Cathedral Catholic High School Gymnasium Gets A Dose of Audio Adrenaline from VUE and Essex Sound

VUE al-Class line arrays match heart-pounding, game time fury with pristine spoken-word intelligibility worthy of Sunday Mass

March 19th, 2019 – San Diego, Ca.

Cathedral Catholic High School in San Diego recently received an extensive audio system upgrade performed by Pine Valley, California-based Essex Sound. The 14,000 sq. ft. gymnasium and multi-purpose room features a 26-foot ceiling, brick walls and bleacher seating for up to 3500. Looking to improve speech intelligibility for weekly Mass while also providing ample audio horsepower for game night exuberance Essex tapped into VUE’s unique ACM technology and specified a hybrid line array configuration the combines both al-4 and al-8 acoustic elements.

“This is a challenging space with a lot of reflective surfaces and a demanding weekly schedule that can go from high energy to very nuanced in a matter of hours,” explained Larry McNamer, Owner of Essex Sound. “The PA needed to throw 100-feet to the back wall and also sideways into the bleachers. We also had to cover a second-story walkway behind the bleacher area while avoiding slap off the back wall.”

McNamer’s solution was a hybrid line array system that utilizes VUE’s unique Continuous Source Topology (CSM™), which allows different al-Class elements to be seamlessly combined for improved coverage, sight lines, and weight distribution – all without the disruptions associated with more conventional mixed element arrays.

The final design includes left and right arrays each comprised of six al-8 elements above four al-4 subcompact elements for near fill. Three al-8SB flyable subwoofers are flown with each array in a cardioid configuration to minimize low-frequency incursion onto an entry concourse directly behind the clusters. For additional near field coverage down the center of the gym, the Essex team flew a single h-12W high definition two-way speaker.

The PA throws approximately 100 feet to the back wall, as well as covering the main bleacher areas on each side of the gymnasium all the way up to the second story walkway. The al-Class’ predictable and tightly controlled coverage was essential to avoiding the highly reflective brick walls above bleachers. The center h-12W covers the first 30 feet down the middle, while the smaller al-4 elements at the bottom of each array handle near-fill at the far left and right.

Two VUEDrive V4 series and four V6 series systems engines provide power and processing for the arrays and subs as well as full networking via SystemVUE software. Onboard VUEDrive electronics ensure the single h-12W is easily integrated into the overall SystemVUE network. Mix duty comes courtesy of a rack-mounted Behringer X32 Producer, which is easily controlled from anywhere via iPad.

On choosing VUE, McNamer doesn’t hesitate to place sound quality at the very top of his list. “The sound of the beryllium drivers is extremely clear in the vocal range, which is exactly what the client wanted. Overall the VUE array is much more distinct and detailed than the other name-brand systems I considered for this install. The difference is amazing.”

Of course, success comes by way of happy clients, and McNamer is quick to share that in that respect, this project is a slam-dunk. “Our clients were amazed at the overall clarity and power of the system, as was the entire faculty. Whether for a weekly mass or sporting event, the feedback overall has been universally positive.”

With Cathedral Catholic High School in the bag, the Essex Sound team is already looking forward to another outing with the VUE brand. And with 34-years as one of Southern California’s leading design and installation teams, their impressive client roster and packed schedule offers ample opportunity to explore the line.

“The whole VUE team was incredibly supportive from beginning to end,” concluded McNamer. “Especially Greg Kirkland, who was present from the original demo all the way through commissioning. To date we’ve done three projects with VUE and number four is already underway. I couldn’t be happier. “

 


“The sound of the beryllium drivers is extremely clear in the vocal range, which is exactly what the client wanted. Overall the VUE array is much more distinct and detailed than the other name-brand systems I considered for this install. The difference is amazing. Our clients were amazed at the overall clarity and power of the system, as was the entire faculty. Whether for a weekly mass or sporting event, the feedback overall has been universally positive.”
-Larry McNamer, Owner of Essex Sound

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With an unflinching focus on innovation through technology and a firm commitment to relationships, the VUE Audiotechnik team united in 2012. With more than a century of combined experience, VUE’s founders have been at the epicenter of many of professional audio’s most noted success stories. From visionary loudspeaker designs that set the tone for our industry today, to the development of the giants in modern sound reinforcement, the team’s work has been felt and heard throughout the spectrum of professional audio. Since inception, VUE has experienced immediate acceptance and unparalleled growth. Though a relatively new addition to the lineup of professional audio loudspeaker manufacturers, VUE is already recognized as a leader in innovation. Explore our success stories at vue-audiotechnik.com.

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