Overcoming Architectural Barriers to Amplify Audio Quality at Palace Theatre, thanks to PK Sound.
The Palace Theatre in Calgary, a Canadian landmark, just got a major audio upgrade, courtesy of the T8 robotic line source system from local company PK Sound. This new audio solution, installed by Laser Productions and distributed by ACT Entertainment, delivers crystal-clear sound while respecting the venue's historic architecture.
Let's dive into the magic behind this T8 system that's transformed The Palace Theatre's audio experience. Dexter Bruneau, the venue's audio head, raves about the improvement, praising PK Sound's robotic technology that offers complete control over the system's directionality, catering to the needs of each day. Moreover, the system delivers punchy low-end tones unheard of before in the venue.
When it came to upgrading the audio system in 2024, owners Concorde Group faced a unique challenge: the Palace Theatre is a National Historic Site of Canada. This meant strict limitations on any structural or aesthetic changes to the building's interior. PK Sound's patented Multi-Axis Robotics proved perfect for this task.
The T8 system lets users control the horizontal and vertical dispersion of individual modules using integrated robotic actuators, allowing arrays to be precisely tailored to the theater's unique architecture for optimal intelligibility and impact. For The Palace, this meant focusing sound away from aesthetically pleasing but acoustically challenging surfaces like walls and reflective glass balcony faces, and directing the energy solely towards the audience area.
The PK Sound solution for The Palace Theatre comprises main left-right arrays with eleven T8 robotic line source elements per side, flanked by a pair of flown T18 intelligent subwoofers per side. Additional support comes from three T18s and two T218 subs recessed between the stage, providing that extra oomph.
PK's .dynamics software offers full control over the PA system, helping to optimize results mechanically before any processing or EQ is applied. Managing the robotic directivity from front of house allows users to clearly identify and manipulate each module of the system, whether it's a line array, flown subs, ground subs, or other components.
The installation will be completed with PK's Tx Series intelligent point source modules, featuring six Tx26s for lip and under-balcony fills, and four Tx14s that offer versatility for stage monitors or a variety of other uses.
According to PK Sound CEO Jeremy Bridge, the Tx Series excels by catering to a wide range of applications without sacrificing acoustic performance. Since its debut with Australian metalcore sensations Northlane, the T8 system has showcased its versatility, delivering powerful performances from a range of international artists across various music genres, as well as standup comedy, awards galas, corporate events, and more.
The response from touring technicians, house technicians, audience members, and staff has been overwhelmingly positive. Eddie Leung, executive director of Concorde Group, shared that they've heard customers who attended The Palace over a decade ago expressing their delight with the upgraded audio quality. The level of sound accuracy was powerful enough to make the hairs on their necks stand up, according to Leung, accomplishing their primary goal.
- The installation at The Palace Theatre includes main left-right arrays featuring products from PK Sound's T8 robotic line source system, providing crystal-clear sound for various events such as music performances, standup comedy, and award galas.
- The features of the T8 system include patented Multi-Axis Robotics, allowing users to control the directionality of individual modules, catering to the needs of each unique venue, like The Palace Theatre, for optimal audio performance.
- The Tx Series from PK Sound, comprising Tx26s and Tx14s, will complete the audio upgrade at The Palace Theatre, offering versatility for lip and under-balcony fills, stage monitors, and other uses, contributing to the overall entertainment experience by delivering powerful and accurate sound for diverse music genres.
