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TC Furlong Provides PM10 for Willow Creek

Originally posted on ProSoundWeb

(L-R) Tom Spindler, Josh Gonzalez, Dan Smith, Matt Wentz

Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois was the first to explore the possibility of using the new Yamaha RIVAGE PM10 digital audio console for their 40th anniversary event held at the 25,000-seat United Center in Chicago during the latter part of 2015.

Now, the church has installed two at their 7,200-seat main auditorium, one at front of house and one for monitors along with four RPio622s and one RPio222 I/O racks all with the HY144-D Dante cards. The systems were purchased through TC Furlong (Lake Forest, IL) with integration completed by Clark Productions (Atlanta, GA).

“The church has traditionally loved audio innovation, having been the first to also install two PM1D digital audio consoles over 16 years ago,” states Matt Wentz, audio systems engineer, Willow Creek Community Church. “We are a Yamaha facility and make use of every console, from the TF, CL, and QL, to the M7CL, LS9, and O1V spread across seven campuses around Chicagoland that service a congregation of over 25,000. We know and trust the reliability and the functionality of Yamaha products and have had a long standing relationship with the company and know the support we get from them.”

The new RIVAGE PM10s are in use for weekly services as well as three large events held during Christmas, Easter and a two-day Global Leadership Summit (GLS). The services include a full music production as well as speech, drama, and pastor sermons.

Wentz says the decision to move forward with the new PM10s was the need to integrate into a larger Dante network, with Yamaha integrating with Dante. “We love the Yamaha PM10 feel and ease of use, the main console features including plugins, EQ, and, of course, the sound of the board.

“The system as a whole is extremely easy to set up and run. The TWINLANe network makes getting audio to each of the desks really smooth, and the Dante integration is also very clean. The way the board is set up, how you can have all three banks separate or grouped together allows the operator maximum flexibility and customization in addition to the custom faders.”

“Yamaha has typically always had a very transparent pre-amp,” adds Dan Smith, weekend audio director and front of house engineer. “Now that the SILK feature has been added to the pre-amp, it allows me to color the inputs prior to the channel. That means a closer phase alignment as it is passed through the channel because of less overall EQ adjustments. The onboard Rupert Neve Designs EQ and compressors add a great color to the mix. I use the EQ773 quite a bit to lift channels out of the mix. Also, having 12 different custom fader layouts per fader bank helps me to get to channels quickly and to customize my workflow.”

Josh Gonzalez at Monitor Desk

Monitor engineer Josue (Josh) Gonzalez says initially, what drew his attention was the appealing layout of the console. “Not only does it look great, but it also feels good. The faders are SILKy smooth (pun intended) and the comfort level is unreal. Yamaha once again delivered on a great sounding pre amp. Adding SILK to the pre amp is a plus.

“The three fully customizable banks of 12 make the console extremely versatile. The custom layers make programming enjoyable and practical, giving you everything you need right at your fingertips. The “home” button is a great feature. I personally use it as an emergency button. No matter where I am on the console I know I can press the “home” button and it will take me straight to the layer with my most important inputs. You can put up to 8 inserts per input. I don’t use that many myself but to have the option to is amazing in itself. I like to use the Portico 5043 on my vocals. It really makes them pop.”

The Willow Creek upgrade also includes Dante-related gear: Yamaha RSio64-D input/output box, a Yamaha QL1 digital audio console for streaming purposes, four Dante MY-16-AUD2 cards, three Bel Digital BM-A1-64DANTE, a Sound Devices 970, Radius 12×8-EX, nine Symetrix Prism 4×4 for interpretation racks, for ‘special friends’ and monitor communications, a DVS for hearing hotspot, four BSS Blu-806 units to distribute Galileos and QSC amps for PA, a Wohler Dante AoIP input card for AMP2-16V-M, an Auvitran AVBx7, and seven Auvitran AxCDante cards, three of which are on the Main Aud VLAN, seven Focusrite Rednet systems, and Cisco Network Switches.

For more information about Yamaha’s PM10 Rivage system or anything from our list of over 100 professional audio manufacturers, contact the TC Furlong Sales Team at 847.367.9588 or sales@tcfurlong.com.

TC Furlong Live Event Group Supports Grand Opening

by Brian Grahn, Sales/Marketing

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On March 28, the Kellogg School of Management cut the ribbon on the new Kellogg Global Hub building at Northwestern University, and the TC Furlong Live Event Group was there to provide full production support, including audio, video and lighting. The newest addition to Northwestern’s campus, the Global Hub was designed by Toronto-based KPMB Architects and is six levels of classrooms, offices and communal creative space.

“When the university approached us, we knew the purpose the event was to show off the space,” says Chris Wintz, who was the Project Manager for the event. “We had to design our production to complement the architecture.” That meant designing an audio, video, and lighting solution that was not only sufficient for the space, but also the smallest visual footprint possible.

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Planning for the event began well before the construction had been completed, so initial production meetings were based only on architectural drawings. The ceremony was set to take place in the center of “Collaboration Plaza,” a beautiful and cavernous space at the center of the Global Hub.

The audio system was designed around Meyer UPA, UPJ and UPM speakers to ensure high intelligibility. A cantilevered yoke design at the top of box truss put the speakers in the correct position while maximizing sightlines to the stage and building. The system was processed and mixed on a Yamaha CL1 with a Rupert Neve 5045 and Shure ULX-D and UHF-R wireless systems.

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Small bands that were located on the balconies of different floors were sub-mixed with Allen & Heath Qu series consoles and sent to be mixed into the main PA with a wireless point-to-point connection. On-stage, Countryman Isomax IV gooseneck microphones with UR3 plug-on transmitters complimented an acrylic lectern for the main presentation.

TC Furlong Inc. also provided and coordinated lighting and video support. Around the building, more than 70 wireless, battery-powered LED lights were used to highlight architectural features, and stage washes were hung on integrated ceiling lighting frames for the main presentation. A Barco PDS-902 digital switcher drove two 90” displays that were on-stage for videos and slides.

“It was excellent to have the opportunity to work with the Kellogg team as they enter a new era,” says Chris Wintz. “We look forward to seeing all they have in store for their beautiful new space.” The Kellogg Global Hub is now open for students and faculty to enjoy.

TC Furlong’s Live Event Group provides complete event solutions for concerts, broadcast originations and special events. Contact Jeff with TC Furlong’s Live Event group next time you have an important function that demands expert planning and flexible execution at 847.367.9588 or jc@tcfurlong.com.

Eastside Christian Uses Meyer Sound’s LEOPARDS to Fit Their Mobile Space

Eastside Photo Text

Introduction By TC Furlong:

When Chris Gille called about Eastside Christian Church in Anaheim, CA opening a satellite location in LaHabra, CA, I was eager to get down to designing a system. But then Chris told me that it would be in a gymnasium, it would need to be portable, and it needed to get loud. Always up for a challenge, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. Around that time, I connected with Daniel Rivera of Meyer Sound about his idea to have an affordable, “first step” configuration of Meyer Sound’s newest star loudspeaker LEOPARD. Daniel’s vision was to configure two ground stacks, each containing three LEOPARD over one 900LFC (my favorite subwoofer in the world).

We had recently purchased a large LEOPARD system for our rental inventory so I was already familiar with this great and powerful speaker. We had also added six 900LFC so I knew these would be a great choice. The next hurdle was to figure out how to keep the system portable and in a “pre-wired” state. Chris Gille, master of everything production related said he would have metal carts fabricated – we went back and forth on the minimum height and before I could say “custom carts” Gille had them ready.

When I arrived in LaHabra to calibrate the system with our SIM3 system, it all came together really well. The system was uber-linear, powerful and punchy. It was all smiles when we finished and from what I understand, they continue to remain very pleased with the system. The fact that both Meyer Sound LEOPARD and 900LFC remain linear from soft to loud was just the ticket for this critical application.

-TC Furlong

This artical was originally posted by Meyer Sound

A new satellite site for Southern California’s Eastside Christian Church is the first to benefit from the power, clarity and quick set-up offered by an innovative portable system of Meyer Sound LEOPARD™ line array loudspeakers. Installed on carts that are rolled into place weekly by volunteers, the self-contained arrays deliver ample power to supply sound for up to 800 worshippers gathered in the gymnasium of Whittier Christian High School, located about nine miles from the church’s Anaheim main campus.

For Chris Gille, Eastside’s CTO and chief systems engineer, the ready-made LEOPARD arrays turned out to be the ideal solution to a vexing problem common to nearly all portable churches borrowing gymnasiums for worship.

“We have extremely high standards for audio quality at our main campus, where we have Meyer Sound MICA arrays and Constellation active acoustics,” he says. “I knew the smaller LEOPARD would be a good fit here, but the question was, ‘Where do we put them?’ Flying was problematic because we didn’t want to be locked into fixed seating layouts. Also, there are strict regulations about clearance for sports activities and safety, which meant motorizing the hangs. All of that would be cost prohibitive.”

The eventual design solution was a collaborative effort, with a ready-made solution mounted on carts proposed by Meyer Sound House of Worship Specialist Daniel Rivera and further developed by Gille and T.C. Furlong of the eventual system supplier, Lake Forest, Illinois-based TC Furlong, Inc.

“It works extremely well,” says Gille. “It sends out a narrow lobe that skims peoples’ heads, and it’s a perfect match for the room’s acoustic treatments. We have more than enough headroom to let the worship band go anywhere they want musically, even if we pull out the bleachers and fill the room to its maximum of 800 people.”

The complete system comprises six LEOPARD line array loudspeakers and two 900-LFC low-frequency control units split across the two carts. Space at the bottom on one side accommodates an MDM-832 distribution module and Galileo® 616 loudspeaker processing system while the opposite cart holds the color-coded audio cables and AC mains cable during storage. “We can have the LEOPARD rig rolled out and ready in under 15 minutes, and all the audio ready inside an hour,” says Gille. “Including stage and seating, the total prep time is about three hours.”

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Gille specified some added acoustic treatments to complement the system coverage pattern. A line of 2-inch absorptive panels was placed on the back wall to dampen slap-back, and the two thick panels that protect the 20’ wide Roe LED screen, when pulled aside for Sunday worship, function as effective traps for low-mid energy.

“Overall I’m very impressed with what I’m hearing,” concludes Gille. “It’s a fun feeling to have all that power and still hear detail in a gymnasium environment. Detail, in a gym? How can you do that?! I chalk it up to putting really good gear with precise pattern control and a linear response, and that’s what we get with this LEOPARD rig. Beyond that, you can’t go wrong investing in Meyer, as flexible components like these can be redeployed in new solutions as needs change.”

Front end gear contributing to the audio quality includes a Yamaha CL-5 digital mixer, DPA headset microphones, Shure wireless systems, and a complement of wired microphones from Audix and Shure.

Eastside Christian’s new main campus, opened in late 2012, is housed inside a completely reconstructed former Boeing Defense Systems plant. It features one of the newest worship auditoriums to offer variable acoustic characteristics using Meyer Sound’s Constellation acoustic system.

For more information about Meyer Sound’s LEOPARD system or anything from our list of over 100 professional audio manufacturers, contact our Sales Team at 847.367.9588 or sales@tcfurlong.com.

We also have many Meyer Sound speakers in our extensive rental inventory, including LEOPARD line array elements. For more information on adding Meyer speakers to your next show, or any help with your next rental, please contact our Rental Team at 847.367.9588 or rentals@tcfurlong.com.

Meyer Sound Covers Beverly Hilton’s International Ballroom

Originally published by Meyer Sound

Meyer Sound Covers Beverly Hilton's International Ballroom

Encore Event Technologies has purchased a new Meyer Sound LEOPARD™ linear sound reinforcement system to serve as the sonic foundation for production services it provides in the world renowned International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton. As the hotel’s resident production services provider, Encore supplies world-class technology for more than 300 events annually, including such prominent entertainment industry gatherings as the Golden Globes, the Academy Awards Oscar nominees luncheon, the Director’s Guild Awards, the American Cinema Editors’ Eddie Awards, the Visual Effects Society awards, and the Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Party.

Performance requirements for the audio system are exceptionally challenging as it must supply crisp speech intelligibility for up to 1100 guests along with the power reserves and musicality needed for live music performances – often from A-list artists – and convincing reproduction of the high-impact soundtracks accompanying clips from blockbuster Hollywood releases. All these factors were considered by Rachel Wolfe, director of event technologies at Encore’s Beverly Hills location, in making her selection of the LEOPARD-based system.

“We had a Meyer Sound MICA® system in here for about ten years and we were pleased with its performance,” says Wolfe, “but I felt like it was time to invest in newer, updated technology. I’d heard LEOPARD at other venues and was convinced it was the right choice. The power and clarity are all I expect from Meyer, and LEOPARD’s wide coverage works well with the shape of the room. Also, the slender profile of the arrays is visually appealing and fits in well with our other staging requirements.”

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Clint Rowland, a freelance FOH engineer frequently contracted by Encore to mix events at the venue, admits he was both excited and hesitant when the LEOPARD system made its debut. “I was somewhat nervous because I had relied on the MICA loudspeakers for the six years I had worked here,” he says. “But I was relieved and excited when I first started pumping music through it. I was even more impressed when they put up a podium mic and then walked around with a wireless lav. This is a tricky room to work in, with a low ceiling that’s covered with video and lighting gear, and layout changes drastically with different events. But LEOPARD is giving us great sound and superb gain before feedback.”

Provided by Chicago-area integrator TC Furlong, the new audio reinforcement system is anchored by dual arrays of six-each LEOPARD line array loudspeakers and supplemented in sub-bass by four 1100-LFC low-frequency control elements. The complete Meyer Sound roster also includes 11 UPJ-1P VariO loudspeakers and four UPM-1P loudspeakers, one MM-4XP self-powered loudspeaker, and four MJF-210 stage monitors.

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Jack Hayback, another regular freelancer at the venue, appreciates the accolades he’s received from clients regarding the sound quality at recent events. “We’re getting rave reviews for LEOPARD and 1100-LFC. There’s just so much clarity from top to bottom, and the high-frequency response is so well controlled and predictable. It’s just a fantastic box, and we’re all enjoying it.”

For his part, Clint Rowland is particularly enamored with how LEOPARD responds to the full spectrum of program material and output levels. “With LEOPARD, it doesn’t matter if we’re doing a corporate show with talking heads, or a fundraiser with A-list bands, or an awards show. The volume level does not affect the tonality. You can mix a low volume presenter and then move to a dinner band, then on to a full rock performance or action movie soundtracks. Whatever you do, the system behaves in a linear fashion. You don’t have to push it to a certain volume to get the sound you want. You get ‘power without the pain’ as one of my colleagues likes to say.”

The recent audio renewal by TC Furlong also included installation of a new Yamaha Rivage PM10 digital mixing console. Other production technology available from Encore at the International Ballroom includes six Christie Roadster 14K HD LCD projectors, a permanent lighting grid with over 350 fixtures (moving lights from Vari-lite, Quantum and GLP), and high-speed networking including SMPTE fiber connection.

For more information about Meyer Sound’s LEOPARD system or anything from our list of over 100 professional audio manufacturers, contact our Sales Team at 847.367.9588 or sales@tcfurlong.com.

Broadcast News

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TC Furlong’s Live Event division supports a very wide range of events from concerts to corporate meetings, special events to broadcast originations. Over the past couple of months, the Live Events team coordinated audio for three Broadcast events including several HD concert tapings for public television and an MSNBC town hall with Bernie sanders.

The common thread to all of our live events work is the scope of involvement that focuses on comprehensive project management, in-depth design work, complete system solutions and having our staff engineering team onsite.

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“The MSNBC taping came together on relatively short notice,” says TC Furlong’s Chris Wintz who managed the project and was also the reinforcement mixer. The call had come in only five days before taping. “We had to forgo a site survey and instead designed off of a diagram and photos. We worked closely with the MSNBC line producer to make sure the broadcast team was fully supported, as well as making sure every seat in the house had good coverage, without interfering with the live broadcast.”

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In terms of gear, everything was designed with a small visual footprint in mind including Meyer UPM-1P loudspeakers on heavy based mic stands. “Mixing backstage, watching the action on a LED display, getting level notes from my A2 and simultaneously listening to the director and production mixer on intercom is a challenge under any circumstance and even more so in live TV,” Wintz continued. “Working with the MSNBC New York crew and the other many local vendors required that precision advancing and being super-nimble onsite. We’re really good at being flexible.”

Contact Jeff with TC Furlong’s Live Event group next time you have an important function that demands expert planning and flexible execution at 847.367.9588 or jc@tcfurlong.com.

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