Powersoft Amplifiers

“In terms of efficiency and intelligibility, this upgrade is such a major difference for them. It’s really nice to have worked on a project where the end result is so valued and appreciated by the client.”
‍— John Pierce, Chief Technology Officer at ITI Systems

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“This new sound system really gets our crowd going...the fact that the stadium sound system can now get those fans engaged and get them hyped and get them excited for a game in the stadium is really exciting to us.”
‍— Matt Messina, Associate Athletic Director for Broadcast, Video and Technology at University of North Carolina Charlotte

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Additional photography courtesy of C.V. Lloyde:

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QSC Q-SYS

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QSC Q-SYS

(4) APEX CP1504-DAN Amplifiers

The block building is very reflective with tiered seating against one wall, a dirt floor and minimal acoustic treatment. The original installed sound system was old and didn’t cover the range of events that the venue hosts. “The old system lacked intelligibility,” says Hoyt Atkinson of Atkinson Sound. “They actually quit using it a few years ago and were always bringing in outside systems for different events.” Atkinson Sound recommended that the arena install a permanent system to lower costs and to provide a consistent experience.

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Working with Fulcrum Acoustic, Atkinson Sound designed a system that would provide equal coverage to the audience stands and arena floor. Ceiling-mounted GX1200 coaxial loudspeakers cover the arena floor. With this down firing application, the symmetrical 100° x 100° coverage pattern attenuates the level immediately below the speakers for more even coverage. Wall-mounted CCX1526 passive cardioid loudspeakers cover the stands. To augment the low-end, two CS218L passive cardioid subwoofers were flown over the center of the arena. The room is very reflective, so the passive cardioid loudspeakers were chosen to reduce low-end energy and prevent late reflections. The resulting system provides even-coverage and excellent intelligibility. The system is powered by four APEX CP1504 amplifiers that are remotely managed via APEX’s IntelliCloud WebUI, allowing for easy adjustments anywhere in the venue.

The customer is very happy with the installation. “Their comment was that it is 100 times better than the system that they had had in there previously,” says Hoyt Atkinson. “The sound is incredible. Now they have a system that they can plug and play and they’re loving it.”

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Powersoft Amplifiers

“The sound no longer hits you in the face, it surrounds you. It's maintained that intensity that's Mackey Arena but with a really nice clarity.”
— Ben Jones, Purdue University Athletics, Indoor Athletics Facilities Superintendent

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Additional photography courtesy of C.V. Lloyde:

(2) Apex CloudPower1504 Amplifiers – 4 x 1500W

(1) Apex CloudPower354 Amplifier – 4 x 350W

• Create a flexible sound system to meet the needs of the multi-functional facility
• Design a compact system with high output, high fidelity, and good pattern control
• Requires extremely durable weather-resistant loudspeakers to combat Florida’s high humidity and extreme weather

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The goal of EAI was to transform Melching Field at Conrad Park into a prestigious, modern facility. EAI chose Fulcrum Acoustic because of their weather-resistant product offering, domestic availability, and legacy of installs at high-profile sports venues. Says Conerly, “We offered them a system similar to other high caliber Fulcrum installs at NFL and MLB stadiums”.

EAI focused on high-quality coverage with an emphasis on the audio and control on the playing field. CX826-WR compact coaxial loudspeakers were used on the smaller poles, GX1226-WR coaxial loudspeakers for the main press box, and FH1596-WR full-range coaxial horn loudspeakers for field coverage. The field never had audio coverage, so it was important to Conerly that the field have outstanding sound: “The new video system has audio tied to it, the lighting system has audio, so the playing field system needed to kick. With its pattern control and projection, the FH is just an amazing cabinet. They really push,” states Conerly.

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The project also required an expansion of the existing distributed 70V system to service secondary areas. This system is powered by three new Apex amplifiers; two CloudPower1504s (4 x 1500W) and one CloudPower354 (4 x 350W). “It was our first-time using Apex Amps,” says Conerly. “We liked everything about it so far. The interface will do a lot. No matter what you need to connect to it, it will work.” EAI installed wireless control connectivity to the audio console so it can be controlled on the field via iPad. The system was setup with various zones. When needed, they can mute zones, so they’re not bleeding audio all over the place. They’ve also created customized presets for special events.

Both EAI and the customer were thrilled with the installation. “It sounds amazing,” says Conerly. “The Director of the City of DeLand Parks and Recreation was delighted. At the first practice, everyone was ecstatic with the install and how it’s working”. After renovations, Melching Field at Conrad Park in DeLand, Florida is now one of the premier baseball stadiums in the state of Florida and one of the elite college baseball facilities in the country.

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Powersoft and QSC Amplifiers

QSC Q-SYS DSP

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• Create a high-fidelity, full-range sound system capable of smooth coverage, high output, musicality, and good speech intelligibility.
• Create a consistent sonic profile between the stadium bowl and the adjacent stadium clubs.

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Idibri designed a system around Fulcrum Acoustic's FH-Series Full Range Coaxial Horn loudspeakers for coverage of the stadium bowl. The FHs were installed by Clair Global in clusters mounted from the roof overhang. Clusters feature a long-throw, short-throw or a short-, mid-, long-throw configuration depending on the height of the seating sections.

The large horn of the FH15 maintains the strict pattern control required to concentrate sound on spectators. The FH’s smooth pattern ensures uniformity when handing off a coverage zone to a neighboring loudspeaker. “The large horn format in variety of available patterns made the FH the right loudspeaker for the job” says system designer Ben Boeshans, a Senior Consultant from Idibri.

For subwoofers, Idibri selected Fulcrum’s Sub218L Dual 18” Direct Radiating Subwoofers which were also mounted from the roof overhang. “The low frequency extension of the FH works really well. It allowed us to configure the subs for low frequency effect rather than filling in the lower frequency portion of main speakers,” Boeshans continues.

The facility owners wanted the fidelity of the club areas to be comparable to similar sized event spaces in Austin as all clubs are utilized during the week as hospitality spaces. Luke Krogness from Idibri designed a system centered on Fulcrum Acoustic’s Prophile S loudspeakers for the field club. “The Prophile speakers match the full range of the FHs remarkably well,” says Krogness. “We only required four of Fulcrum’s US212 subwoofers because the Prophiles have such great low frequency response on their own.” Krogness deployed two of Fulcrum’s CX896 Compact Coaxial Loudspeakers for adjoining interview room.

The West Club on the concourse level features four US212 subwoofers and eight Fulcrum DX896 Dual 8” Coaxial Loudspeakers embedded into recessed wall niches. “The DX8 fits well in the limited space available yet delivers the full range of sound we were seeking,” says Krogness. “The rotatable horns were very helpful in order to match the room’s coverage requirements.”

The Concourse Level East Club consists of fourteen Prophile S loudspeakers mounted at the ceiling and aimed straight down. The ceiling structure is also black so the speakers integrate quite well. “Their patterns deliver impactful sound without bleeding into each other,” says Krogness.

A beer garden on the upper concourse is separate from the facility yet the Q2 staff wanted the same fidelity and energy as the rest of the system. Fulcrum Acoustic’s compact RX599 5” Coaxial Loudspeakers were tucked between ceiling baffles while additional Prophile P loudspeakers were installed between duct work to remain out of sight. “The small size of these cabinets fit appropriately despite the crowded electrical and plumbing elements,” says Krogness. The US208 Dual 8” Direct-Radiating Subwoofers added low frequency extension in a ~10" cabinet height to fit within the limited available space remaining. “The small enclosure from the US208s fit the space well to deliver low frequency support,” says Krogness.

Fulcrum Acoustic's domestic manufacturing allows coordinated "just in time" deliveries to the site, reducing the need for on-site storage of loudspeakers during construction.

In the 2022 MLSPA's Player Voices Poll, Major League Soccer players voted Q2 Stadium as their favorite MLS stadium to play in.

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QSC CXD-Q Series DSP Amplifiers

• Room reverberations and reflective surfaces can interfere with speech intelligibility.
• A distributed system was required due to aesthetics and weight concerns from the installation of a new video board.

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Avant Acoustics specified Fulcrum's FH15 Full-Range Coaxial Horn for its broadband pattern control to avoid interferences caused by the room reflections. "We considered a system of distributed line arrays, but that would have been cost prohibitive, as would adding acoustical treatment," says designer John Hodgson. "We knew that Fulcrum’s FH series would provide the level of audio quality and clarity that was required even in the absence of additional acoustical treatment for the room. We listened to a demo of the new FH loudspeakers and knew they were the best point source option for the project."

The new video board installation prevented the loudspeakers from being placed in the center for aesthetic and weight reasons. To work around this, Avant Acoustic designed the FH15s in six separate arrays of three around the arena to cover the stands and to fire back at the arena floor. "Often when we design point source arrays, we struggle to get them in an acoustically appropriate arrangement due to interference," says Hodgson. "The FH arrays very well due to its pattern control and coaxial design. The intelligibility of the new system is great for such a reverberant space."

Hodgson chose Fulcrum's CX15 Compact Coaxial Loudspeakers for upper balcony coverage. "The broad pattern of the CX1526 was an ideal fill for the balcony spaces at the ends of the arena," says Hodgson. "They were a perfect choice since these produce the same high fidelity as the FH but don't require the long throw."

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Dynacord IPX Series Amplifiers

QSC Q-SYS DSP

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• The new, enlarged video display consumed all available space within the existing structure. Additional structure was required to house a new sound system; this structure was added above the video display.  Due to wind loading concerns, the height of this additional structure was restricted to about 6’ tall, thereby limiting the space available for loudspeakers.
• The end-zone location of the speaker system necessitates a high-output solution to achieve suitable sound levels at the farthest seats.
• Strict pattern control is necessary to keep sound within the seating bowl, avoid excessive sound levels on the field and at the seats, and minimize sound reflecting off of the Bawcom Student Union building behind the seats on the east side of the stadium.

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For long-throw coverage, Daktronics deployed six Fulcrum Acoustic AHS speaker modules in the horizontal “ribbon” above the video area of the scoreboard.  Each AHS module packs a lot of output into a 31” tall package, with up to 4 coaxial compression drivers and 4 horn-loaded 10” woofers per module.  The available space within the scoreboard structure allowed for 3 stacks of 2 modules each; this provides sufficient output to achieve the project’s sound level goals for the seating areas. The high-frequency driver density provides the output needed to minimize high-frequency air loss which becomes problematic over stadium-scale distances.

“The AH family of loudspeakers showed us that this level of output was possible from a relatively compact enclosure," says David Gunness, Vice President of R&D at Fulcrum Acoustic. "The AHS is just the next phase of development for long-throw applications, meant to deliver significant high frequency projection and an adjustable vertical pattern to provide the exact coverage required.”

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The compact enclosure of Fulcrum Acoustic’s AHS Series allows the modules to be incorporated within the available space above the video display and to be maneuvered on-site during installation more easily than other solutions. “Even when stacked, Fulcrum’s AHS products easily fit within the space provided,” says Applications Engineer David Sturzenbecher.

"Maximizing video display size is a common goal for new scoreboards. When designing companion sound systems, smaller is always better," says Rich Frembes, Product Developer at Fulcrum Acoustic. "The fact that the AHS provides precise coverage and substantial output from such a small footprint is a benefit for any stadium."

Two stacks of two AHS440 modules are splayed left and right of center to cover the far seating along the sides of the stadium. The 45° horizontal dispersion of the AHS440 maintains lateral uniformity within the coverage pattern. Fulcrum Acoustic’s beam forming DSP algorithms configure the vertical dispersion as required by the specific geometry of the stadium. The middle stack features an AHS440 stacked on an AHS460 (60° horizontal) aimed down the centerline of the field to provide long-throw coverage of the far end as well as coverage of the playing field.

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Coverage for seating areas closer to the scoreboard is supplied by two AH463 Coaxial Horns positioned at the outer edges of the scoreboard. A single FH1596 Full Range Coaxial Horn supplies down-fill coverage for the grassy berm and near endzone area. Two additional FH1565 Full Range Coaxial Horns are embedded within separate niches to provide side fill coverage. Two stacks of three Sub218L dual 18” subwoofers extend the low frequency response of the system. The low profile of the Sub218L allows for three-high stacks to fit within the available space.

“It’s an impressive full-range system with a remarkable level of control,” says Sturzenbecher. “I can already imagine utilizing the AHS for many more applications, particularly stadiums, going forward.”

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QSC Q-SYS Amplifiers

• The relatively low roof structure limits loudspeaker mounting height. Furthermore, loudspeakers needed to be installed tight to the underside of the roof structure to avoid interfering with sightlines to the new scoreboard/display system.
• Numerous fixed rigging points used for the annual Trans-Siberian Orchestra staging (and other events) restricted the locations available for installed loudspeakers.
• Large roof trusses shadow certain seating areas from the primary loudspeakers.

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The limited trim height within the arena required a distributed loudspeaker system to achieve the project goals for audience area coverage.

Fulcrum Acoustic’s AH4, AH, and FH series products were selected as the primary loudspeakers for the project. Their combination of output, fidelity, control, and efficiency is uniquely suited to the requirements of large-scale entertainment venues. They deliver extremely even response within their coverage pattern and offer the variety of horn patterns necessary to optimize coverage for the geometries of the venue’s seating. Their smooth off-axis response allows them to transition well in distributed systems where many audience members may be seated in a “seam” between adjacent loudspeaker zones.

Nine primary loudspeaker arrays provide coverage for most of the audience seats and the arena floor with supplementary delayed loudspeakers providing coverage for shadowed seats. Six of the nine arrays are flown above the dasher boards along the sides of the ice floor (three arrays per side). Each is comprised of one AH65 above one AH96, with a backwards-firing FH1596 providing coverage for the arena floor. Four arrays include 4 x CS121 cardioid subwoofers to provide low frequency support for music playback.

At the north end of the arena, three arrays provide long-throw coverage for the taller seating sections that extend upward behind the hockey goal. Each array is comprised of 1 x AH463 (long throw) above 1 x AH65 (medium throw). The center array includes 4 x CS121 cardioid subwoofers.

Supplementing the main arrays, 5 x FH1565s are mounted along the large north roof truss to cover the uppermost rows of sets that would otherwise be shadowed by the truss. On the south side of the arena, four FH1565s cover the corners and the lower-level seating. Four GX1277 12” Coaxial Loudspeakers provide coverage for a smaller, elevated seating section at the south end of the arena.

Michael Lawrence from Rational Acoustics was retained to tune and balance the system. “We had well-behaved loudspeakers, in a well-behaved design, to work with on this one,” he says. “Loudspeaker selection and system design set the bar for what’s possible during the alignment, and I could tell the Fulcrum team did a great job in that department because my team had an easy day. We worked through all 57 zones in about three hours and we were only able to move that quickly because the system was in such good shape when we showed up. I didn’t have to try to 'band aid' around the deployment issues I typically see. We just did some level balancing and timing and we were basically there.

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"As I was working through the system, I was walking the coverage with Stephen [Siegel, of Fulcrum Acoustic] and my tech, David Williams. We would talk about changing something by a dB here or a millisecond or two there, and when you’re talking about changes that slight, that’s how you know your system is in a good place.”

Each subwoofer array, using CS121 Passive Cardioid™ subwoofers, provides substantial low frequency output and control. “I haven’t heard low frequencies behave so well in a room that big before,” says Lawrence. “With distributed subwoofer designs, usually you have tons of late arriving energy coming at you from all over the room, and that makes a bit of a mess. But with the passive cardioid subwoofers, you shave about 10 dB off from what’s coming off the back of the box, and it’s a ‘big’ 10 dB. You end up with less energy going where you don’t want it, and perceptually it was night and day from what I would expect without that directional control in the low end. At times I had to ask the DSP tech to check the mutes because I couldn’t tell whether the subs on the other side of the arena were on."

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QSC S-SYS Amplifiers

• Polar Park requested an efficient system with a full range of sound and strong intelligibility.
• WJHW created a distributed design, requiring high output, high fidelity, and good pattern control from a compact system.

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Central Communications mounted seventeen of Fulcrum Acoustic's FH1566 Full-Range Coaxial Horns along the sunshade, wrapping around the stands from first base to third base. The FH15s produce extremely high output using a single amplifier channel, creating an efficient method of providing coverage to the lower level of seating within the bowl. Their coaxial design produces broadband pattern control to contain sound within the stadium and focus coverage directly on the fans for superior intelligibility while minimizing size. Three of Fulcrum's FH1565 loudspeakers covered the left field lawn seating from their position above the scoreboard.

"Fulcrum Acoustic's FH is easy to power and offers great low frequency response," says Vin Maiuri from Central Communications. "Polar Park wanted full range sound from their system and the FHs are more than enough to make the stadium come alive."

The compact enclosures of Fulcrum's CX Series deliver coverage for the bar area and seating for fans with disabilities shaded by the overhang of box seats above. Other fill coverage was provided by JBL and Bose products.

Polar Park wanted full range sound from their system and the FHs are more than enough to make the stadium come alive.
- Vin Maiuri, President Central Communications

QSC S-SYS Core 510i DSP

• Duquesne required a full range, high output sound system to maximize excitement during their sporting events.
• Strict pattern control was needed to maintain speech intelligibility and clarity of music.

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Daktronics mounted Fulcrum Acoustic's FH15 Full Range Coaxial Horns in a center cluster above the court. Four FH1596s were selected for their 90° x 60° pattern to cover the lower-tier seating, while narrower-coverage FH1565s cover the upper seats. A fifth FH1596 faces straight down to cover the court. The FH's extended directional control keeps the sound focused on spectators while minimizing reflections, thus improving intelligibility and overall clarity.

Four of Fulcrum's Sub218L Subwoofers are suspended from the ceiling in a vertical array providing wide low frequency dispersion with vertical control. "The fidelity and output of the Sub218L is perfect for the exciting bass that fans are looking for," says installer John Carlson. "The fans eyes light up when they hear that bass. Even at lower sound levels, the system maintains a full, clean sound."

Seven CCX1295s provide supplemental coverage for seats shaded from the center cluster by the overhang from the upper seating deck. Fulcrum's patented Passive Cardioid Technology™ enables CCX12 loudspeakers to provide high output coverage without energizing reflective surfaces and degrading clarity.

Adjacent to the main arena is Duquesne's practice gymnasium. Four GX1526s provide coverage for the entire gym. "As an installer, I like how easily the entire system comes together," adds Carlson. "I appreciate that they use the NL4 to just click and lock. I can utilize sub contractors who aren't familiar with audio because these products are so installation friendly."

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The fidelity and output of the Sub218L is perfect for the exciting bass that fans are looking for. Even at lower sound levels, the system maintains a full, clean sound.
- John Carlson, Installer

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Lab Gruppen Amplifiers
QSC Q-SYS DSP Cores & I/O

• Increase system output while maintaining good speech intelligibility and smooth, uniform coverage.
• Improve low frequency extension and impact to enhance musicality and energy, both of which are important for NFL-caliber stadia.
• Phase/coordinate installation so as not to interrupt the stadium’s event schedule.

The Philadelphia Eagles wanted to raise the bar for audio performance within the stadium. “The fan experience across the NFL has been improving for a number of years,” says Jeff Sanderson, Senior Design Engineer at Diversified. “A lot of teams are renovating or building new stadiums. The Eagles wanted Lincoln Financial Field to sound as good or better than anything else in the NFL. Speech intelligibility and musical experience is a critical part of that.”

Diversified proposed a Fulcrum Acoustic-based solution for the system upgrade. Diversified had experience with Fulcrum products from other projects and knew that the combination of output, fidelity and control would provide the solution that the Eagles were seeking. Jeff Sanderson used EASE modeling software to design the new sound system incorporating AH, FH, and GX series products as well as Passive Cardioid™ subwoofers. Fulcrum’s ability to provide any model with WR (weather resistant) construction was also an important factor.

Rigging structures were pre-fabricated for fast installation. Fulcrum worked closely with Diversified to phase deliveries of products to the Stadium to keep the installation moving efficiently. Where possible, Diversified reused existing speaker locations and wiring. This reduced the amount of new wiring required, adding to the overall installation efficiency. To avoid conflicts with the Stadium’s schedule, the installation was to occur in the off-seasons and phased as follows:

• Spring/Summer 2018 – Upper Seating Deck
• Spring/Summer 2019 – Club Level and Lower Seating
• Spring/Summer 2020 – End zones and fill speakers

The COVID delay of 2020 postponed a portion of that year’s work. Nevertheless Diversified did proceed with installation of approximately 160 customized loudspeakers to provide coverage for seats shaded from the main system.

Upper Seating Deck (Phase 1)

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Diversified installed 40 speaker clusters from the sunshade at the top of the stadium to provide audio distribution to the upper deck seats. Each cluster is comprised of 1 AH65 60° x 45° High Output Coaxial Horn and 2 GX1226 120° x 60° Coaxial Loudspeakers. The high output and long throw of Fulcrum’s AH Series loudspeakers provides coverage to the front half of the upper deck seats while the GX1226’s cover the seats below and behind the cluster locations. Additional AH96s and AH463s were installed to supplement coverage beyond the extent of the clusters.

Individual CS118 Subcardioid Subwoofers were installed between each cluster and aimed downward for low frequency support. The CS118’s Passive Cardioid design reduces rear low frequency radiation, thereby minimizing reflections off the roof structure for improved clarity.

Club Level (Phase 2)

The Club Level seats are located between the upper seating deck and lower level. For coverage here, Diversified used clusters of FH1565 60° x 45° coaxial horns and GX1226 loudspeakers attached to the underside of the Upper Deck overhang. The FH1565s provide coverage of the lower half of the Club Level seats while the GX1226s cover the seats near the clusters.

Lower Level (Phase 2)

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Loudspeakers for the Lower Level are mounted to the underside of the Club Level overhang. Clusters of AH65 and GX1226 are used to provide both long throw and near coverage, similar to the configurations used in the upper seating levels. CS118 subs were again selected for their combination of high-impact performance and low frequency control.

Custom Fill Speakers (Phase 3)

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To better match the output and fidelity of the new system, Fulcrum developed the ESB44 and ESB31 horizontal arrays. These provide supplementary coverage for seats shaded from the main system. While not originally part of the project, the performance of the existing fill speakers was not suitable for use with the new system. Fulcrum developed the ESB enclosure to duplicate the mounting of the original system. These are mounted to the face of a partial-height concrete wall spanning the length of the stadium.

Every loudspeaker for the project was constructed using Fulcrum Acoustic's innovative weather-resistant composite material to maintain strength and durability in the face of inclement weather. All speakers were finished in a custom color selected by the Eagles.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced a realignment of the remaining phases of work. Work in 2021 added new loudspeakers for the end zone seating using DX12 and CX8 series speakers mounted to the Stadium’s “Talon” structures. Additional custom ESB44 and ESB31 were installed to complete the replacement of the existing fill speakers. The project was completed in Summer 2022.

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QSC Q-SYS DSP & Amplifiers

• The original sound system utilized a center cluster of loudspeakers. Coverage and control from this system was inadequate resulting in excessive sound energy reflecting off the ceiling which led to unsatisfactory speech intelligibility. The primary goal for a new audio system was to improve coverage and control, thereby improving intelligibility of speech and clarity of music.

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To accomplish the sound system goals, WJHW designed a system based on 27 Fulcrum Acoustic FH1566 Full Range Coaxial Horn loudspeakers in a distributed pattern around the perimeter of the track. These loudspeakers provided coverage for the bleacher seating. The eight additional FH1566s were installed along the centerline of the infield and facing straight down to provide coverage for those competing. The broadband pattern control from the FH1566 was the perfect choice for the direct coverage that Designer Kevin Day was looking for on this project. EASE modeling assisted with the selection of correct horn patterns and location/orientation of the loudspeaker; all of which are essential to achieving proper coverage and intelligibility. "We have good faith in the data for Fulcrum Acoustic products," said Day. "If it looks good in EASE, we know it will sound great in the field."

The FH15 series provides high output and extended low-frequency response while only requiring a single amplifier channel, resulting in a very efficient system. Additionally, the compact size provides a clean aesthetic without interfering with the sight lines from the elevated viewing positions along the side.

QSC Q-SYS DSP

Dynacord IPX Amplifiers

• Reverberation and high crowd noise levels interfere with speech intelligibility and music clarity.
• The compact design of the arena results in increased build-up of crowd noise.

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Daktronics deployed AH High Output Coaxial Horns as the main loudspeakers for their combination of high output and excellent pattern control. The AH’s were deployed in vertically arrayed pairs to cover the lower seating area and the middle section.

26 CCX 12" Coaxial Cardioid Loudspeakers were distributed around the upper seating areas to provide supplemental coverage for the upper seats. Fulcrum's Passive Cardioid Technology reduces excess low frequency radiation from the rear of the CCX loudspeaker, an important feature for delay speakers. "Without Passive Cardioid, the sound coming off the back of the speaker will cover a greater area than what goes out the front, thereby degrading clarity and intelligibility," says designer Dave Sturzenbecher. "Fulcrum's cardioid products avoided leakage for the upper delays."

Fulcrum's Prophile P 8" Coaxial Loudspeakers provided high output and wide dispersion to cover the last rows in the back of the main section. These rows were shadowed from the main loudspeaker arrays by the upper level of seating so supplemental coverage was required.

The US221-4 Direct Radiating Subwoofers were flown in two closely coupled vertical arrays to provide wide low frequency dispersion to the crowd. Each box had a slight delay added for steering low frequency energy away from the ceiling.

"It's an incredibly articulate and intelligible system overall," says Sturzenbecher. "What's really remarkable is how good it sounds without a crowd to dampen any reflections. It provides impressive fidelity that is much beyond what they had before."

(20) L-Series Dual 12 inch Coaxial Loudspeakers, 75° x 75°

Lab.gruppen Power Amplifiers

BSS Soundweb London DSP

• Intelligibility was a factor as the project required a sound system loud enough to create a great fan atmosphere at games, give the home team the advantage and intimidate visiting teams
• For hockey games, the school wanted the ability to configure the system to hit the ice separately from the bleachers so they could pump up the team during pregame
• The sound system needed to be compact enough to avoid obstructing spectator sightlines to two video scoreboards
• The sound system needed to provide low frequency extension without subwoofers

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Working with an EASE model based on the building architect’s plans, Fulcrum and Smith + Andersen came up with a distributed speaker system based on 20 Fulcrum Acoustic Prophile L-Series 3-way coaxial loudspeakers to serve the bleachers and CX-series 3-way coaxial loudspeakers along the concourse. A rigging grid used for event rigging served double duty for hanging the speakers. The distributed design offered more flexibility, including the ability to reconfigure the space for different events and even activate just part of the hall if it was not full. During the planning stage, it was known that video scoreboards would be installed, but their exact location was not known until late in the project. Fulcrum loudspeakers were low-profile enough that there were no problems with sightlines regardless of where the scoreboards were ultimately placed.

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Fulcrum loudspeakers were low-profile enough that there were no problems with sightlines regardless of where the scoreboards were ultimately placed.

QSC Power Amplifiers

64-Channel Q-Sys Core Processing by QSC

• Creating a sound system to meet the exacting standards of both FIFA (soccer’s governing body) and the CFL
• While high output was needed for crowd control and urgent public PA messages, pattern control was crucial to keep sound from spilling over into the nearby residential area

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After reviewing the stadium’s SPL requirements along with the mounting locations for the loudspeakers, it was clear to Fulcrum Acoustic co-founder Dave Gunness, working with project consultant Dave Clark, that the project required a higher-output solution than was currently available. To meet the need, Fulcrum created a brand new product, the AH463, a higher-output version of the AH family noted for its high sensitivity, high power handling, exacting pattern control and compact footprint. 16 AH463 bi-amplified boxes were mounted to the four lighting towers atop the east side stands. Four more were installed above the upper press box area on the west side for long throws down into the bowl. Seating areas shadowed by the stadium’s architecture were covered by AH65fp and AH69fp fill speakers with coaxial horn systems specifically based on the stadium’s directional requirements. Finally, 16 Fulcrum CX1295 speakers were installed on cantilevered yokes to cover two levels and eliminate the need for an entire row of speakers on the stadium’s west side. The efficiency of AH products helped minimize the number of amplifier channels required for the project.

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The project required a higher-output solution than was currently available. To meet the need, Fulcrum created a brand new product, the AH463, a higher-output version of the AH family noted for its high sensitivity, high power handling, exacting pattern control and compact footprint.

QSC CXD4.3Q-NA Network Amplifiers

QSC Q-SYS Core 110f Audio-Processing

JBL Ceiling and Monitor Speakers

Yamaha QL1 32-Channel Digital Mixer

• Precise directional control was essential to keep sound from overlapping with the existing 9,800-seat Rhodes Stadium next door on the school’s sports campus
• Extremely durable weather-resistant loudspeakers were required to combat Texas heat and extreme weather

“To keep sound within the bowl, I designed a distributed system with 18 weatherized Fulcrum GX1295-WR loudspeakers pole mounted at the top of the seating areas, and a half dozen more mounted through portals in the canopy above seating on one side of the field,” explains Knox. “Nine Fulcrum AH96-WR coaxial horns were also pole mounted above the stands, with six more integrated in the press box canopy. The AH96s’ low frequency extension to below 80 Hz helped to simplify the system’s design by eliminating the need for separate subwoofers.”

Knox specified Fulcrum Acoustic’s extremely durable, weather-resistant WR Series loudspeakers to withstand Texas’ challenging environment. In an early test, Fulcrum’s WR speakers weathered their first storm when all Legacy Stadium’s Week 1 high school football games were postponed due to Hurricane Harvey.

HKS Architects brought Idibri to the project after collaborating with them on a number of other stadiums. HKS provided Legacy Stadium’s sleek, contemporary design, and AV systems integrator Covenant Communications installed its high-coverage, distributed audio system.

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In an early test, Fulcrum’s WR speakers weathered their first storm when all Legacy Stadium’s Week 1 high school football games were postponed due to Hurricane Harvey.

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The weight room required a powerful wide beamwidth sound system that could integrate with the center-hung video display, and the locker room needed loudspeakers with high output, low frequency impact and solid musicality.

“Idibri used Fulcrum for the locker room at Baylor University’s McLane Stadium and Purdue’s facilities team wanted something similarly cool for their football performance complex,” explains Boeshans. “The weight room’s system consists of four, five-speaker arrays of Fulcrum FL283 subcardioid modules along with two US221 dual 21-inch subwoofers, all rigged to a ‘chandelier-of-sound’ with video arrays. Each FL283 module is configured for full-range passive operation at 16 ohms, allowing up to eight units to be driven from a single amp channel. Being able to power all those speakers with fewer amps was an added bonus that reduced overall system cost.”

The performance complex’s 11,600-square foot locker room was also outfitted with nightclub-worthy sound to help fire up the NCAA Big Ten Conference Purdue Boilermakers football team. “Eight Fulcrum Prophile S dual 8-inch coaxial speakers and six Sub118 18- inch subwoofers are installed in cavities over lockers on two opposing locker room walls,” relates Boeshans. “This system was all about getting loud and Fulcrum got the job done.”

Idibri was brought to the project by Populous architects who designed the cutting-edge collegiate training and recruiting facility. The Football Performance Complex sound system was installed by ESCO Communications with custom rigging supplied by Polar Focus.

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This system was all about getting loud and Fulcrum got the job done.
- Ben Boeshans, Idibri

• Creating a flexible sound system to meet the needs of the multi-functional facility which hosts world-class music, as well as community and sporting events throughout the year
• Outfitting Baylor’s 7,500 square foot home locker room with a nightclub-worthy, high-output, yet compact, sound system

Fulcrum RM22ac and RM25ac coaxial reference monitors and US221-4 subwoofers proved the perfect audio complement to the stadium’s 5,000+ square foot video wall – delivering uniform dispersion and clear intelligibility throughout the horseshoe-shaped stadium. Baylor’s 50 yard-long home locker room (constructed as a student athlete recruiting tool) is sonically powered by US221-2 dual 21 inch direct-radiating subwoofers and M-Series 12 inch coaxial loudspeakers to deliver the gut-churning LF impact and solid musicality needed to amp up the Bears before they take the field by storm.

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The arena required an updated sound system with the enhanced output, intelligibility, fidelity and low frequency response professional sports fans have come to expect, along with the ability to customize coverage for a diverse array of events.

Design specialist Dave Clark crafted a sound system based on Fulcrum Acoustic CX1265 12 inch coaxial speaker clusters. Sixteen double CX1265 clusters hang above the playing surface perimeter to cover the arena’s upper and lower bowl, with additional clusters deployed into each of the low-roofed end zones to avoid obstructing scoreboard sightlines.

Two “blue line” clusters of four stacked Fulcrum Sub115 15 inch subwoofers ringed with four CX1265s provide steered low frequency support and playing surface coverage. Four compact GX1226 12 inch coaxial speakers can also be raised into the hollow scoreboard for world-class figure skating competitions in which musical timing and imaging are crucial, as well as for other center stage events such as concerts and boxing.

“Our sound reinforcement needs have evolved over time,” explains Paramount Fine Foods Centre manager Greg Socha. “Acquiring the Raptors 905 as our new basketball tenant in 2015 upped the stakes as, unlike hockey games with music only during stoppages in play, professional basketball emphasizes spectator in-game experience with non-stop sound, lighting and video. The new system has exceeded management and guest expectations by providing greater output and clarity, consistent coverage with seamless zone transitions, and the flexibility to tailor and optimize sound for all our events.”

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The new system has exceeded management and guest expectations by providing greater output and clarity, consistent coverage with seamless zone transitions, and the flexibility to tailor and optimize sound for all our events.
- Paramount Fine Foods Centre manager Greg Socha

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While high output was required to fire up fans at homefield games, with high-end condominiums located just 22 feet behind each of the field’s end zones, precise pattern control was also crucial to avoid “sonic intrusion” to residential neighbors.

Solution t33 principal Bruce Coffman worked closely with Terry Nelson to create a new solution for the field's sound system after an initial spec with speakers mounted across the back of the bleachers was deemed ineffective. Coffman sent architectural dimensions to Fulcrum Acoustic co-founder Dave Gunness who ran EASE plots identifying a surprising single-speaker solution to cover the entire field and seating area. One Fulcrum AH463 High Efficiency Full-Range Coaxial Horn was mounted atop the field’s 37 foot high scoreboard to provide the requisite SPLs for the crossfield acoustic throw and the precise 60° x 30° broadband pattern control to cover the grandstands exactly from end to end.

Coffman concludes, “this was one of those very rare instances in which the right gear provided the absolute perfect match for the application. Beyond the bleachers and end zone, the sound virtually disappears. In addition to the school's savings realized by eliminating the need for additional speakers, the simplified installation cut the project's labor costs in half and helped make a very pleased customer with an exceptional sound system that exceeded their expectations.”

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In addition to the school's savings realized by eliminating the need for additional speakers, the simplified installation cut the project's labor costs in half and helped make a very pleased customer with an exceptional sound system that exceeded their expectations.
Terry Nelson, School Facilities Manager

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• In addition to delivering loud, clear sound for music and speech, the arena's speakers needed to be absolutely reliable and intelligible throughout the space to deliver bell tones and emergency announcements as needed
• The arena's loudspeakers needed to be easy to hang and align

After conducting acoustical modeling on the space, Fulcrum recommended DX1577 and CX1277 loudspeakers to Ron Stanley of systems integrator 32 Degree Audio. For the main system, Stanley employed 14 DX1577 Dual 15 Inch Coaxial Loudspeakers, suspended from the ceiling and configured as a distributed ring. Three Fulcrum CX1277 12 Inch Coaxial Loudspeakers were hung over the basketball and volleyball court, pointing straight down to cover the court area. The DX1577s' solid low frequency response down to 43 Hz eliminated the need for flown subwoofers which would have complicated placement and alignment. Additionally, as DX and CX Series compact coaxial loudspeakers weigh under 90 lbs. each, they were easy to hang using 1/8-inch steel cable without any complicated bridles.

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The DX1577s' solid low frequency response down to 43 Hz eliminated the need for flown subwoofers which would have complicated placement and alignment

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• “The sound system needed excellent intelligibility, fidelity, output, and bandwidth to enhance the overall fan experience and become more competitive with other NBA arenas, ” Stevens explains.

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“Cardioid was a huge factor in the arena design,” Stevens says. “Vertical subwoofer arrays are ideal for providing smooth coverage to the seating bowl and keeping sound energy off the floor. However, the large centrally located scoreboard precluded any loudspeakers directly over center court. Forced to hang subwoofer arrays around the scoreboard’s perimeter, I knew cardioid patterns were necessary to minimize interference between arrays.”

Stevens was familiar with Fulcrum’s passive cardioid line array modules and their ability to eliminate excessive rear low frequency radiation without requiring additional drivers, amplifiers or signal processing channels. “When Fulcrum co-owner Dave Gunness told me about their new line of passive cardioid subwoofers, the timing couldn’t have been better.”

Stevens’ design includes four vertical arrays of six Fulcrum CS121 21 inch subcardioid subwoofers above the scoreboard’s four corners to complement the Anya columns above its four sides. Stevens also deployed two pairs of delayed fill CS121 subwoofers for low frequency coverage in the upper corners of the arena.

“I’m so glad Fulcrum figured out passive cardioid subwoofers in time for this amazing project,” exclaims Stevens. “They eliminated the need for an additional ring of active cardioid cancellation subs above the scoreboard, and helped deliver system cost and performance benefits that made for one very happy customer.”

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Fulcrum's passive cardioid subwoofers helped deliver system cost and performance benefits that made for one very happy customer

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• As the stadium’s existing point-source sound system was no longer feasible with the new canopy, an entirely new sound reinforcement approach was required
• The entire system needed to be installed in two weeks to allow time for tuning before the Toronto FC’s scheduled season-opener

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Westbury National’s Andrew Foord based his distributed venue-wide loudspeaker approach on Fulcrum’s AH Series compact, two-way, full-range loudspeakers. The system incorporates 18 clusters of AH loudspeakers – six individual hangs of one AH96 covering the south side stands, six hangs of two AH96s covering the west side, and six hangs of one AH96 and two AH65 loudspeakers for the largest seating area on the east side.

“They proved to be a perfect fit,” Foord said. “The boxes have excellent fidelity and offered plenty of design flexibility. The fact that they require less power was a nice bonus and ended up saving our customer unnecessary amplifier expense.”

Fulcrum’s Rich Frembes stepped up to provide support on placement and coverage issues. “We had a very small time window for the actual installation,” Foord added. “Rich was quite helpful in confirming that the system – at least on paper – was going to do what was needed. He also made sure we had all of the boxes on time and ready to go.”

“When we did the client walk-through, it was clearly a success,” Foord concluded. “One of the things the owners noted was the linear coverage throughout the stadium. And to Fulcrum’s credit, it is indeed outstanding. Walking the venue, you literally can’t tell the difference when you pass from the coverage zone of one cluster to another.”

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To Fulcrum’s credit, it is indeed outstanding. Walking the venue, you literally can’t tell the difference when you pass from the coverage zone of one cluster to another.

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• The arena required a high-output, high-fidelity sound system with precise directional control and the ability to easily configure coverage for its diverse programming.

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“Using the center line of the building’s steel structure as a locating point, I developed seven coverage zones running the length of the field,” explains Peterson. “Seating coverage is provided by two outer zones per side, each consisting of six Fulcrum AH65 full-range coaxial horns (60° x 45°) paired with CS121 21-inch cardioid subwoofers featuring Fulcrum’s proprietary Passive Cardioid TechnologyTM. 21 Fulcrum AH463 coaxial horns (60° x 30°) are deployed in three playing field coverage zones for football and arena-wide events. For basketball games’ narrower field of play, the arena’s west side bleachers are moved inward and the corresponding outer coverage zones are switched off.”

“In designing the system, I knew the 70-foot throw from the arena’s roof beams to the stands was at the edge of compatibility for a point-source solution – anything longer would have required a line array approach,” states Peterson. “Fulcrum’s AH coaxial horns’ extremely high acoustical output and precise pattern control allowed me to design a straightforward and effective, configurable distributed system for the arena. The Alerus Center was the perfect venue for the application, and its management is very pleased with the wonderful visitor feedback they’ve received on their new sound system.”

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Fulcrum’s AH coaxial horns’ extremely high acoustical output and precise pattern control allowed me to design a straightforward and effective, configurable distributed system for the arena.

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• The arena required a high-output, high-fidelity sound system with precise directional control.
• The arena required the ability to easily configure coverage for programming ranging from athletic events and convocations, to guest speakers and galas.

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“Like most arenas, the Schar Center’s steel, wood, sheetrock and glass surfaces make for a very loud and reverberant space,” explains system designer Brian Cox. “We specified Fulcrum Acoustic loudspeakers for their directivity, output and intelligibility.”

“For the main system, we designed eight speaker clusters, each consisting of three FulcrumAH96 full-range coaxial horns paired with a CS121 21-inch cardioid subwoofer,” states Cox. The main clusters are flown above the arena’s north and the south sides to cover the court and stands. The AH96s provide all the output we need and their fully horn-loaded design increases sensitivity for more efficient use of amplifier power to reduce overall system cost. Fulcrum’s unique CS Series passive cardioid subwoofers deliver low frequency punch while minimizing reflections from the Schar Center’s steel ceiling.”

“Five Fulcrum DX1265 dual 12-inch coaxial loudspeakers serve as fills for the north side stands,” continues Cox, “and we installed twelve GX1295 single 12-inch coaxial speakers above the arena’s east and west ends for concourse and lower seating coverage. Fulcrum was very helpful with loudspeaker selection and confirming our thoughts on the system design.”

“To ensure a flexible and reliable sound system, we required that each of its loudspeakers have the ability to be controlled individually,” recalls Elon’s assistant director of campus technology support Joe Davis. “This allows us to easily tailor the 49 loudspeakers’ coverage for any use. The Athletics and Events departments, and support staff all love the system’s sound and configurability. Audio & Light delivered an amazing sound system that adds to the Schar Center’s wow factor, and is worthy of Elon’s stature and commitment to excellence.”

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A sound system was finally integrated into this historic building with the installation of a Fulcrum loudspeaker array featuring AH65 high-efficiency, full-range coaxial horns and RX699 coaxial loudspeakers.

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