Case Studies

BABBA required versatile, easy-to-handle portable loudspeakers with the ability to deliver the exceptional power, clarity and directionality necessary to maximize the impact of their high-energy live performances.

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Audio Director Simon "Stav" Stavenuiter employed a simple yet powerful system for BABBA, comprised of a single FA22ac dual 12 inch coaxial loudspeaker per side. The portable, self-powered, 3-way system features a rotatable horn and onboard DSP. Each side is pole mounted atop a Fulcrum TS215ac subwoofer capable of delivering more than enough horsepower to fill the dance floor. Two FA12ac self-powered coaxial loudspeaker wedges provide monitors, with a single FA28ac handling monitors and click track for the drummer.

BABBA appreciates Fulcrum's onboard amplification and DSP which provides them the flexibility to tailor coverage to fill any space needed without pushing the system's output to extremes.

• 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.

Ashly NXP Series Multi-Mode Power Amplifiers

Yamaha QL1 Mixing Console

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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.

QSC Core 500i System Processor and Control Engine

QSC 4.3 and 4.5 Power Amplifiers

JBL Control Contractor Series Speakers

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• Rear low frequency cancellation was essential to keep sound energy off the reverberant architecture and the stage where it would interfere with microphones
• Even coverage and high fidelity were required from a visually unobtrusive system that wouldn’t detract from the sanctuary’s architecture

“As we couldn’t install loudspeakers below the proscenium arch, and lacked the space and budget for an active cardioid array, Fulcrum’s passive cardioid loudspeakers were the perfect choice,” explains GLS Principal Greg Hockman. “We flew a five-speaker array of Fulcrum FL283 Dual 8 inch Subcardioid Line Array Modules paired with a single CS121 21 inch Subcardioid Subwoofer six feet from the ceiling and just below the arch. The fullrange FL283 modules deliver amazing sound quality and intelligibility for music and spoken word, while the CS121 provides low-end extension and the directional control needed to keep sound from radiating off the proscenium and onto the stage.”

Church sound director Bruce Ornee, a retired aerospace engineer, worked closely with GLS and Apex throughout the project. “Our original sound system had two big horns and two subwoofers chained to the ceiling and housed in a large rectangular box above the pulpit that was a real eye sore,” recalls Ornee. “A major requirement for the new system was that it not detract from the sanctuary’s aesthetics. Fulcrum’s compact, custom-painted cabinets seamlessly blend into the sanctuary, and the sound is unbelievable. Our pastor, chancel choir and praise band have never sounded so good.”

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Fulcrum’s compact, custom-painted cabinets seamlessly blend into the sanctuary, and the sound is unbelievable. Our pastor, chancel choir and praise band have never sounded so good.
- Bruce, Sound Director

Linea Research 48M06 Amplifier

Yamaha M7CL-48 Digital Mixer

• 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.

Fulcrum Acoustic TQP48 4x8 Level 1 TQ DSP Processors

• 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."

QSC Q-SYS DSP

Dynacord IPX Amplifiers

• The clubs’ distinctive glass-sheathed polyhedron architecture presented some unique acoustical challenges
• High-output loudspeakers needed to aesthetically integrate into the venues’ lavish décor
• Avalon required an aggressive and complex sound reinforcement system to deliver the elevated SPLs and the visceral low-frequency punch required to “crush” at all locations on its massive dance floor

Avalon’s dance floor and stage system feature Prophile XL, L and M series compact, coaxial loudspeakers designed specifically for the needs of high-energy nightclubs. Nextgeneration coaxial transducers give Prophile loudspeakers the ability to provide a stable, high-fidelity image, and Fulcrum’s Temporal Equalization™ technology adds studio-monitorclass transient response. US221-2 dual 21 inch ultra-compact, direct-radiating subwoofers provide gut-churning impact and solid musicality to the dance floor while Sub215 dual 15 inch direct-radiating subwoofers serve as monitors for the club’s internationally renowned DJs. Off the dance floor, Prophile series high-performance coaxial loudspeakers paired with FA Portable installation subwoofers proved the perfect fit for Avalon and Pangaea’s lounge areas – delivering Fulcrum’s signature clarity and precise directional control from compact, low-profile enclosures which seamlessly integrate into the space without detracting from the clubs’ bold architecture and breathtaking views of Marina Bay and Singapore at night.

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"...delivering Fulcrum’s signature clarity and precise directional control from compact, low-profile enclosures which seamlessly integrate into the space without detracting from the clubs’ bold architecture and breathtaking views of Marina Bay and Singapore at night.'

(6) Prophile XL Horn-Loaded Coaxial Loudspeakers, 90° x 45°

The long, narrow and acoustically live space required a first-class sound system which could support the music without overwhelming the patrons’ conversations or distracting for the restaurant’s clean, modern décor.

Five Fulcrum Prophile S dual 8 inch coaxial loudspeakers handle the main space. Compact and low profile, the Prophile S 3-way, active system features Fulcrum’s advanced DSP-enhanced coaxial design which enables very wide (100° x 100°) dispersion. Its low frequency transducer delivers impressive mid-bass impact for its size. The loudspeaker’s horizontal orientation and trapezoidal shape allow it to be positioned in a variety of locations, including extremely close to ceilings, while remaining visually unobtrusive – perfect for an intimate restaurant like Azumi Sushi.

To support the DJ booth, Mike Denoe installed one recessed Fulcrum US212 dual 12 inch direct-radiating subwoofer. A baby brother to the US221; it provides similar impact and musicality, and does so from an enclosure that may be built into smaller spaces, such as Azumi's DJ booth.

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The loudspeaker’s horizontal orientation and trapezoidal shape allow it to be positioned in a variety of locations, including extremely close to ceilings, while remaining visually unobtrusive – perfect for an intimate restaurant like Azumi Sushi.

Crest Pro Amplifiers

Symetrix DSP

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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.

Q-SYS Integrated DSP, Control and Amplification Platform

QSC Core 1100 System Processor and Control Engine

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The basement-level, rectangular room’s 100 foot length, nine foot ceilings and hard reflective surfaces presented some unique acoustical challenges.

A distributed system centered around Fulcrum Acoustic’s club-ready Prophile Series loudspeakers was designed to deliver exceptional audio with accuracy and control, while still allowing conversations to happen throughout the venue. The primary PA consists of a pair of Prophile M speakers, a 12 inch, 3-way coaxial speaker, chosen for their tight pattern control which focuses the sound without creating a lot of reflections. The main PA is augmented by a series of delay zones further into the room, with all loudspeakers ceiling mounted. Two Fulcrum US212 subwoofers were flown alongside the main PA, positioned in cardioid pattern to control low frequencies on stage while radiating freely into the room. For the musicians, the stage features Fulcrum FX Series compact coaxial vocal monitors.

Ten Fulcrum Prophile S speakers, with a 3-way, dual 8 inch design and extra-wide 100° x 100° dispersion, cover the three main seating zones which include the restaurant and bar areas. The Prophile S speakers’ wide pattern, low horizontal profile and pristine sound were a great fit as zone speakers for the low-ceilinged space. They also allow the manager to change the volume in each zone to adjust to conditions during and between sets without upsetting the balance of the room.

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The Prophile S speakers’ wide pattern, low horizontal profile and pristine sound were a great fit as zone speakers for the low-ceilinged space. They also allow the manager to change the volume in each zone to adjust to conditions during and between sets without upsetting the balance of the room.

BSS BLU-160 Processors

• 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 Q-SYS Amplifiers

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Powersoft Amplifiers
QSC Q-SYS

• The loudspeakers are mounted near the ceiling for aesthetic reasons, yet the proximity to hotel rooms on the floor above has previously resulted in frequent noise complaints from guests.
• Speech intelligibility and overall audio clarity has been difficult in the event space with brick walls.

Fulcrum's Passive Cardioid Technology™ decreases excessive rear radiation from subwoofers and full-range systems. The result is less indirect/reflected low frequency energy in reverberant spaces. Additionally, the reduced rear radiation resulted in less overall sound energy traveling upward through the Bowery’s ceiling structure. "Bowery had tried everything," says Mike Sinclair. "Putting in a false ceiling, spraying foam, acoustic home remedies...but the sound was still getting through to the rooms above. Given their high-end clientele, I knew we couldn't dance around this. I needed a solution that would provide excellent sound quality and help reduce sound in the guest rooms above. The first thing that came to my head was passive cardioid."

Sinclair selected Fulcrum CCX1200, CCX1277, and CCX1295 loudspeakers with CS118 subwoofers for this project. Fulcrum Acoustic's CCX12 Coaxial Cardioid Loudspeakers combine Passive Cardioid Technology™ with Fulcrum's unique coaxial design to integrate impressive low frequency control into a compact, high-output coaxial design. The result is full, warm, controlled sound even at high volume; perfect for an event space. "Fulcrum's coaxial loudspeakers create serious power in a smaller cabinet," continues Sinclair. "This helped with the aesthetic of the space. Because of the compact and lightweight size of the CCX12 loudspeakers, we were able to suspend them using spring-type vibration isolators rather than mounting directly to the structure. This helped reduce structure-borne vibrations which could travel to the guest rooms above."

"It sounded amazing," says Larry Oakes, Production Manager at the Bowery Hotel. "We couldn't believe how loud it could go without disrupting the rooms upstairs. It's the first time I'm truly happy with the sound in our room since it opened 13 years ago."

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We couldn't believe how loud it could go without disrupting the rooms upstairs. It's the first time I'm truly happy with the sound in our room since it opened 13 years ago.
- Larry Oakes, Production Manager at the Bowery Hotel

• 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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Allen & Heath Mixing Console

Powersoft Quattrocanali Amplifiers

QSC Q-SYS Core 110 DSP

“My background stems from decades of high-end studio production, recording and mixing,” explains BESA’s founder/acoustician/system designer Darren Bowls. “I have a pretty good idea of what music should sound like at this point, no matter the size or deficiencies of the room, and we always leverage the most sophisticated technologies to achieve that sound.”

“This church sanctuary was acoustically designed in the early 1970s for choir, piano and organ,” Bowls continues. “It’s full of odd reflective angles, has a high peaked ceiling, and a 100-foot length from stage to balcony back wall. Acoustically the room is the same today as it was when it was built.”

Two Fulcrum AH65 full-range coaxial horns with 60°x45° dispersion are rigged as left/right mains above the stage with four DX896 dual 8-inch coaxial loudspeakers deployed as front fills along the stage lip to draw the listeners attention down to the stage. Three floor-stacked Fulcrum Sub218L dual 18-inch subwoofers are centered between stage stairs. The system is powered by Linea Research DSP amplifiers programmed with Fulcrum’s TQTM filters for impact and precise signal response.

“The technology inherent in Fulcrum Acoustic loudspeakers and processing allowed the directional pattern control and throw necessary to lay the sound in the listener’s lap despite the room deficiencies,” states Bowls.

“There is something uniquely special about the midrange and detail of Fulcrum loudspeakers,” notes Bowls. “The combination of clarity and warmth is extremely musical and very rare.”

“BESA has always focused on how a room makes a person feel while listening to music,” states Bowls. “If done correctly, the immediacy of the music and spoken word will engage the listener from any point in the room. We achieved that here.”

“Calvary Chapel Tustin’s new sound system is a tenfold improvement over the original,” concludes Bowls. “It will continue to inspire its congregation for many years to come.”

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Calvary Chapel Tustin’s new sound system is a tenfold improvement over the original. It will continue to inspire its congregation for many years to come.
- Darren, Acoustician/System Designer

Linea Research Networked C-Series DSP Amplifiers

Croft needed the accuracy, pristine imaging and precise transient response required of a studio monitor but with the directional control, power handling and output capability required for his new larger control room

Croft chose two Fulcrum RM22ac Self-Powered Dual 12 inch Coaxial Reference Monitors for his new studio. “Fulcrum has the only reference monitors I’ve ever heard that maintain their tonal characteristics up and down the volume scale,” explains Croft. “At lower volumes they sound exactly the same only softer, so I’m no longer tempted to turn on little monitors or subwoofers.”

Fulcrum’s Temporal Equalization (TQTM) processing is an integral part of the RM Series design which represents a modern DSP-aware update to traditional horn-loaded coaxial monitors. “With Fulcrum’s on-board DSP and Powersoft amplification, the sound is always clear and easy to listen to which is important as I can work for 12 hours straight,” says Croft. “The vintage recording consoles, tape recorders and mics at Casa Croftorius add sonic warmth and character, and are game-changing products which have stood the test of time. I can envision Fulcrum’s technology-driven loudspeakers being similarly coveted and cherished for their pristine sound for years to come.”

*Incorporating bass solos into Gregg Allman’s shows earned Croft the nickname “Bobbo Croftorius” (a play on Jaco Pastorius), and the name stuck.

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With Fulcrum’s on-board DSP and Powersoft amplification, the sound is always clear and easy to listen to which is important as I can work for 12 hours straight

API 2488 Mixing Console, 1974

EMT 140 Plate Reverb, 1957

Neumann U47, U67 and M49 Microphones, 1949-65

Neve 5315 Mixing Console, 1973

RADAR 24-Track Digital Audio Recorder, 1994

• “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

EAW Anya Speaker Modules

Lab.gruppen Power Amplifiers

QSC Q-SYS Core DSP

Renkus-Heinz STX Series Speakers

Yamaha CL3 Digital Mixing Console

Christian College required a versatile, portable audio system capable of delivering high output and pristine clarity for their varied applications through compact enclosures easy for students and staff to handle and set up.

“Based on their familiarity with FA Portable systems I’d provided them over the past few years, Fulcrum became the logical choice for the school’s portable PA,” explains audio producer and Fulcrum Australian distribution representative Simon Stavenuiter. “The five FA28ac self-powered dual 8 inch coaxial loudspeakers they purchased can be deployed as mains, as in the case of their assemblies and services, and can also be used as stage monitors for larger venues outside the school such as Deakin University’s Costa Hall, which is also home to an in-house Fulcrum subwoofer cardioid array.”

“The Fulcrum FA28ac loudspeakers’ sound quality and evenness provides incredibly consistent intelligibility for our entire audience,” observes Major Events’ Technical Director Ben Anderson. “Their compact, light-weight enclosures make for easy handling and an aesthetically pleasing setup. But don’t let their size fool you – they still have plenty of power without becoming ‘harsh’ at higher output levels.”

Anderson concludes, “Most importantly, we want to invest in equipment we know we can rely on, and that will keep doing its job for many years to come. With Fulcrum, we are getting a high-quality, U.S.-made product with unique acoustical advantages over traditional portable systems, and the flexibility to serve all our needs.”

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Their compact, light-weight enclosures make for easy handling and an aesthetically pleasing setup. But don’t let their size fool you – they still have plenty of power without becoming ‘harsh’ at higher output levels.

Allen & Heath GLD-80 Digital Mixer

• The rectangular room’s concrete walls and metal-skinned roof presented significant acoustical challenges
• The new system needed to provide even coverage and high fidelity for both music reproduction and voice intelligibility

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In scoping and designing the sound system for the worship center renovation, John Crawford focused on directivity and fidelity. Fulcrum CX Series 2-way loudspeakers with powerful single-neodymium-magnet coaxial transducers serve as mains – with left and right CX1595s (90° x 45°), and a CX1526 (120° x 60°) and CX896 (90° x 60°) on center.

“To provide low frequency support while directing energy off the stage, we flew a pair of Fulcrum US221-2 dual 21 inch subwoofers in an active cardioid array above the proscenium. The sub array is an excellent match for the coverage and output level of the mains,” explains Crawford. “We also redesigned the side walls with angles to eliminate parallel reflections, and we installed acoustic paneling to the rear and to select areas of the side walls. This let us create a balance between life in the room for acoustic sources and the sound quality of the speaker system.”

“Our old downward-firing, ceiling-mounted speaker cluster would blast the center of the room while leaving quiet corners to which some of our older members gravitated,” recalls Christ’s Church Worship Minister Jordan Clark. “Now, sound levels are consistent throughout the room with no hot spots to avoid. We are extremely happy with our new sound system and have heard nothing but positive feedback from our congregation on its benefit to our services.”

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We are extremely happy with our new sound system and have heard nothing but positive feedback from our congregation on its benefit to our services.
- Jordan, Worship Minister

Lab.gruppen Power Amplifiers

Symetrix DSP

Electro-Voice EVU Speakers (front fill and surrounds)

• The historic church’s highly reflective hard surfaces and “shoebox” footprint presented considerable acoustical challenges
• High-fidelity music reproduction and voice intelligibility were essential to support CBG’s contemporary worship services which incorporate awe-inspiring production to deliver their message

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“We reviewed five acoustical models using various loudspeaker line arrays before ShowPro suggested we look at Fulcrum,” recalls CBG production director Andrew Sheffler. “Not only was Fulcrum’s point source solution for the church 100 percent better than anything we’d seen, it came in at half the cost.”

Fulcrum DX1595 dual 15-inch coaxial loudspeakers are deployed as left/right mains with two DX896 8-inch speakers as outfills. Left/right CX1295 12-inch coaxial speakers serve as balcony mains with four CX896 8-inch coaxials installed under the balcony for additional coverage. Rounding out the system, four CS121 21-inch subcardioid subwoofers adjacent to stage access stairs deliver low frequency support.

“Low frequency blowback from the subs rattling the hollow wooden stage was an initial concern,” explains Sheffler. “I couldn’t believe my ears when SPL dropped 20 dB at the top of the stage stairs. Fulcrum’s Passive Cardioid TechnologyTM was a real lifesaver.”

“Loud doesn’t always equal good energy, and quiet just doesn’t carry for our worship style. I am amazed at the loudspeakers’ ability to create clear, crisp energy throughout the room without changing timbre at higher volume. We are extremely happy with the PA and I’ve recommended Fulcrum to others,” Sheffler enthuses. “This system has made me a Fulcrum Acoustic believer.”

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I am amazed at the loudspeakers’ ability to create clear, crisp energy throughout the room without changing timbre at higher volume. We are extremely happy with the PA and I’ve recommended Fulcrum to others

BSS London Processor

Lab Gruppen Power Amplifiers

Allen & Heath Digital Mixer

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The club has high ceilings and uneven walls covered with hard-reflective LED panels. Large structural columns obstruct coverage in certain areas. These conditions presented multiple acoustical challenges.

A distributed system provided the best solution for the room’s layout and the high sound pressure levels (SPLs) required for the club atmosphere. The main area below the DJ booth is covered by two AHC265. Their broadband pattern control is effective in the acoustically challenging space while their high output delivers impactful SPLs. Further back, two FH1596 act as delays. Both the AHC and FH boxes provide extended low frequency response reducing the number of subwoofers needed. CX1226 were installed around the perimeter to fill in coverage behind the obstructive structural columns. Two CX1226 act as DJ booth monitors.

Both the installer and customer were impressed with the system stating that the “sound image is accurate and clear giving people an enveloping feeling.” The high SPLs support the live performances with the distributed system providing even coverage throughout the space.

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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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BSS Soundweb London Blu-160 DSP

Soundcraft Digital Mixer

The worship center’s low ceiling required loudspeakers small enough to avoid sightlineinterference, yet powerful enough to deliver high-fidelity music and intelligible spokenword uniformly to inspire the congregation.

Harvest A/V Solutions’ Jason Holmes based the system design on left/right clusters of Fulcrum GX1295 12-inch and CX896 8-inch coaxial mains above the stage lip. “The GX1295 top cabinets handle the long throw to the back of the sanctuary and the CX896s provide fill for near field and center aisle coverage while keeping sound energy off the stage,” explains Holmes. “I chose Fulcrum GX and CX boxes for their even coverage, extreme clarity and transparency.”

“Fulcrum’s coaxial technology and design packs a lot of sound into compact and lightweight cabinets. The super small clusters not only sound great but look right for the low-ceiling room,” states Holmes. “Onstage, Fulcrum US212 Dual 12 inch direct-radiating subwoofers provide plenty of low end support. Fulcrum also provided processor settings that made for easy setup and tuning, as well as a system that sounded terrific right out of the box.”

“The old sound system was hindering our ability to minister, and making it difficult to preach from the floor which helps me connect with the congregation,” explains Pastor Torrey House. “Beyond solving our immediate sound quality and coverage challenges, the new system has the capacity to meet the needs of our planned expansion to double the sanctuary’s size.”

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Beyond solving our immediate sound quality and coverage challenges, the new system has the capacity to meet the needs of our planned expansion to double the sanctuary’s size.
- Torrey, Pastor

BSS London Processor

QSC CX Series 4-Channel Power Amplifier

Allen & Heath Qu-32 Digital Mixer

• 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 DSP

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Compact, high-fidelity loudspeakers were required to deliver nightclub-worthy output and aesthetically integrate with the magnificent ballrooms

“The intent for both systems was to allow the venue to control the volume and clarity of DJs while still delivering that nightclub feel,” explains Synapse Audio Visual Designs owner Chris Obssuth. “Four Fulcrum Prophile Series S dual 8-inch coaxial loudspeakers were aimed to converge on the Crystal Point’s ballroom dancefloor, allowing the sound energy to be dissipated by the bodies of guests dancing. With little room to work with overhead, we rigged two Fulcrum Sub215 dual 15-in subwoofers to down-fire through a drop ceiling at each end of the dancefloor. Fulcrum’s compact designs made for the discreet and elegant install venue co-owners Kyle and Lisa Truesdale were looking for.”

“For the English Manor’s Grand Ballroom, we designed a similar distributed system with six Prophile Series P single 8-inch coaxial loudspeakers and a pair of Fulcrum US212 dual 12-inch direct-radiating subs for low-frequency extension,” recounts Obssuth. “As the ballroom had been recently renovated with gorgeous Swarovski crystal chandeliers and up-color lighting, we were very deliberate about using compact, low-profile loudspeakers that wouldn’t detract from its elegance. We specified Fulcrum Prophile Series coaxial speakers because their horizontally-oriented, trapezoidal cabinets allowed us to tuck them tight to the ceiling, and their wide 100° x 100° dispersion patterns are perfect for the ballrooms’ dancefloors.”

“We now have the most impressive sound and lighting systems in the region and the response to them has been overwhelmingly positive,” enthuses Truesdale. “We wanted high-quality, high-energy sound systems for our Crystal Point and English Manor ballrooms and it couldn’t have worked out better for us.

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We specified Fulcrum Prophile Series coaxial speakers because their horizontally-oriented, trapezoidal cabinets allowed us to tuck them tight to the ceiling, and their wide 100° x 100° dispersion patterns are perfect for the ballrooms’ dancefloors.
- Chris Obssuth, Synapse Audio Visual Designs

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Powersoft M20D 2-Channel Power Amplifiers

PowersoftK3 DSP + AESOP

Creating an extremely reliable, compact sound system with the output capability, high fidelity, and targeted extra-wide horizontal coverage to energize each new CycleBar studio from wall to wall.

Platinum SLV President Cory Drake designed a sound system package for CycleBar franchises that includes Fulcrum GX1226 12-inch coaxial loudspeakers driven by rack mounted amplification and digital signal processing. Fulcrum’s GX Series loudspeakers provide the output capability and pattern control of a conventional premium two-way system, but with the directional consistency and crisp transient response that only a coaxial transducer can produce. All Fulcrum coaxial transducers are designed with proprietary Temporal Equalization (TQ™) technology to eliminate horn reflections and other artifacts.

Drake explains, “Power, clarity and pattern control are all critical for this application. Fulcrum Acoustic's GX1226 loudspeakers provide the required high output and intelligibility, along with a 120° x 60° dispersion that is a perfect match to deliver high-energy music and instructor motivation evenly to up to 55 stationary cyclists throughout each tiered CycleTheatre®.”

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Power, clarity and pattern control are all critical for this application. Fulcrum Acoustic's GX1226 loudspeakers provide the required high output and intelligibility, along with a 120° x 60° dispersion that is a perfect match to deliver high-energy music and instructor motivation evenly to up to 55 stationary cyclists throughout each tiered CycleTheatre®.

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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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• System design needs to work with the unique architecture and style of the space
• Loudspeakers need to withstand Texas weather in outdoor dining areas

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NX A/V chose Fulcrum Acoustic speakers because of their form factor, sound quality and reliability. The small-footprint of the coaxial CX loudspeakers created a space-efficient design. Since all Fulcrum Acoustic speakers are-built-to-order, the customer was able to order unfinished boxes and custom stain them to match the space. They also appreciated the unique and architecturally unobtrusive wedge shape of the CX enclosures.
The customer wanted the sound to enhance the dining experience without being too loud. Ron Stanley, proprietor of NX A/V, said that the speakers “envelop the space with a rich sound while staying intelligible at a low volume”. With two outdoor patios spaces making up a significant portion of the dining areas, Fulcrum WR speakers were deployed to withstand the Texas sun and heat.
Installers were surprised that the Fulcrum system required almost no EQ adjustment during setup and were impressed with the sound quality and coverage. The customer is very happy with the system saying that it complements the style and energy of the room. While they keep the volume low during dining hours, they love to crank it after hours.

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QSC GXD4 Amplifiers
BSS Soundweb London DSP

• 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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• 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.

• The church wanted a sound system capable of high output without sacrificing musicality, clarity, and speech intelligibility.

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Ford AV deployed ten Fulcrum Acoustic AH4 Higher-Output Coaxial Horns in a semi-circle above the altar for the main coverage. The AH4s were deployed in five groups of two vertically arrayed units. Each array consists of an AH443 over an AH463, with the AH443 providing long-throw coverage and the AH463 oriented downward to serve the lower-level seats. The broadband pattern control and extremely high output of Fulcrum’s AH4 delivered the power that First Baptist Church was seeking while maintaining fidelity and clarity.

“Fulcrum’s AH4 is perfect for the space," says system Designer Jim Tassey. “It ended up supplying more power than a line array with focused coverage and high fidelity. We knew First Baptist wanted to push the system and it needed to sound amazing under pressure without distortion and the AH4 pulled it off."

Ford AV installed Fulcrum’s US221 subwoofers in stacks of four on both sides of the center array in an active cardioid array. "I was really excited about the US221s for this project," says Tassey. "None of us had used 21-inch subwoofers before and the low frequency impact was impressive."

Nine AH96 High-Output Coaxial Horns were mounted at the ceiling midway between the altar and rear of the church as delay rings. CX826 Compact 8” Coaxial Loudspeakers were mounted under the balcony and on the altar for supplemental coverage and front fill respectively. "The sonic quality of the CX8 is incredible," says Tassey. "The wide dispersion for short throw coverage, the off-axis response, and the common voicing they have with the AH loudspeakers is very important, so it sounds the same everywhere no matter where you sit in the church. Another great feature is the mid-range coverage in the CX8. People too often forget how important mid-range coverage is for delays.”

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Powersoft Ottocanali and Quattrocanali Amplifiers/DSP

Music reproduction, voice intelligibility and high SPLs were crucial for the church's orchestra and choir, as well as for concerts the church hosts.

To cover the front rows of the church, three Fulcrum AH65 loudspeakers were flown above the proscenium. The AH65 is a bi-amplified, 2-way, high-sensitivity, arrayable coaxial horn system that provides precise pattern control to below 400 Hz, low frequency extension to below 80 Hz and exceptionally high output with modest amplifier power. Even at high SPLs, the AH65s can deliver the clarity and consistent voicing the church required.

To fill the rear of the auditorium, delayed Fulcrum CS1595 15-inch coaxial loudspeakers were mounted along the sides. The 2-way CX1595 uses a 3-inch coaxial titaniumdiaphragm compression driver and a 15-inch woofer with a single neodymium magnet. CX Series loudspeakers provide the output capability and pattern control of normal, premium 2-way systems in significantly more compact enclosures suitable for many applications. Their vertically trapezoidal shape and compact size allows for mounting very close to ceilings or under balconies, making them ideal for the church’s sidefills.

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Dante-enabled Yamaha QL5 Console and Stagebox

BSS DSP

• The loudspeakers needed to provide sound for a 600 person congregation while fitting into a 3 foot vertical space to avoid blocking projection screens.

The new multi-purpose worship space was designed for a line array sound system. Yet when construction began, the amount of space for the loudspeakers was minimized due to the placement of the projection screens. Additionally, the beams in the ceiling prevented the loudspeakers from being hung outside of the screens without creating a wider splay in the audio. "These constraints required us to consider a different system configuration," says installer Dallas Anderson. "We entered the project into EASE and saw that the FH series from Fulcrum Acoustic would be the perfect choice."

Tricorne Audio deployed Fulcrum Acoustic's FH1566 Full-Range Coaxial Horn with the CS121 Subcardioid Subwoofers to match the output of the Line Array system initially planned for this job. Fulcrum's unique TQ Processing provides exceptional clarity and precise transient response, even at the high sound pressure levels necessary for a space as large as First Lutheran Church. The FH's compact trapezoidal shape allowed it to be mounted close to the ceiling with minimal visual obstruction while providing the necessary output and pattern control for the space. The light weight of the CS121 cabinet and variety of mounting points allowed the subwoofers to be mounted on their side and flown directly behind the FH1566 speakers to fill out the low end. "We had about three inches of extra space without blocking the screens," says Anderson. Fulcrum Acoustic provided a custom finish for the speakers to match the ceiling, aptly titled "Amazing Gray," so the loudspeakers could seamlessly blend into the space.

"I've used Fulcrum before but not these particular models," says Anderson. "Pattern control, gain before feedback, and sustain before output were on our minds when we added the cardioid subs and the system performed just as I expected. It sounded amazing."

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Pattern control, gain before feedback, and sustain before output were on our minds when we added the cardioid subs and the system performed just as I expected. It sounded amazing.
- Dallas Anderson, System Installer

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Symmetrix Prism DSP

Allen Heath dLive Mixer

• Outdoor stages with a large crowd capacity need consistent pattern control across wide and deep seating sections
• Audio needed to be contained to the audience areas to minimize leakage into adjacent performances
• The smaller courtyard stage has historically had issues with intelligibility due to reflections from the surrounding brick buildings

To meet the festival’s needs, Raboin chose to deploy Fulcrum Acoustic FL283 cardioid line arrays at both stages, along with Fulcrum Acoustic cardioid stage monitors and cardioid subwoofers.

"Keeping the audio contained within the audience areas required a loudspeaker system with excellent pattern control over its entire bandwidth," says Raboin. "In previous years they had issues with bleed between stages but with the way we arrayed the FL283's it was no longer an issue. We were also able to use them to minimize the reflections at the courtyard stage.

"We then supplemented the FL283 cardioid line arrays with active and passive cardioid subwoofer systems to extend this control down to the lowest frequencies. By utilizing a subwoofer arc, we could contain the low end energy within the listening area and keep it off the walls. Fulcrum’s CSP118 Passive Cardioid Subwoofers allowed us to achieve cardioid performance within the space limitations of the smaller stage. For the larger stage, we used our Fulcrum TS221 subwoofers in an active cardioid configuration. FW15 cardioid stage monitors and FA12 monitors helped us provide a superb stage experience for the performers.”

In addition to the main arrays, Fulcrum FL283T were used in a ground-stack configuration to provide outfill coverage for the main stage. FA28 and FA12 were used for front fill to cover the near seats, and delayed FH1565 provided support for the seats in the back.

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Linea 44M Series Amplifiers/DSP

• 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

• The main loudspeaker location is immediately in front of the proscenium wall.  Any rear-radiating energy would reflect off the wall, interfering with speech intelligibility and clarity of music.
• The wide footprint of the audience area required a solution with precise pattern control to optimize coverage.
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Nick Moon from Tone Proper AV was chosen to create a high-fidelity sound system for church services and other performances in Grace Chapel’s new sanctuary. Moon installed five FL283T Line Array Modules on either side of the altar for the main coverage. Fulcrum Acoustic's patented Passive Cardioid Technology dramatically reduces the rear low frequency radiation from the FL283T which would otherwise reflect off the wall. “Most people don't realize how much low frequency energy radiates from the back of most line arrays; they aren’t as directional as many assume,” says Moon. “Fulcrum's Passive Cardioid mitigates that leakage without adding all this extra equipment."

"The FL283T presents such an effective use of resources. I love working with it," Moon continues. "You can deploy a lot of modules without needing too many amp channels. Plus, the vertical coverage from each unit is impressive on its own. We have five FL283Ts in each array but with other products we would need six or seven units to achieve a similar performance.”

The compact Sub218L subwoofers provide ample low frequency support for the system within the small envelope of the concrete cavities built into the altar. “Between the room treatment and the system design, this is one of the best sounding multi-purpose worship spaces out there,” says Moon.

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Linea Research DSP

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• Multiple levels of seating and a large, open space require strict pattern control to concentrate sound on the congregation.
• The location and shallow depth of the altar requires broad band directional control to keep sound energy off the altar.

Terry Stewart from Simon Productions flew 16 FL283T Dual 8" Subcardioid Line Array Modules in two separate arrays of 8 on either side of the altar as the main loudspeakers. The FL283T provides the throw and tight vertical dispersion needed to distribute uniform coverage to the floor, stairway, and balcony seats without energizing the full vertical expanse of the space.

Fulcrum Acoustic's Passive Cardioid Technology controls the rear low frequency radiation in the FL283Ts thereby providing the broadband control needed for the project. Additionally FW15 Coaxial Cardioid Stage Monitors were selected for use on the altar. The Passive Cardioid feature allows the FW15s to provide precise control, resulting in better separation for different monitor mixes and better control of offaxis spill.

Stewart installed four of Fulcrum's US221-2 Dual 21" Direct Radiating Subwoofers directly into the front of the altar in their own insulated wall niches. Two of the US221-2s were coupled in the center of the room while the other two were deployed on either side.

The wide dispersion of the S Dual 8” Coaxial Loudspeakers allowed for three of them to provide front fill for congregants approaching the altar. This area is otherwise outside of the coverage of the main FL283T arrays. The coaxial drivers of the S loudspeakers provide stable, high fidelity imaging at close range which is ideal for their placement at the lip of the altar.

"We are absolutely thrilled with the sound of this Fulcrum system," says Pastor Kyle Flowers. "We had lots of guests from different churches that came to be with us for our first service and everyone was remarking on the clarity and high quality."

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We had lots of guests from different churches that came to be with us for our first service and everyone was remarking on the clarity and high quality.
- Pastor Kyle Flowers

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Allen & Heath Avantis Mixer

As an Assembly of God church with contemporary services featuring a seven- to nine-piece praise band, Highpointe required a very powerful and precise system that could focus sound on the seating areas to maximize clarity.

To build the sound system with the requisite high SPLs and precise directional control, the Enginuity team chose three custom-built Fulcrum LCR clusters, each with three powered DX1565AC dual 15-inch cabinets with 60° x 45° dispersion – an unusual configuration. DX Series 3-way loudspeakers provide superior output and pattern control in an enclosure size that would typically house a conventional 2-way system. Each of the nine cabinets is driven by two 1,500-watt modules for a total of 3,000 watts per channel.

Four powered FA28ac dual 8-inch coaxial loudspeakers were deployed as front fills, and four dual 15-inch TS215 direct-radiating subwoofers were tied into the center cluster. For sub-lows, four TS221 dual 21 inch direct-radiating subwoofers were ground stacked on the left and right of the stage. The end result of this massive and challenging force majeure-caused AVL overhaul is that Fulcrum loudspeaker’s signature clarity and well behaved directionality have Highpointe Church sounding brighter and better than ever.

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Powersoft K20 2-Channel Power Amps

(2) Symetrix DSP Units

Yamaha CK5 Digital Mixer

High output and directional control were crucial for providing music and voice intelligibility throughout the large open plaza while negotiating the highly reflective glass and hard surfaces of its "vertical mall" architecture.

A pair of Fulcrum AH463 High Efficiency Full-Range Coaxial Horns provides audio coverage for one of the plaza's large video displays. AH Series loudspeakers are a bi-amplified, 2-way, high sensitivity, arrayable coaxial horn systems that provide precise pattern control to below 400 Hz, low frequency extension to below 80 Hz, and extremely high output with modest amplifier power. They are particularly effective in acoustically challenging spaces that require broadband pattern control and high acoustic output, such as Hong Kong's Times Square.

Two DX1295 Dual 12 inch Coaxial Loudspeakers were deployed to provide audio coverage for the second, larger video display. DX Series 3-way loudspeakers provide the output and pattern control of two low frequency transducers in an enclosure size that would typically house a conventional 2-way system. They include a single-neodymium-magnet coaxial transducer and a powerful ceramic magnet low frequency transducer. The two low frequency devices both operate down to the lowest frequencies, resulting in mutual coupling that provides unusually high efficiency and impact in the critical 80 Hz to 500 Hz range.

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Lab.gruppen Power Amplifiers

Symetrix DSP

• Extremely dependable, portable loudspeakers capable of delivering the power, clarity and directivity necessary to support a wide variety of musical styles ranging from acapella to bluegrass, jazz to hard rock for audiences from 50 to 5,500
• Sturdy, well-constructed portable loudspeakers with strategically placed handles and lightweight enclosures for easy handling

After an initial purchase of four Fulcrum US221 dual 12-inch subwoofers, Steve Cook continued to upgrade his equipment with six DX1565 dual 15-inch and three DX1295 dual 12-inch speakers to build what he describes as “the best sound system in Iowa City.” Steve claims, “I know that when I plug Fulcrum speakers in, they’re absolutely going to work. This is crucial when we’re spinning from one stage to another with so little time between performances that our line check will be the only sound check we’ll get. During the jazz festival, we did sound for 19 artists in 34 shows on 5 stages over 3 days and with Fulcrum speakers were able to nail each one.”

From an ease-of-use perspective, Steve knows all too well what it’s like to have to flag a passerby to help get 250 pound speakers off subwoofers when you're the last person left to tear down an event setup. He says, “not only are DX Series speakers built like tanks, at only 90 pounds, they’re very manageable for my crew.” Steve adds, “with Fulcrum, I’ve found a level of integrity, service and support I haven’t seen with other companies. Whether it’s sharing processor configurations on their site’s support page, or coming through with real-time technical assistance when I’ve needed it most, I know I can always count on Fulcrum.”

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With Fulcrum, I’ve found a level of integrity, service and support I haven’t seen with other companies. Whether it’s sharing processor configurations on their site’s support page, or coming through with real-time technical assistance when I’ve needed it most, I know I can always count on Fulcrum.
- Steve Cook, Sound Production

• 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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• Sonic clarity and transparency are essential when mixing Baez's distinctive voice and acoustic instrumentation
• High fidelity is required to minimize, or entirely eliminate, monitor remixing between acts when multiple performers share a concert stage
• Precise pattern control is critical for small to mid-size halls which don't leave a lot of space to deal with reflections
• Compact portable subwoofers needed to deliver concert-level LF while minimizing visual intrusion for her concert (shown in rehearsal) at New York City's historic Beacon Theater, taped for broadcast on the PBS's Great Performances series

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For Baez's monitor system, Raboin chose Fulcrum Acoustic FA12ac loudspeakers, from the FA Portable Series. The FA12ac is a 2-way, 90° x 45° coaxial system that employs a single 12 inch coaxial loudspeaker with a rotatable horn. It features an onboard Powersoft Class D amplifier and a multi-faceted enclosure with both 40° and 55° rear angles for stage monitor use. The FA Series of full-range loudspeakers bring Fulcrum's signature clarity and well-behaved directionality to portable applications in versatile and easy-to-handle packages. In addition to using Fulcrum speakers as monitors for Joan Baez and other artists, Raboin often employs portable FA12ac and/or FA22ac loudspeakers whose rotatable horns provide broad coverage for front-of-house.

For sub-bass, Raboin favors Fulcrum's TS215 passive, dual 15 inch, direct-radiating subwoofers. The TS215 rivals the output of many conventional dual 18 inch subwoofers, yet it is compact and portable for live production.

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Powersoft's Armonia Pro Audio SuiteTM Control Software

• The main cluster of loudspeakers that were originally mounted behind the stage led to unbalanced audio coverage for the congregation.
• The placement of additional front fill loudspeakers created overlapping audio coverage resulting in intelligibility issues.

"The stage at Kingdom Life Christian Church is carved into one of the longer walls and has a lower ceiling than the congregation," says Installer Kevin Maxwell. "The main cluster of loudspeakers used to be set up behind the stage and they were so low that we couldn't get sound to people in the back without blasting the front. The additional front fill loudspeakers only muddled the sound due to overlap.

"I was excited to use Fulcrum for this project," he continues. "I remember a demo a few years back where another loudspeaker company was showing how loud their speakers can get and it was just too aggressive. Then Fulcrum did their demo and pushed their loudspeakers to the same decibel level but this time it didn't hurt my ears at all. That's what initially piqued my interest in their products."

Kevin Maxwell deployed Fulcrum's CCX1295 Coaxial Cardioid Loudspeakers in three concentric rings with two fills in the back corners of the room on each side in order to provide full coverage within the wide room. "This project would not work with a single point source or it would be way too loud in order to reach listeners at the back of the room," says Maxwell.

The Passive Cardioid technology in the CCX helped reduce low frequency spill into delay rings closer to the stage, which interferes with intelligibility. "This is one of the first projects we did with that many CCXs," says Rich Frembes, the Product Developer at Fulcrum Acoustic. "Normally you have to roll off the low end to keep it from people in the front but it sounds less natural in the back. By using Passive Cardioid this was much easier to tune."

"I talk to Bishop Ramirez a lot," mentions a parishioner. "This new system is the first time he has sounded like we are talking face to face when he's speaking in the microphone. It's amazing!"

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This new system is the first time he has sounded like we are talking face to face when he's speaking in the microphone. It's amazing!
- Church Parishioner

Linea Research Amplifiers

• As the comedy club also hosts DJs and live bands, the system needed to reinforce music as well as speech
• The club's wide layout makes coverage difficult and large structural columns obstruct coverage in certain areas

For the front mains in the show room, the Parsons Audio team flew a left-center-right point-source system over the front of the stage.“The center speaker is a Fulcrum Acoustic DX1226, which is a dual-12-inch, coaxial loudspeaker with a 120° x 60° dispersion pattern,” explains Parsons Audio Managing Vice President Roger Talkov. “The left and right speakers are Fulcrum GX1265s. They have a very narrow pattern, 60° x 45°, so they were good choices to cover the wide left and right, filling in where the support columns obstructed the center speaker, while keeping sound off the walls.”

The building columns created some shadowing in the extreme rear of the room as well, so a pair of delayed Fulcrum RX599 loudspeakers were mounted along the sides to cover the back row of tables. The RX599 is a 5.25-inch coaxial speaker with a 90° x 90° pattern, and two of them provided the supplementary coverage needed. The result was higher output and better gain before feedback compared to the previous system.

Talkov’s team also chose Fulcrum's TS215ac self-powered, dual 15-inch, direct-radiating subwoofers. “The TS215ac is portable, which made it a great choice for Laugh Boston,” notes Talkov. “They wheel the subwoofer out for DJs and bands and put it away for stand-up acts, which don’t need it.”

Completing the loudspeaker complement are Fulcrum FX896 8-inch coaxial stage monitors. “The FX896 is an excellent choice for a comedy club that has relatively light stagemonitoring needs,” Talkov observes. “They were perfect for Laugh Boston.”

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The TS215ac is portable, which made it a great choice for Laugh Boston. They wheel the subwoofer out for DJs and bands and put it away for stand-up acts, which don’t need it.
- Roger Talkov, Parsons Audio Managing Vice President

Symetrix Radius 12x8 EX DSP

Powersoft M50Q Power Amplifi

• 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.

QSC CXD4.3Q-NA Network Amplifiers

QSC Q-SYS Core 110f Audio-Processing

JBL Ceiling and Monitor Speakers

Yamaha QL1 32-Channel Digital Mixer

• Eight-foot ceilings and hard reflective surfaces in the hotel lobby bar/dining area and basement speakeasy presented acoustical challenges
• Compact, high-fidelity loudspeakers were required to fit discretely in the hotel’s tight installation spaces without detracting from its elegant design aesthetic

“When our client said she was looking for small, high-end loudspeakers for the Life Hotel, I knew exactly where to turn,” explains Synapse Audio Visual Designs owner Chris Obssuth. “We designed a distributed system based on Fulcrum Acoustic’s RX Series coaxial loudspeakers. We’ve found their high output-to-size ratio and broad 90° x 90° coverage extremely effective in close quarters like the hotel spaces.”

Eight compact Fulcrum RX699 6.5-inch coaxial loudspeakers cover the lobby’s cozy bar and dining area with six additional RX699s in the historic downstairs speakeasy which was discovered during the hotel’s extensive renovation. “The beauty of Fulcrum’s RX Series speakers is that they’re very full sounding for a small form factor and their midbass is ridiculously good,” says Obssuth.

“We also installed two ultra-compact Fulcrum US212 dual 12-inch subwoofers in the hotel’s basement speakeasy for the low frequency extension needed to support live DJs,” recalls Obssuth. “When space is a challenge to find, as is often the case in New York city, Fulcrum loudspeakers are a great fit.”

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The beauty of Fulcrum’s RX Series speakers is that they’re very full sounding for a small form factor and their midbass is ridiculously good.
- Chris Obssuth, Synapse Audio Visual Designs Owner

Symetrix Radius DSP

Powersoft M28Q and M50Q Amplifiers

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

• The Church’s extensive stained glass and hard surfaces create a reverberant chamber
• The sound system needed to be visually unobtrusive so as not to detract from the sanctuary’s remarkable architecture
• The system needed to provide improved intelligibility and output

Designer and system integrator Ford Audio-Video Systems selected Fulcrum Acoustic’s AH Series horn-loaded loudspeaker systems. “The previous point source speakers were medium-long throw systems, but lacked the tight pattern control the space required, particularly in the mid- and low-mid frequency range,” says Ford’s Shawn Slocum. “The AH65’s 60 x 45 degree pattern covers the seating area but ends just inside the angular side walls, limiting reflections and improving intelligibility.” The existing pew back system adds coverage for the far outside seats, and a pair of Fulcrum Acoustic US212 subwoofers are installed in the front organ towers, adding low frequency reinforcement that the sanctuary had never previously enjoyed.

“The new system delivers a marked improvement in both intelligibility and frequency response for parishioners seated in both the main floor and balcony areas,” Slocum reports, adding that the next phase of the project will include several Fulcrum DX896 loudspeakers to provide greater forward imaging for the front third of the main floor. “The new system has already made a dramatic difference, and will be even better when the front fills are installed next year.”

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The new system delivers a marked improvement in both intelligibility and frequency response for parishioners seated in both the main floor and balcony areas.
- Shawn Slocum, Ford Audio-Video Systems

• 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.

Powersoft Amplifiers
QSC Q-SYS

• High ceilings and reflective surfaces create a reverberant space that can lead to intelligibility and clarity issues.
• Instructors require high impact music to energize their classes.

While installed very close to the ceiling, the CX896’s 90° x 60° dispersion focuses sound exactly where we need it, keeping it off non-acoustically treated hard reflective surfaces and from impacting TruClear’s corporate offices on the floor above.
- Ben, TruClear Global Experience Center

Two FH1566 Full Range Coaxial Horn loudspeakers were hung from a truss at the front of the exercise room with the CS121 Subcardioid Subwoofer in the center. The low frequency extension and high output of the FH1566 paired with the CS121 provided the full range of sound and desired impact for the music accompanying the exercise classes.

The CS121 uses Fulcrum Acoustic’s exclusive Passive Cardioid Technology to reduce the low frequency radiation from the rear of the cabinet and minimize reflected energy. The broadband pattern control of the FH1566 directed sound to the people on the floor without energizing the full vertical expanse of the space. This tightly controlled sound maximized the music’s clarity and the instructor’s intelligbility.

Midtown desired an efficient, uncomplicated solution without compromising performance. Each FH15 requires only 1 amplifier channel and the CS121 achieves its cardioid pattern passively, without requiring additional amplifier channels or DSP, compared to an active cardioid solution. The result is a high fidelity system that meets the needs of the instructors and is appreciated by club members.

Symmetrix Jupiter DSP Amplifiers

Crown 4-Channel Amplifier

• 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.

• Rear low frequency cancellation was needed to keep sound energy off the stage and back wall
• The new sound system needed to be easy to operate, and provide even coverage and high fidelity for music reproduction and voice intelligibility

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Two Fulcrum Acoustic CS121 21 inch Cardioid Subwoofers flown behind a CX1595 15 inch Coaxial Loudspeaker flanked by left/right CX1565 15 inch Coaxial Loudspeakers at New Life Church in Prince Frederick, Maryland.

“As shallow trussing didn’t leave room for under-stage subwoofers, we knew they’d have to be flown to get the coverage we needed,” recounts AVE design engineer Max Clixby. “Space was also a challenge overhead with only 12 feet of stage depth to install mains, subs, a laser projector and screen. We needed a cardioid pattern to keep sound energy off the stage, back wall and video gear, but lacked the space and budget for an active cardioid array.”

Painted into an acoustical corner, Clixby saw Fulcrum Acoustic Cardioid Subwoofers with Passive Cardioid Technology™ as the only solution capable of creating a cardioid effect in half the footprint of an active cardioid array. Clixby’s design includes two Fulcrum CS121 21 inch subcardioid subwoofers flown behind compact 15-inch CX Series coaxial loudspeakers; a CX1595 (90° x 45°) on center flanked by left/right CX1565s (60° x 45°). “We’ve been very intentional about reducing sound on stage and focusing on how our contemporary services sound to our congregation,” explains New Life Church special projects coordinator Ronny Settle.

“We’ve gone to ‘silent stages’ using in-ear monitors where everything you hear comes out of the house speakers. It’s amazing how Fulcrum’s Cardioid Subwoofers provide incredible bass while keeping sound energy off the stage where it would interfere with live mics. We are blown away by Fulcrum’s quality of sound. New Life Calvert has set a new sound standard for all our church campuses.

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We are blown away by Fulcrum’s quality of sound. New Life Calvert has set a new sound standard for all our church campuses.
- Ronny Settle, New Life Church Special Projects Coordinator

Q-SYS Core 110f DSP Platform

QSC 4.3 and 4.5 Power Amplifiers

Midas M32 Digital Mixing Console

• The wide sanctuary presented a challenge in obtaining smooth, even coverage.
• The concave back wall focuses amplified sound onto the LED video wall onstage creating echoes and focusing at the pulpit position.
• The reflective parallel side walls and back corners of the sanctuary cause echoes throughout, leading to intelligibility issues for speech and clarity of amplified music.

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The precise coverage patterns provided by the FH1596 Full Range Coaxial Horn loudspeakers were an ideal choice for minimizing sound hitting the reflective and focusing surfaces. The extended low-frequency pattern control of the FH Series further helps achieve clarity, despite the various reflections. Additionally, the low frequency extension of the FH series speakers allows them to seamlessly integrate with the Sub218L subwoofers. The speaker system was installed in an LCR configuration to adequately cover the wide seating area and with enough output to easily accommodate modern rock worship music. Sub218L Direct-Radiating Subwoofers were installed in pockets beneath the stage, providing a more spectrally balanced single-source sound.

Darren Bowls chose Fulcrum's DX896 Dual Coaxial Loudspeakers as front fills to maintain the spectral balance and supplement coverage for the first few rows beneath and between the FH1596 mains. FW15 Coaxial Cardioid Stage Monitors, utilizing Fulcrum's Passive Cardioid Technology, were deployed for frontline musicians on stage to minimize low frequency leakage from spilling into the front rows.

"I first installed Fulcrum's FH loudspeakers at a high school gymnasium last year. Between the speakers and the acoustical treatments, that is one of the best listening environments we have created to date," says Bowls. "Knowing Oak Valley's sancutary was near the same size as the gym, I knew FH15s would be a perfect fit for that room. The speakers sound brilliant. The system as designed distributes sound exactly how and where we want it."

Zack Tuttle, the driving force behind Oak Valley Church's technology vision adds, “There is a unique smoothness and clarity that you get from Fulcrum speakers. It is such an enjoyable sound. Even when you push the system hard, you just get more of that same great sound.”

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The speakers sound brilliant. The system as designed distributes sound exactly how and where we want it.
- Darren Bowls, Designer

Linea 44M Series Amplifiers/DSP

The Oxford Social Club required powerful yet compact loudspeakers capable of energizing its dance floor without detracting from the visual aesthetic of the lounge.

Lyons designed a system with eight Fulcrum Acoustic CX1295 12 inch coaxial loudspeakers, one Sub215 Dual 15 in Direct-Radiating Subwoofer, and seven Sub115 15 inch Direct-Radiating Subwoofers. The mains were carefully positioned inside soffits around the lounge, while the subwoofers were secreted into existing millwork and columns. Additional smaller side zone speakers were placed near the entryway and bathrooms.

“Any time I do a project I try to identify the products that are the best fit,” Lyons explains. “In this case we wanted high-powered, high-fidelity sound, but we didn’t want to take up a lot of visual space. Fulcrum was the clear choice.”

“I always tend to give my clients a little more than they ask for because I know that two hours into opening night they’re going to wish they had it,” he adds. “With the Fulcrum loudspeakers and Powersoft amps, this system is deceptively powerful. It’s kind of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It can get really loud if the night calls for it.

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With the Fulcrum loudspeakers and Powersoft amps, this system is deceptively powerful. It’s kind of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It can get really loud if the night calls for it.
- John Lyons, industry sound expert

Powersoft Ottocanali Amplifiers

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

QSC Integrated Core 500i System Platform

• The retractable roof creates a space with inconsistent acoustics that change as the roof is opened and closed.

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Nathan Powell, the Technical Director at Parx Casino was looking for a high output compact system that can handle the elements of an outdoor space while providing high fidelity sound. Additionally, the system had to blend well into the architectural design. “Our owner is very particular about aesthetics,” says Powell. “We wanted these loudspeakers to disappear into the fabric of our building columns while providing high quality audio. They also needed to be weather proof. I knew Fulcrum would be able to help us out.”

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Fulcrum Acoustic’s CX series offers multiple coverage patterns while maintaining the benefits of a compact coaxial loudspeaker, making the CX Series an ideal choice for this volatile space. The compact size and 90°x60° dispersion pattern of the CX896 provided the right combination of acoustical and aesthetic attributes. Their surprisingly high output provides the necessary SPL for a wide range of uses with the roof open or closed.

Between the CX Series’ small size and the custom coloring provided by Fulcrum Acoustic, the speakers easily blended into the space. The compact US212 companion subwoofers allowed Parx Casino installers to easily suspend them from the ceiling in order to provide the LF extension necessary for a high quality music experience. Fulcrum’s composite materials ensure that their WR loudspeakers are able to withstand any unexpected bad weather that hits the space. “The entire room can be rained on,” adds Powell. “We’ve had zero problems since these speakers went up and we’re all very pleased. It’s such a relief to have an outdoor space for events that is entirely waterproof.”

Crown Audio DCI Amplifiers

BSS Audio 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

Powersoft Amplifiers

QSC Core 110f DSP

With many of the projects gracing the UAE’S hospitality sector being relaunches, reworks or renovations of existing brands, which from an AV standpoint can be either a blessing or a curse, when Pitfire Pizza opened a new outlet in Dubai Hills Business Park recently, it offered a completely blank canvas.

Pitfire’s success story began in 2014 when husband-and- wife duo, Michele and Bill Johnson, opened the first-ever Pitfire Pizza in The Greens. A decade on and Pitfire has gained a cult following and spread to five dine-in outlets across Dubai. The brand not only promises one of the best slices in town, but the new Dubai Hills location is also home to a fully licensed bar. Since opening, it has quickly become something of a community hotspot.

To create a truly unique dining experience for its guests, the new outlet was in need of a sophisticated audio system with independently controlled zones throughout. There was a desire for tailored soundscapes in each of its five different areas in order to ensure a perfect ambience for every occasion. AVI-SPL was quickly enlisted to devise a suitable solution, working closely with Bill to understand his vision and specific requirements.

The team, led by AVI-SPL Middle East’s business development manager Nick Hartshorn, installed a comprehensive distributed audio setup featuring 29 sleek black Fulcrum Acoustic RX699 6.5-inch coaxial speakers and supplementary Sub112 12-inch subwoofers. These have been integrated into the venue’s specially designed rafters, complementing the dining area’s overall aesthetic.

For operation and flexibility, a QSC Core system was also integrated, linking the audio system with the building’s network and fire alarm systems. Staff can easily control it via wall-mounted panels or any Bluetooth-connected device. “Creating this sophisticated and adaptable audio environment involved detailed consultations with the owner to understand his specific requirements,” explained Hartshorn, “while the expert installation and calibration of the audio equipment ensured optimal sound distribution across the different zones. The QSC Core system provides both safety and ease of control, while its operability from wall plates and remotely allows staff to manage the audio environment based on varying crowd sizes and event types, allowing for immediate adjustments, which is crucial during events or peak dining times.”

Each of the five zones allows for different audio settings across various sections of the restaurant. The entrance area can play energising, welcoming music, while the dining area can maintain a softer, more intimate ambiance.

For AVL-SPL Middle East, the project faced two primary challenges: a quick turnaround due to the venue’s imminent scheduled opening, and achieving optimal audio balance, especially considering the varying capacity levels the venue would experience. The company tackled this by deploying an experienced team known for their fast-track project delivery. The integrator ensured that every phase, from procurement through testing, was expedited without compromising on quality.

The initial acoustic engineering involved close collaboration with Bill and his team to set the audio environment. Further refinement was achieved by engaging business development director Val Gilbert from Fulcrum Acoustic. This collaborative effort was crucial in adjusting the sound system to be highly responsive to changes in venue capacity, ensuring optimal distribution and clarity at all times.

“AVI-SPL delivered the Pitfire project seamlessly, from conception to final delivery, meeting the customer’s brief for a discreet, but powerful and high-quality audio system. This is exactly the DNA of Fulcrum Acoustic products, offering exceptional performance, with precision coverage, putting sound exactly where it needs to be,” says Gilbert. “As Fulcrum Acoustic grows in the region, it was important that one of the first local projects set the bar. AVI-SPL have hit a home-run, and having visited the location, the system is as good as the pizza!”

The newly installed system provides precise control over audio levels across different zones of the restaurant, enhancing the ambience and overall customer experience. This tailored audio environment supports varying dynamics, from lively dinner rushes to quieter, intimate dining experiences, making it adaptable to any situation.

“The audio system has truly elevated the atmosphere of our Dubai Hills location,” reflects the owner. “Our customers are loving the new vibe, and we’ve noticed they tend to stay longer and enjoy their time more. AVI-SPL didn’t just install a sound system; they enhanced our entire sensory experience. The flexible audio zones allow us to host multiple events from sports nights, to corporate celebrations, giving extra focus in certain areas around the venue simultaneously without any disruption, which is fantastic for our business.”

The integration of high-quality speakers and subwoofers with advanced control systems has proven reliable during peak operations, ensuring continuous quality without disruptions. “The project culminated in a state-of-the-art audio system installation that not only met but exceeded the expectations set forth by Pitfire Pizza,” adds Hartshorn.

“The audio system has truly elevated the atmosphere of our Dubai Hills location. Our customers are loving the new vibe, and we’ve noticed they tend to stay longer and enjoy their time more."
— Owner of Pitfire Pizza

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QSC Core System

• 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 Amplifiers

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

Powersoft Amplifiers

QSC Q-SYS DSP

“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:

Powersoft Amplifiers

• 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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Powersoft and QSC Amplifiers

QSC Q-SYS DSP

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• 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.

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

Lab.gruppen Power Amplifiers

BSS Soundweb London DSP

• 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 & 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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Ashly NXP8004 and NXP8002 Amplifiers

Renkon Saigon required powerful, well-behaved loudspeakers capable of distributing high-fidelity sound uniformly throughout the acoustically challenging 2,100 square foot, two-floor venue. They also required a compact, visually unobtrusive sound system that would fit within the client’s strict budgetary parameters.

“We took extra care in designing around Renkon’s centerpiece winding wood staircase which allows each floor to operate as a separate coverage area for private events,” explains DesignLive’s founder Thu Ta. “A combination of six total Fulcrum CX896 and CX826 8-inch coaxial loudspeakers serve as fill systems. For such a small cabinet size, the CX8s’ provide extremely consistent coverage with excellent high-fidelity output. Low-frequency support for Renkon’s hip-hop heavy music mix comes from Fulcrum Sub115 15-inch subwoofers which have an incredibly smooth and deep bass response.”

The sound system discretely integrates with Renkon’s understated high-modern design aesthetic. A combination of CX8s’ unique vertically trapezoidal shape, which enables mounting tight to ceilings, and custom color-matched enclosures blend in seamlessly with Renkon’s elegant terrazzo base finishes.

“Our client and the interior designer were fantastic to work with as they truly understand how critical acoustics and aesthetics are for a high-quality hospitality venue,” enthuses Thu. “Renkon Saigon is undisputedly the best-sounding izakaya in downtown Saigon and the client absolutely loves the performance of the system.”

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Renkon Saigon is undisputedly the best-sounding izakaya in downtown Saigon and the client absolutely loves the performance of the system.
- Thu Ta, DesignLive

Powersoft Quattrocanali Series Amplifiers

Symetrix Prism 8x8 Digital Signal Processor

Powersoft Amplifiers
QSC Q-SYS

SOHY required powerful yet compact, loudspeakers with the flexibility to support vocal stage shows, fine instrumental performances, and headliner DJs without detracting from the club’s elegant design aesthetic. Pinpoint pattern control was also critical to keep sound from reflecting off stone, glass and aluminum finishes, and from spilling over into a five-star, high-rise hotel next door. Additionally, extremely durable, weather resistant loudspeakers were essential to withstand Ho Chi Minh City’s challenging environment of alternating phases of sweltering heat and tropical thunderstorms.

“One of our proposal’s big advantages was that Fulcrum Acoustic’s compact loudspeakers could provide high-fidelity, high-powered audio while easily integrating into SOHY’s very limited interior design provisions,” explains DesignLive Technologies owner Phu Tran Pham. “21 Fulcrum Prophile P 8-inch coaxial loudspeakers and 29 pole-mounted, weather-resistant DX896-WR dual 8-inch speakers provide even coverage, focusing immersive sound inward to the venue and away from reflective architectural surfaces and neighboring structures.” Fulcrum WR enclosures provide superior weather resistance in significantly lighter-weight packages, and feature triple-plated grilles and stainless steel mounting hardware.

“Fulcrum’s extremely powerful but deceptively small VLF Install Sub series installation subwoofers allowed us to implement the 15 subs EASE modeling called for to provide club-worthy low-frequency extension,” continues Phu Tran Pham. “Fulcrum also shared their extensive experience with nightclub systems to provide points of reference for our design which helped SOHY raise the bar with their new venue branded as the top luxury sky lounge in Vietnam.”

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Fulcrum also shared their extensive experience with nightclub systems to provide points of reference for our design which helped SOHY raise the bar with their new venue branded as the top luxury sky lounge in Vietnam.
- Phu Tran Pham, DesignLive Technologies

Powersoft Ottocanali and X Series Amplifiers

Symetrix Signal Processors

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The sanctuary’s hard reflective surfaces and lack of acoustical treatment presented significant acoustical challenges. Its aesthetic challenges included parameters on loudspeaker placement to avoid detracting from the awe-inspiring architecture.

“Saint Pius Tenth is the first new church in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester in 40 years, so I knew expectations were running high,” recounts Joe Barone. “While the original sanctuary had been acoustically dead, the new one’s highly reflective marble, drywall, glass, and wooden surfaces create a very live and reverberant worship space.”

“Loudspeaker selection, aiming and placement were critical,” explains Barone. “While many loudspeaker brands offer limited driver sizes and horn patterns, and leave it up to designers to fit them into their projects, Fulcrum’s broad range of coaxial loudspeaker systems all but ensures the right tool for any given project.”

“We flew left/right Fulcrum DX1577 dual 15-inch coaxial loudspeakers with 75° x 75° horns as mains,” relates Barone. “Four compact DX896 dual 8-inch coaxes with 90° x 60° horns serve as fills for the sanctuary’s side and mezzanine sections. Rounding out the system, a pair of compact Fulcrum FX896 8-inch, portable coaxial vocal monitors provide clarity and source separation for the church choir.”

“Church deacons and parishioners have been very positive about the new sound system,” enthuses Barone. “The discrete system provides an aural clarity and presence that makes the room breathe like a fine wine. An elderly gentleman who always sits in the back of the church told me he could now hear every single word of the service. I’m honored to have been chosen to be part of Saint Pius Tenth’s rebirth and I couldn’t have done it without Fulcrum’s coaxial loudspeakers and support.”

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An elderly gentleman who always sits in the back of the church told me he could now hear every single word of the service.
- Joe Barone

Ashly Perma 8250 combined DSP and Multi-Channel Amplifiers

Tannoy Ceiling Speakers

Consistent coverage and high fidelity were required from compact, full-range speakers with minimal visual impact on church architecture and iconography. Precise pattern control and extended low-frequency control were also essential to keep sound off hard, reverberant surfaces lacking acoustic treatment

“Previous Saint Sabina Church sound systems using line array and column speakers failed to provide clear, uniform coverage throughout the sanctuary,” explains ASC systems consultant Brent Handy. “Rather than using a long 55-foot throw to the back of the church, our approach was to get high-fidelity, point-source speakers as close to the congregation as possible to provide the same tone and sonic character to everyone.”

Handy based his design on Fulcrum Acoustic’s compact CX Series coaxial loudspeakers. To cover the center liturgical area, he deployed four downward-firing Fulcrum CX896 8-inch coaxial speakers with 90° x 60° dispersion along the side wooden trusses. Each CX8 is backed by a CCX1265 12-inch cardioid coaxial loudspeaker on the opposite side of the truss directed at the horseshoe-shaped seating area. Two standalone CCX1265s with 60° x 45° horns provide even coverage for seating closest to the church entrance.

“Fulcrum had just launched their cardioid CCX product family, applying their patented Passive Cardioid TechnologyTM to their best-selling line of compact coaxial installation loudspeakers,” states Handy. “The timing couldn’t have worked out better for us as this truss-speaker design approach demanded cardioid patterns to minimize low-frequency blowback and work within the architecture rather than fight against it.”

“When Father Jeff Stephan uttered his first hello with the new system, parishioners had never heard such volume and clarity in their church sound,” remarks Handy. “Church members love the musicality of the new Fulcrum system and as far as Father Jeff’s homilies, well, he had them at hello.”

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When Father Jeff Stephan uttered his first hello with the new system, parishioners had never heard such volume and clarity in their church sound
- Brent Handy, ASC Systems Consultant

Q-SYS DSP

Allen & Heath SQ-5 Digital Mixer

The Sanctuary required a compact sound system with accurate tonal balance, high output and precise directivity.

Excel AV Group owner Kevin Crow and engineer Brian Olson worked closely with Fulcrum Acoustic Application Assistance Service’s Rich Frembes to match a sound system to the church’s needs. “Some of the best musicians in the twin cities have played in The Sanctuary’s gospel band and we needed a slamming system that could keep up with them,” explains Crow. “The system is based on left/right flown Fulcrum AH96 full-range coaxial horns with the output to support a band that runs loud and the 90° x 60° pattern control to work with room acoustics. Two Fulcrum US221-4 dual 21-inch subwoofers are installed above the center stage lip for LF extension along with a CX1295 12-inch coax for down fill. A Fulcrum CX1226 with 120° x 60° dispersion is installed in the church lobby to match the house system when the lobby doors are open.”

“What really strikes me about this system is that the midrange is so present and in your face and the roll-off near the stage is incredibly smooth,” enthuses Crow. “Unlike many loudspeaker companies who focus primarily on large stadium and touring venues, Fulcrum really understands the audio needs of smaller rooms. Over the years I’ve heard every rig you can imagine and this is definitely the best sounding system we’ve ever installed. The church has been singing its praises.”

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Fulcrum really understands the audio needs of smaller rooms. Over the years I’ve heard every rig you can imagine and this is definitely the best sounding system we’ve ever installed. The church has been singing its praises.
- Kevin Crow, Excel AV Group

Symetrix Prism 12x12 DSP

Powersoft and Lab.gruppen Power Amplifiers

angelina’s highly reflective brass, decorative tile and glass finishes required careful engineering and clean, precise output to minimize reflections and ensure high intelligibility. Compact yet powerful, high-performing loudspeakers were necessary to integrate into the venue’s tight floor plan without detracting from its visually stunning interior design.

“Our client demanded angelina’s sound system be of the highest quality and as discrete as possible,” says DesignLive’s Thu Ta. “A number of other integrators proposed large, unwieldy loudspeakers and subwoofers that would conflict with the lounge’s architectural motifs and tight spaces which include low ceilings in many areas.”

“Through EASE modeling, we designed a configurable distributed sound system with Fulcrum’s compact Prophile Series coaxial loudspeakers and VLF Install high-performance subwoofers,” explains Thu. “12 Prophile P 8” 2-way coaxial loudspeakers deliver the wide dispersion and high SPLs we needed from visually unobtrusive horizontal enclosures significantly smaller than those with offset drivers and horns. We deployed three low-profile Fulcrum Sub112 single 12” subwoofers and two US212 dual 12” subs which seamlessly integrate into furniture fittings to provide ‘invisible’ but powerful low frequency extension.”

“angelina’s distributed design creates an immersive 360° soundstage in the luxurious, high ceilinged, main cocktail bar area where the DJ is focused,” states Thu. “The closer quarters of the dining coves and exclusive whisky lounge enjoy a smooth, uniform audio experience with the Prophile P’s 100° x 100° coverage pattern. Our client is very pleased to have a sound system appropriate for such a historic and refined hospitality venue.”

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12 Prophile P 8” 2-way coaxial loudspeakers deliver the wide dispersion and high SPLs we needed from visually unobtrusive horizontal enclosures significantly smaller than those with offset drivers and horns.
- Thu Ta, DesignLive

Symetrix Radius 12x8 EX DSP

Powersoft Quattrocanali Series Amplifiers

• The church has a modern rock praise band that performs to the side of the stage directly underneath the main loudspeakers. This has the potential for feedback and low frequency buildup which can interfere with speech intelligibility and clarity of music.

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St. George’s new multi purpose room was fully acoustically treated with a combination of absorptive and diffusive surfaces to reduce instances of slap and flutter echoes. David Hosbach from DSH Audio Visions designed an audio system around Fulcrum’s FH1596 Full Range Coaxial Horns suspended from the ceiling in groups of three at the front and middle of the space.

The FH’s broadband pattern control focuses sound directly on the congregation and reduces sound spilling onto the band below. The high output of the FH series products maximizes gain before feedback and creates a versatile system that delivers high fidelity sound at St. George’s.

“The amount of directivity can mean the difference between success or failure of a sound system,” says Hosbach. “The horn loading in Fulcrum’s FHs gives control to below 500 Hz which is critically important. That translates to significantly better clarity for speech and definition for music.”

Two of Fulcrum’s Sub215 Dual 15” Direct-Radiating Subwoofers were suspended at the front of the space between the FHs to enhance the low-end foundation for music. “The FHs create a fantastic full range system on their own,” says Hosbach. “We added the Sub215s to extend the system response to well below 50 Hz to maximize flexibility.”

“We have heard nothing but wonderful comments on the sound,” says Parish Administrative Officer Laura Zabaski. “People are ecstatic with the final results.”

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We have heard nothing but wonderful comments on the sound. People are ecstatic with the final results.
Laura Zabaski, Parish Administrative Officer

Symetrix DSP

Powersoft Amplifiers

Allen & Heath SQ-7 Mixing Console

• The acoustics were ideal for organ and choir, but speech intelligibility was poor with its old, piecemeal sound system
• The space was large in terms of cubic volume and very live acoustically
• The speakers needed to cover the congregation without interfering with sightlines or distracting from the church’s beauty, and without acoustically overexciting the space

System integrator Intermedia Systems Group president Doug Klein recommended replacing the church’s outdated sound system with a unified, clean, clear-sounding, modern system that could handle everything, including delivering highly intelligible spoken word.

Klein’s solution relied on a Fulcrum Acoustic DX1295 loudspeaker for the main, a Fulcrum US212 subwoofer flown with the main above the altar area, and a delayed DX1295 set 40 feet back and centered to cover the balcony and rear seating area. DX 1295s feature dual 12 inch coaxial loudspeakers with a 90° x 45°dispersion pattern and operate between 49 Hz and 19 kHz. The US212 employs dual 12 inch direct radiating subwoofers that go down to 35 Hz. The DX1295s are biamped, creating a 3-way system with the US212. Finally, a pair of Fulcrum RX699s serve as sidefills for the transepts on either side of the altar, providing intelligibility to the side seating areas.

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Symetrix Radius 12x8 EX Scalable DSP Unit

• 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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(2) Apex CloudPower1504 Amplifiers – 4 x 1500W

(1) Apex CloudPower354 Amplifier – 4 x 350W

• 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.

Ashly and QSC Amplifiers

QSC I-82H Portable Loudspeakers

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• 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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QSC CXD-Q Series DSP Amplifiers

Linea Research Amplifiers

Symetrix DSP

• 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.

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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Salvation required pristine sound and precise pattern control from compact, weather resistant loudspeakers able to aesthetically integrate with their elegant architecture.

“The original inward-firing sound system’s loudspeaker positioning and directional control issues led to a number of noise complaints from nearby properties,” recalls USIS sound designer Scott Gantkin. “Rather than risking rear cabinet audio radiation by simply mounting better controlled loudspeakers onto the existing poles, I designed a downwardfiring distributed system to better contain sound within the open rooftop space.”

“I knew a distributed loudspeaker system would require less output and minimize reflected sound outside the property” explains Gantkin, “but how do you deploy ‘ceiling speakers’ when there’s no ceiling? The answer was to mount 16 Fulcrum RX699 6.5-inch weather-resistant coaxial loudspeakers from Salvation’s 10.5-foot high decorative metal trellis. The RXs are very effective in close quarters and their 90° x 90° dispersion uniformly covers the rooftop deck while reducing reflected sound. With the loudspeakers only four to five feet above customers’ heads, the system doesn’t need to play as loud. We also capped the sound system with SPL limiters in the Biamp Tesira DSP to keep the volume under control.”

“To support live DJ music after sunset, we installed two Fulcrum US212 dual 12-inch subwoofers on the rooftop deck. The direct-radiating, weather-resistant subs provide all the low-frequency impact we need from remarkably compact enclosures that don’t detract from Salvation’s sophisticated vibe,” concludes Gantkin. “The distributed system concept using Fulcrum’s high-fidelity, small form factor designs minimizes reflected sound outside the property and The Asbury’s management couldn’t be happier with their upgrade.”

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The distributed system concept using Fulcrum’s high-fidelity, small form factor designs minimizes reflected sound outside the property and The Asbury’s management couldn’t be happier with their upgrade
Scott Gantkin, USIS sound designer

Lab.gruppen Installation Power Amplifiers

Biamp Systems TesiraFORTÉ Fixed Audio DSP

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

Symetrix Radius DSP

Mystery Electronics EasyMix EM12 DSP Control Surface

Polar Focus Audio Rigging

• The bar’s high ceiling, hard reflective surfaces and lack of acoustical treatment presented considerable sonic challenges
• The system needed the flexibility to deliver clear, crisp sound for live music including classic and alternative rock, country, blues, DJs and karaoke

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“The Frisco Bar’s always had live music but with a mishmash of sound gear collected over the years,” explains veteran AV integrator Danny Salinas. “Bands often brought in their own systems so the bar never had a consistent quality of sound. I designed a simple yet effective system to address their pressing audio challenges of muddy sound and spotty coverage. For mains, we rigged left/right Fulcrum Acoustic GX1595 15-inch coaxial speakers from the 24-foot ceiling. Their precise 90° x 45° pattern control keeps sound from bouncing off the bar’s drywall and concrete wall surfaces while providing uniform coverage throughout the space. A Fulcrum Sub218 dual 18-inch subwoofer onstage delivers all the extended low frequency support and output performers need.”

“The high-fidelity, full-range character of Fulcrum’s coaxial speakers is remarkably transparent,” Salinas relates “Their TQ™ processing ensures you get the same sonic accuracy and consistent voicing regardless of volume, whether it’s a karaoke performance or a loud rock band. Fulcrum also provided factory-verified settings for the system’s Symetrix DSP that made system tuning a snap. The speakers sounded great right out of the box.”

“Bands used to bring in their own portable sound systems because they lacked confidence in our house system,” states Tony Spino. “Now the Frisco Bar has a phenomenal sound system that’s attracting new customers and new musicians who want to play here. It gives every performer the opportunity to sound amazing.”

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Their TQ™ processing ensures you get the same sonic accuracy and consistent voicing regardless of volume, whether it’s a karaoke performance or a loud rock band.
- Danny Salinas, AV Integrator

Lab.gruppen C48:4 Power Amplifier

Symetrix Solus NX DSP

• 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.

Soundweb London BLU-16 Signal Processor

QSC CX Installation Power Amplifier

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• The sanctuary had a number of reflective surfaces which can lead to speech intelligibility issues.
• Smooth and even coverage is difficult to achieve in such a wide room.

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The team at DP Design installed an array of four DX1595s above the leading edge of the stage as the main loudspeakers for the installation. The broadband pattern control of the DX1595s provides direct sound to parishioners without splashing sound off of reflective surfaces. "I love the horsepower of the DXs," says Rhodes. "Between their pattern control and fidelity, they are my favorite loudspeakers from Fulcrum Acoustic."

Three low profile Sub218L subwoofers were able to fit under the existing stage, saving the need for costly modifications. The subwoofers were spread across the width of the stage. The combination of the DX1595s and Sub218Ls provide the output, fidelity and impact required for the contemporary worship style. The array of DX1595s provided the necessary coverage for the wide seating area.

Six of Fulcrum's RX599 5" Coaxial Loudspeakers were installed on the front lip of the stage for front fill. The broad 90 conical pattern of the RX599 is well-suited to near field applications. They provide the necessary output and coverage for the first few rows of seats. The high output delivered within such a compact enclosure at the lip of the stage kept the sight lines clear for parishioners while delivering high fidelity sound.

Four of Fulcrum Acoustic's CX1295 Compact Coaxial Loudspeakers were flown as a delay ring to cover that back portion of the sanctuary and provide precise control while avoiding reflections.

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I love the horsepower of the DXs. Between their pattern control and fidelity, they are my favorite loudspeakers from Fulcrum Acoustic.
- Terry Rhodes, System Designer

Powersoft Amplifiers with Dante Network

QSC Core 110

QSC Q-SYS Core 510i DSP

QSC CX-Q 4K8 Amplifiers

Themed Entertainment

High ceilings and reflective surfaces create a reverberant space that can lead to intelligibility and clarity issues.
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Instructors require high impact music to energize their classes. High ceilings and reflective surfaces create a reverberant space that can lead to intelligibility and clarity issues. Instructors require high impact music to energize their classes.

• High ceilings and reflective surfaces create a reverberant space that can lead to intelligibility and clarity issues.
• Instructors require high impact music to energize their classes.
• High ceilings and reflective surfaces create a reverberant space that can lead to intelligibility and clarity issues.
• Instructors require high impact music to energize their classes.High ceilings and reflective surfaces create a reverberant space that can lead to intelligibility and clarity issues.

Instructors require high impact music to energize their classes.

• 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 Power Amplifiers

64-Channel Q-Sys Core Processing by QSC

The underground, rectangular space with a nine to ten foot ceiling and lots of hard reflective surfaces presented some unusual acoustical challenges.

A distributed system provided the best solution for the room’s layout and the high sound pressure levels (SPLs) required. For the main area, two M-Series Dual 12 inch Coaxial Loudspeakers were used to deliver visceral impact at high SPLs with a dedicated LP transducer to provide maximum mid-bass impact. Three TS215 Dual 15 inch DirectRadiating Subwoofers were installed into the front of the stage to handle sub lows. A mixture of compact yet powerful Fulcrum S-Series and P-Series loudspeakers and US212 Dual 12 inch Direct-Radiating Subwoofers were deployed to fill the areas around the banquettes and the sides of the dance floor.

Lab.gruppen Power Amplifiers

Symetrix DSP

Precise pattern control was essential to keep sound energy off hard reflective surfaces. Compact loudspeakers with high output and exceptional clarity were also required to support a dynamic worship band, as well as intelligible spoken word.

“Trinity’s unconventional layout, exposed wooden roof, and glass and plaster surfaces make for a very acoustically live room,” explains Bruce Jensen. “Complicating matters, the stage takes up a third of the sanctuary’s floor space, and the angled walls behind it act as a parabolic reflector due to lack of proper acoustic treatment in the church.”

Jensen utilized the eight laminated wood beams branching out from the octagonal room’s 40-foot high apex as locating points for his sound system design. Three Fulcrum FH1596 full-range, high-sensitivity coaxial horns with 90° x 60° dispersion are rigged from beams in an expanded left/center/right mono cluster for optimal room coverage. A single downward-firing Fulcrum CX1295 12-inch coaxial speaker with a 90° x 45° horn is centered behind the cluster to serve as a choir monitor.

“Trinity’s worship band tends to play louder than one might expect from a traditional Baptist church, averaging between 96 and 100 dB,” says Jensen. “The FH15 horns and CX12 coax give us all the headroom we could possibly need for the full band and choir.”

“My history with David Gunness predates his co-founding Fulcrum Acoustic in 2008,” states Jensen. “His innovative use of DSP as an integral part of the design process has revolutionized our industry. When Fulcrum released the FH Series of coaxial horn systems as a DSP-aware update to the traditional horn-in-horn coaxial loudspeaker concept, I trusted they’d get it right. I specified FH horns for Trinity before even hearing them, and couldn’t be more pleased. The FH horns’ output and sonic character make them sound like studio monitors on steroids.”

“Trinity of Fairview Baptist Church loves the new system’s sound quality and uniform coverage,” concludes Jensen. “They’ve finally found the sound they’ve been waiting to hear for years.”

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Trinity of Fairview Baptist Church loves the new system’s sound quality and uniform coverage. They’ve finally found the sound they’ve been waiting to hear for years.
- Bruce Jensen, B&R Audio

Powersoft Quattrocanali Series Amplifiers

TruClear’s Experience Center required big sound and good articulation from compact loudspeakers that complement its clean, modern aesthetic without interfering with display sightlines. Precise pattern control was also crucial to focus sound on dedicated display zones and off glass, wood and polished concrete surfaces throughout the open floor plan.

Blue Haze Entertainment’s West Coast Director Nikolai Eiteneer oversaw the AV system integration with Ben Frederick designing and programming its audio component. “As TruClear Global is all about leveraging technology to engage and retain customers, they wanted to utilize best-in-class audio technology for their Experience Center,” states Eiteneer.

“For their main showroom space, we installed Fulcrum CX896 8-inch coaxial speakers left/center/right over the digital display with a centered Sub112 12-inch subwoofer for low-frequency punch,” explains Frederick. “We also deployed left/right CX896s with a center Sub112 above a curved widescreen display in a second showroom area. The CX8s provide the output capacity and pattern control we need and the Sub112s reinforce visual content sound effects and the occasional live DJ at showroom events.”

“The compact form factor CX8s and Sub112s work well within the tight overhead space and their white enclosures seamlessly integrate with the Center’s contemporary aesthetic,” notes Frederick. “While installed very close to the ceiling, the CX896’s 90° x 60° dispersion focuses sound exactly where we need it, keeping it off non-acoustically treated hard reflective surfaces and from impacting TruClear’s corporate offices on the floor above.”

“TruClear provides digital engagement solutions that transform real estate into experience venues to add value and personality to our customers’ unique stories,” states TruClear VP Julio Linares. “We’ve had very positive feedback on our Experience Center’s sound system and are thrilled to have this stunning new showroom to tell our own story.”

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“While installed very close to the ceiling, the CX896’s 90° x 60° dispersion focuses sound exactly where we need it, keeping it off non-acoustically treated hard reflective surfaces and from impacting TruClear’s corporate offices on the floor above.”
- Ben, TruClear Global Experience Center

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QSC Power Amplifiers

Q-SYS 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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QSC S-SYS Core 510i DSP