Hennepin Arts Modernizes the Historic State Theatre with d&b audiotechnik KSL-Series.

Hennepin Arts, the non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the historic theatres of downtown Minneapolis, has completed a major audio upgrade at the State Theatre. Designed and installed by Audio Logic Systems, the new d&b audiotechnik KSL-Series line array system replaces the theatre’s aging, unsupported audio system, catapulting the 1921 "pleasure palace" into the modern era with pristine audio quality, improved sightlines, and unmatched efficiency.

The 2,181-seat State Theatre hosts a varied mix of Broadway touring productions, concerts, and comedy acts. Because their decades-old audio system had aged out, the venue needed a solution that would meet the expectations of today's audiences and touring acts. "The main thing was to step into a modern era with our technology and deployment," explained Merritt Benton, Head Sound Engineer at the State Theatre. "Audiences are accustomed to the sound quality and experience at the bigger shows they attend, and we don't want to lag behind. When management asked if the investment was necessary, I emphasized that the new system was rider-friendly. d&b sounds incredible, and in the touring music world, it’s what you see most often. It's the wish list PA for touring folks.”

Addressing the State Theatre’s unique architectural acoustics was a primary challenge. "It's essentially three distinct acoustic spaces in one: the main floor, a typical balcony, and a very deep, 50-foot under-balcony space," noted John Simshauser, Director of Operations and Design at Audio Logic Systems. "The goal was to make each of those areas as even as possible. The broadband directivity provided by KSL-Series, really cleaned up the room by providing better control in the 90 to 400Hz range, a common problem zone for theatres like this. We chose to implement d&b's ArrayProcessing, to ensure every seat in the house had the same tonal balance and sonic experience. This mitigated some of the tuning and carving we might otherwise need to do and were able to seamlessly manage those three different zones. The KSL’s incredible rear rejection also cleared up the room’s 250Hz low-mid buildup that hit the performers' microphones on stage.”

In addition to sonic improvements, Audio Logic Systems also achieved critical practical victories. By relying on the precise modelling of d&b’s ArrayCalc, software the team was able to fly the new line arrays five feet higher than the previous system, drastically improving sightlines for patrons on the outer sides of the theatre. Furthermore, the efficiency of the d&b amplification recovered valuable real estate. "The theatre used six, 44-space amp racks to power the previous system," shared Simshauser. "We were able to drive everything with three, gaining 15 square feet back in their amp room, and using considerably less power.”

The environmental adaptability of the system also proved to be a major advantage in Minnesota's fluctuating climate. "Here in Minnesota, when the doors open, the humidity in the room can swing by as much as twelve points,” Benton shared. “In the past, I would reach for a 31-band EQ to tame the highs. Now, I just update the temperature and humidity control in the R1 Remote Control, and it adjusts the frequencies right back into place. Fixing this on the array, rather than the console was a fun, new concept for me.”

As part of this comprehensive audio overhaul for Hennepin Arts, Audio Logic Systems also installed a new d&b audiotechnik system at the nearby Pantages Theatre. Opened in 1916, the intimate 1,014-seat venue required a system with ample power and exceptional pattern control, utilizing fewer amplifier channels. Audio Logic Systems deployed the new d&b CCL (Compact Cardioid Line array) system that features broadband directivity control while only utilizing a single amp channel. "When CCL came out, it was a no-brainer," stated Simshauser. "We utilized arrays of fourteen CCL8 and two CCL12 boxes, which gave us all the headroom and power we needed with cardioid performance. The real surprising part was the extended high-frequency, which really shined in that installation versus their old system. They've been thrilled with it.”