two CCX1226’s, also incorporating Passive Cardioid Technology, were positioned as stage side fills. These supplement portable FA12s which are used as floor monitors.

Two CX826 loudspeakers were mounted behind the audience area at each level to provide surround sound.

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Powersoft Amplifiers

• Despite thoughtful acoustic treatment in the theater design, their original sound system struggled with clarity and uniformity of coverage when it first opened in 2019.

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John Linden with Provision AVS deployed two DX1595 Dual 15" Coaxial Loudspeakers for the main left and right coverage in the theater. The coaxial transducer coupled with the traditional low frequency transducer in the DX15 supplied the full frequency range Linden was looking for coming from the sides. "We liked how big and full it sounded," says Linden. "The coverage of the DX15s fit really well in the room. The DX15s, coupled with the CS Subwoofer, provided solid, extended bass for concerts and musical theater."

Linden flew a CCX1295 Coaxial Cardioid Loudspeaker in the center above the stage to fill the center coverage. A CX896 was flown directly underneath the CCX12 and pointed straight down to provide down fill to the first few rows.

A single CS121 Subcardioid Subwoofer was flown behind the CCX and CX loudspeakers in the center of the stage. The center CCX12 and CS121 Subwoofer incorporate Fulcrum Acoustic's Passive Cardioid Technology™. Passive Cardioid Technology reduces the rear low frequency radiation that would otherwise fill the stage, resulting in feedback and degrading clarity for the audience.

"The new Fulcrum system provides remarkable clarity and fidelity," says Dave Wright, the Technical Director of the theater. "The extended frequency response and seat-to-seat consistency gave me a great canvas to work with. I'm confident I could hand this system to any touring engineer and they would have everything they need."

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The new Fulcrum system provides remarkable clarity and fidelity. The extended frequency response and seat-to-seat consistency gave me a great canvas to work with.
- Dave Wright, Theater Technical Director

Powersoft Amplifiers

QSC Core 110f DSP

• The horseshoe shape of the theater led to midrange buildup causing feedback.
• The low ceilings of the smaller theater exacerbated reflections causing fidelity and intelligibility issues for the audience.

Kyle Anderson from Rain Pro Media chose Fulcrum Acoustic’s CCX Series to provide the strict pattern control necessary to control dispersion and reduce reflections. The compact shape of the CCX also greatly reduced any possible visual obstructions. “The coverage and the passive cardioid were our main considerations when selecting loudspeakers for this job,” says Anderson.

Fulcrum Acoustic’s Patented Passive Cardioid technology provides up to 10dB of rear cancellation, making the CCX1295 Coaxial Cardioid Loudspeaker with the CS118 Subcardioid Subwoofers, an ideal choice for Pentacle’s sound system. Typical 12" 2-way speakers become omnidirectional at 300-400 Hz. When loudspeakers are installed near the ceiling and aimed downwards at the audience, low frequencies can build up and reflect, resulting in intelligibility issues and feedback. This can be especially problematic in smaller rooms with low ceilings such as the Pentacle Theatre. “The late energy build up was particularly challenging in the 250-400Hz range,” says Michael McIntosh, Technical Director for the theater. “The rear cancellation and focused pattern control of the CCX1295 meant that we did not require any radical EQ to balance the system. The mid-range is much better with these new Fulcrum speakers.”

In addition to the CCX1295 mains, installer Kyle Anderson also utilized Fulcrum Acoustic’s CX826 8” Compact Coaxial Loudspeakers to provide 180 degrees of surround sound coverage in the theater. “We were amazed at how good everything sounded while staying under budget,” says McIntosh. “Everyone who has heard the system so far has a similar reaction. They are quiet for a few moments and then they say ‘this is unbelievable!’”

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We were amazed at how good everything sounded while staying under budget. Everyone who has heard the system so far has a similar reaction. They are quiet for a few moments and then they say ‘this is unbelievable!’
- Michael McIntosh, Theatre Technical Director

DiGiCo SD9 console for FOH

DiGiCo SD9 console for FOH

SSL Duality Console

Pro Tools Workstation

• The unconventional architectural design of the Center’s venues (e.g., the Veronica Hagman Concert Hall’s tri-level, in-the-round seating and variable acoustics)
• The aesthetic integration of loudspeakers into the venues’ décor

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The Veronica Hagman Concert Hall’s unique seating pattern called for a considerable number of distributed fill speakers to provide uniform coverage across the entire space. The main array was comprised of 6 Fulcrum CX1565 12 inch coaxial systems with 10 RX599 compact 5.25 inch cabinets providing front fill. A second fill ring of 14 RX599 boxes and a third fill ring of 8 more RX599s completed coverage, with 4 Sub215 subwoofers stacked onstage in cardioid pattern to reduce low frequency buildup.

The 350-seat MainStage Theatre, a more conventional proscenium-style venue, was outfitted with left and right arrays, each with two Fulcrum GX1295 and two GX1265 12 inch coaxial systems, along with a center array of two CX1265 cabinets. Front fill and under-balcony fill were handled by 8 RX599s, and a pair of Sub215 subwoofers provided low-end punch to the theater. The clean aesthetic and compact size of Fulcrum’s TQ install loudspeakers perfectly complemented the Center’s adventurous architecture – with eight custom colors matched to make speaker cabinets virtually disappear into the décor of the surrounding space.

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The clean aesthetic and compact size of Fulcrum’s TQ install loudspeakers perfectly complemented the Center’s adventurous architecture – with eight custom colors matched to make speaker cabinets virtually disappear into the décor of the surrounding space.

Crestron DMPS3 4K-150 Digital Media Switcher

Dolby CP850 Surround Sound Processor

QSC CX Series Amplifiers

JBL 8350 Cinema Surround Speakers

Midas M32 Digital Console

Soundweb London BLU-806 Networked Digital Processor

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• The system needed to deliver exceptional clarity, intelligibility, and pattern control to reinforce sound for films and live events
• Compact yet powerful loudspeakers were required to fit within the theater’s tight installation spaces without interfering with sightlines or aesthetics

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The University of Texas at Austin’s Texas Union Theater hosts a diverse array of student-centric programming including films, plays, musical performances and lectures. The university engaged Ford Audio-Video Systems to design and install a much needed AV update for the theater. Ford Project Engineer Charles Croley turned to Fulcrum Acoustic loudspeakers to project the right sound for the Texas Union Theater’s cinematic and live events.

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“We flew left/right Fulcrum FL283 four-module line arrays that seamlessly cover the room without obscuring the screen or projector,” explains Croley. “The FL283s sound great and their Passive Cardioid Technology™ keeps sound focused on the audience, and off the architecture and stage.”

With no space behind the screen to work with, two compact Fulcrum CX Series coaxial loudspeakers were deployed as center channel loudspeakers in a small open ceiling space above the stage lip. A CX1295 12-inch coaxial speaker (90° x 45°) covers the near field and a CX1265 (60° x 45°) handles the 70-foot long throw to the back of the theater.

Physical space challenges also precluded flying subwoofers above the stage. Croley deployed two low-profile Fulcrum Sub218L dual 18-inch subwoofers under the theater’s shallow stage to achieve the low frequency extension and high output needed for film sound effects and live music reinforcement.

“There’s always a delicate balance in designing a sound system to meet the needs of both cinematic and live sound,” relates Croley. “Fulcrum’s technologically advanced loudspeakers perfectly augment the system’s Dolby® cinema surround sound upgrade and deliver high-fidelity sound reinforcement for live performances and events. That versatility really came in handy for the Texas Union Theater.”

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There’s always a delicate balance in designing a sound system to meet the needs of both cinematic and live sound. Fulcrum’s technologically advanced loudspeakers perfectly augment the system’s Dolby® cinema surround sound upgrade and deliver high-fidelity sound reinforcement for live performances and events. That versatility really came in handy for the Texas Union Theater.

Ashly NXP8004 and NXP8002 Amplifiers

• Record Archive’s new event space required high-fidelity sound for a variety of acoustic and moderately amplified bands
• Compact, efficient loudspeakers were needed to clean up the stage and improve the hearing condition for performers

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“A major concern in our Backroom Lounge expansion was upgrading its PA which was made up of speakers accumulated over time and stacked on the stage,” explains Record Archive president Richard Storms. “Fulcrum loudspeakers provided the quantum leap in sound quality we required for attracting top regional and national acts, as well as new store customers.”

The simple yet effective system consists of two Fulcrum CX1295 12 inch coaxial loudspeakers whose proprietary design delivers consistent on- and off-axis performance to evenly cover the room’s seating area. On stage, three compact FX896 coaxial vocal monitors allow performers to clearly distinguish their own voice in the midst of others; a capability that helps the performers and minimizes monitor mixing. A Sub118 direct-radiating subwoofer just off stage provides low-frequency punch and solid musicality for live, in-store performances.

“We’ve heard nothing but rave reviews on our new sound system,” enthuses Record Archive vice president Alayna Alderman. “The Backroom Lounge has been a huge success and Fulcrum’s speakers have helped make it the best sounding room in town.”

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Fulcrum loudspeakers provided the quantum leap in sound quality we required for attracting top regional and national acts, as well as new store customers. The Backroom Lounge has been a huge success and Fulcrum’s speakers have helped make it the best sounding room in town.

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Soundweb London BLU-16 Signal Processor

QSC CX Installation Power Amplifier

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• The Theatre required compact loudspeakers capable of delivering exceptional clarity, intelligibility, naturalness and pattern control

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“We had been eking out what sound we could from our old mains and knew we had to step up our game for the caliber of performers we host,” explains Strand Theatre technical director Paul LaPorte. “In selecting new mains, we needed speakers that would seamlessly integrate with our existing sound infrastructure which has been upgraded piecemeal over time. The fact that Fulcrum’s loudspeaker technology could be incorporated without obsolescing the rest of our system was a huge plus.”

LaPorte relates, “Fulcrum’s technical support included providing EASE data on the room and DSP configurations to optimize the benefits of their Temporal Equalization (TQ™) processing. The AH96 coaxial horns created a more immersive sound experience by adding depth and substance to our system right out of the box. Their 90° x 60° dispersion also was a perfect fit for the old ‘shoebox style’ theatre which can be acoustically challenging.”

“The new Fulcrum loudspeakers are totally transparent in reproducing the natural sound of all our performances,” enthuses Strand Theatre Executive Director Jessie Davis. “Their sound is cleaner and brighter, and truly impeccable.

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In selecting new mains, we needed speakers that would seamlessly integrate with our existing sound infrastructure which has been upgraded piecemeal over time. The fact that Fulcrum’s loudspeaker technology could be incorporated without obsolescing the rest of our system was a huge plus.

Ashly and QSC Amplifiers

QSC I-82H Portable Loudspeakers

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• The Center’s reflective wooden surfaces present acoustical challenges. A visually unobtrusive sound system is needed to blend in with the rustic timber frame architecture

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Klondike Sound’s Jason Raboin selected Fulcrum speakers for their signature clarity, precise directional control and minimal visual impact. The simple yet powerful system he designed consists of two Fulcrum DX1277 dual 12 inch coaxial loudspeakers whose tailored 75° x 75° dispersion keeps sound off the physical structure. Two Sub118 18 inch direct-radiating subwoofers extend low frequency support, and eight compact FX1295 12 inch coaxial vocal monitors are used on the Center’s stage.

The Center’s production manager Patrick O’Donnell enthuses, “With their tailored coverage pattern and musical quality, Fulcrum’s speakers provide the fidelity and punch we need."

"Whether it’s a loud rock show or a nuanced acoustic performance, the system is really transparent.” Carol Noonan adds, “As our arts center is all about people and connections, we needed a sound system that wouldn’t detract from its warm, welcoming and intimate feel. Fulcrum speakers were a perfect fit.”

Carol relates, “We recently had Robert Cray who has played here many times. His band brought a lot of their own gear but as usual, used our house speakers and subwoofers. It was definitely the best sounding show we’ve ever had with him. Nothing was different than before – the same crew and players as always – so it’s gotta be the speakers.”

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With their tailored coverage pattern and musical quality, Fulcrum’s speakers provide the fidelity and punch we need. Whether it’s a loud rock show or a nuanced acoustic performance, the system is really transparent.

• Long reverb times requiring broadband pattern control, high acoustic output and high fidelity
• While ideal for instrumental music, the hall was challenging when a singer was part of an amplified group, or when a symphonic work included a narrator
• Limited rigging options within

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A horizontal array of three Fulcrum AH65 high-efficiency, full-range coaxial horns flown from the proscenium in a center cluster provided the acoustically challenging concert venue with precise pattern control and extremely high output from compact, lightweight enclosures requiring modest amplifier power. Four Fulcrum RX699 coaxial loudspeakers were installed at the lip of the stage to solve articulation issues in the main space where limited rigging options precluded flying speakers to cover the front rows and underbalcony seats. Fulcrum also worked closely with NEC to color match loudspeakers to the hall, and with Incendiary Arts to mount them close to the ceiling to avoid obstructing views of the hall’s organ pipes and ornate décor. Fulcrum Acoustic was proud to provide a cost-effective, high-performance loudspeaker solution befitting this distinguished and demanding, historic performance venue.

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Fulcrum Acoustic was proud to provide a cost-effective, high-performance loudspeaker solution befitting this distinguished and demanding, historic performance venue.

• Transforming the steel and concrete structure from a warehouse into a state-of-the-art performance space required overcoming some significant acoustical challenges.

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Fulcrum products proved the perfect fit for this challenging live-music venue. For the ballroom, six 3-way DX1565 loudspeakers, three per side, served as the room’s main PA – providing the required SPLs and pattern control within compact enclosures that would typically house a conventional 2-way system. Four DX1595 loudspeakers were added for side fills. Four Prophile S Dual 8 inch speakers were deployed on the stage lip as a front fill system. A total of eight FA12 coaxial loudspeakers with rotatable horns provided the broad coverage required for live-music stage monitors. Finally, two DX1295 speakers and four TS221 subwoofers provided Fulcrum’s signature clarity and concert-level low frequency impact to the venue’s upper-level lounge.

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Fulcrum products proved the perfect fit for this challenging live-music venue.

Ashly NXP Series Multi-Mode Power Amplifiers

Yamaha QL1 Mixing Console

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• The speakers needed to provide consistent coverage throughout the entire theater without interfering with sightlines to the stage opening or distracting from the architectural beauty of the 125-year old opera house
• Limited rigging options within this historic performing arts center demanded compact, lightweight loudspeakers as part of a visually unobtrusive sound system

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The system Raboin designed centered around four Fulcrum Acoustic CX1595 15 inch Coaxial Loudspeakers powered by Ashly nXp amplifiers. The CX1595 speakers provide the requisite output capability and optimal 90° x 45° dispersion pattern, while their lightweight, compact, visually unobtrusive design ensures minimal effect on sight lines and the Academy’s aesthetics. Two compact, portable Fulcrum Acoustic TS215 Dual 15 inch Direct-Radiating Subwoofers provide concert-level low frequency for the historic theater while also minimizing visual intrusion.

As a touring sound engineer for artists including Joan Baez, Modest Mouse and Lake Street Dive, Raboin has worked on a variety of audio systems in the field. Raboin claims, “I have not heard anything that sounds better than Fulcrum Acoustic speakers. When you combine their fidelity with their lightweight and compact size, they really were the only choice for this installation. It was hard to believe that such a compact system would be able to cover the venue at the desired SPL, but the system exceeded our expectations
and the theater's design goals.

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When you combine their fidelity with their lightweight and compact size, they really were the only choice for this installation.

Fulcrum Acoustic TQP48 4x8 Level 1 TQ DSP Processors

• The system needed to deliver exceptional fidelity, vocal clarity and pattern control from compact speakers that wouldn’t detract from the club’s clean, sophisticated aesthetic.

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“Sound is the most important element of my business and I wasn’t finding what I was after in the line array-based systems I’d been renting,” explains Fitzsimmons. “Plus, room and PA rentals were adding up to a huge monthly payment. Fulcrum understood my situation and were easy to work with in crafting a smart solution. They helped with acoustical modeling and speaker selection and all but guaranteed they would get my room sounding great.”

Anthology’s stage system consists of a pair of Fulcrum AH65 full-range coaxial horns flown as mains above two S dual 8-inch coaxial speakers on the stage lip. Three TS221 dual 21-inch subwoofers are installed into the front of the stage for low-frequency punch.

Onstage, Fulcrum’s Passive Cardioid Technology™ comes into play with a CSP121 21-inch cardioid sub drum monitor and eight FW15 15-inch coaxial cardioid stage monitors. Two Fulcrum CX1295 12-inch coaxial loudspeakers and an additional set of S dual 8-inch coaxial speakers serve as delay fills to cover the club’s elevated bar and VIP area.

“In working closely with Fulcrum on this system, we were very intentional about enhancing the experience of the artists to help them deliver great shows,” relates Fitzsimmons. “Better onstage communication through sophisticated monitoring naturally results in better audience communication in the shared musical experience. Fulcrum had just released the world’s first cardioid coaxial stage monitor, the FW15, and the timing couldn’t have worked out better.”

“Choosing Fulcrum was a price/value decision based on system cost and performance benefits. Their loudspeakers provide better technology in a smaller footprint, a better experience for performers and audiences, and are easier to mix. I can’t imagine why anyone would use speakers based on old technology. We now have the best sound system I’ve ever heard.”

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As a venue owner, I love hearing a band's engineer say that our Fulcrum Acoustic system is the best PA they've mixed on during the entire tour.

• Rear low frequency (LF) rejection was crucial to keep sound from radiating off of the proscenium and from bleeding onto the stage
• High-output yet compact speakers were needed to provide requisite SPLs and LF output without interfering with the auditorium’s sightlines or aesthetics

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Broyhill Civic Center director Jeff Bentley employed a simple yet flexible sound system comprised of two flown Fulcrum FL283 eight-module arrays, supported by stacked RCF subwoofers and driven by a Powersoft X8 amplifier platform. “The auditorium presented mounting position challenges which could only be solved by speakers with significant LF rejection,” Bentley explains. “Fulcrum’s unique passive cardioid approach was a huge selling point as it delivers the cardioid effect we need in half the footprint of an active cardioid array. The flown arrays also cleared sightlines formerly blocked by our ground stack PA.”

Fulcrum FL283’s full-range passive operation at 16 ohms allows up to 8 speakers to be driven from a single power amplifier and its solid LF performance down to 54 Hz minimizes the need for subwoofers. Bentley claims, “The FL283’s single amp channel operation saved us money and simplified processing, and its surprising low end output supports three quarters of our events without using subwoofers.” He enthuses, “The FL283 line arrays deliver seamless, full-range coverage throughout the auditorium with all the sound reinforcement and vocal intelligibility our diverse programming requires. We couldn’t be happier with our new sound system."

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Fulcrum’s unique passive cardioid approach was a huge selling point as it delivers the cardioid effect we need in half the footprint of an active cardioid array. The flown arrays also cleared sightlines formerly blocked by our ground stack PA. We couldn’t be happier with our new sound system.

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• The project designers wanted loudspeakers that would meet the sonic goals of the facility without distracting from the stunning architecture.

Fulcrum products were selected for their high fidelity and minimal visual impact.

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Fulcrum products were selected for their high fidelity and minimal visual impact. To further minimize the impact, Lantek (the system installer) devised clever mounting systems that would not be visible to the audience. Fulcrum products were modified to provide additional mounting facilities consistent with this approach. The performance hall was outfitted with Fulcrum DX1265 and DX1295 Dual 12 inch Coaxial Loudspeakers, complemented by US212 Subwoofers. DX1595 Dual 15 inch Coaxial Loudspeakers were modified for use as portable speakers. Fulcrum CX5D Loudspeakers were deployed on the stage lip as a front fill system, and FA12 12 inch Coaxial Loudspeakers with rotatable horns provided the broad coverage and Fulcrum’s signature clarity as performance stage monitors.

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