Auckland's Bruce Mason Centre, a cultural hub in New Zealand, has undergone a significant audio system upgrade to enhance its live performance offerings. The centre, managed by Auckland Live on behalf of Tataki Auckland Unlimited, boasts a 1,100-seat theatre that caters to a diverse range of events, from music and comedy to dance and community gatherings. With a seating arrangement that can transform from a tiered auditorium to an open-floor layout, the venue demands a flexible and adaptable audio solution.
After two decades of service, the previous audio system fell short of meeting the demands of touring productions and modern performance requirements. In collaboration with local distributor JPRO, the Bruce Mason Centre selected the JBL Professional VTX A6 line array system, renowned for its output, size efficiency, and rigging flexibility. This choice enables the system to seamlessly adapt to the venue's dynamic seating layouts and stage configurations.
The final audio setup includes two flown arrays, each consisting of 12 VTX A6 dual line array elements. Twelve VTX B18 arrayable subwoofers provide low-frequency coverage in a cardioid configuration and can be flown or ground-stacked depending on the event. For patrons in shaded areas, eight JBL AC18 loudspeakers are strategically positioned under the balcony. All loudspeakers are powered by Crown I-Tech 43500HD amplifiers, with BSS BLU-806 processors managing the networked signal.
To ensure optimal sound coverage, the team utilized JBL's Venue Synthesis 3D Acoustic Simulation software, which accurately models coverage, aiming, and delay structures across various configurations. This software enables precise angle prediction, system tuning, and delay time optimization for each loudspeaker position, significantly streamlining live tuning and system commissioning.
Additionally, the team employed JBL's ArrayLink app to create six presets, simplifying reconfiguration for quick deployment. This feature, combined with the VTX A Series' rigging capabilities, allows the technical crew to scale and reposition the arrays in under 30 minutes, accommodating diverse events from concerts to family entertainment. Lindsay Clements, from the Bruce Mason Centre technical team, praised the VTX rigging system for its flexibility and performance, highlighting its ability to deliver clean and high-quality sound across different instruments and sources.
