When the SGI-USA New York Culture Center needed a major sound system upgrade in its main auditorium, project consultants SIA Acoustics recommended the VUE Audiotechnik al-4 Compact Line Array System, which was then installed by systems integrator Panavid. The installation at the Buddhist organisation’s Union Square centre in Manhattan features custom-painted white VUE al-4 speakers paired with VUE V4-i install versions of the V Series systems engines.
Coming into the project, SIA Acoustics knew that there was a unique multi-concave ceiling that caused audio anomalies, resulting in a sound that was muffled in the rear of the facility – particularly problematic with spoken word. With the new VUE al-4 system installed, sound in the back of the auditorium became clearer.
“The al-4 system combines the unique accuracy and fidelity of VUE’s beryllium full range compression drivers with the dispersive control and low frequency impact of a line array system,” said Jeffrey Friedlander, Senior Consultant at SIA. “These qualities combined with the small form factor made the al-4 system an ideal match for the cultural centre’s programming, audience layout, physical geometry, and sensitivity to visual aesthetic.”
The VUE-developed compression drivers featuring Materion Truextent beryllium technology allows for a noticeable difference in HF extension and response linearity by moving the first break-up modes well above the audible range. In SGI’s unique space this resulted in more defined high frequencies at higher SPL levels and enabled the sound to reach the back of the auditorium without any loss of clarity.
Jeffrey added: “Intelligibility of spoken word and sibilant clarity are paramount for the system’s day-to-day use. The al-4 system outperforms many solutions that sit at significantly higher price points.”
“Due to size restrictions and audio demands, VUE Audiotechnik’s al-4s were the ideal selection for this venue,” commented Dennis Mitchell, Client Relations Executive, Panavid. “Panavid was very excited to be a part of this project.”
The SGI-USA New York Culture Center hosts a variety of events from prayer meetings to lectures and musical performances. Its musical selections are quite diverse, from acoustical and jazz to rock. The VUE system’s flexibility allows for it to provide excellent sound, regardless of the genre or the speaker presenting.
“Panavid did a fantastic job with the installation and room tuning the VUE system,” said Robert Miller, Sound Engineer for the SGI-USA New York Culture Center. “We do many different events at SGI, such as Artists for Peace concerts, Culture of Peace Distinguished Speaker lectures or a World Peace Prayer meeting, where we might have 300-plus people chanting. The sound is always clear and consistent everywhere in the room.”
Soka Gakkai International-USA (SGI-USA) is the most diverse Buddhist community in the United States, with more than 500 chapters and some 100 centres throughout the country. SGI members base their practice on the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren Buddhism, which teaches that each person has within him or her the courage, wisdom and compassion to face and surmount any of life’s challenges.
