Quality audio for an installation where silence prevails

At the Lewis Library & Clark of Montana has installed a public address system based on 24 Adorn A55 systems from Martin Audio, which have been distributed across eight zones, on two floors.

The lewis library & Clark, located in Helena (Montana), has installed a new public address system based on the solution of Martin Audio, Adorn. The local AV integration company has been in charge of the project, Montana Pro Audio.

“The original scope of the contract was a public address system throughout the library, as well as an AV solution for your large community room that would double as a presentation space, a small theater and a small community room to use for meetings and presentations. The library is in the final stretch of a large-scale remodeling project that began almost three years ago. “This will be the first AV installation in its history”, explain Aaron Fisher, responsible for design and project management.

With the help of Ryan Johnston (and with the support of Jim Sage of Martin Audio North America), This was Montana Pro Audio's first experience working with Martin Audio solutions. Twenty-four of the Adorn A55s, that operate in online mode 70 V, have been discreetly distributed across eight zones on two floors, in a combination of black and white finishes to adapt to the environment.

“Adorn A55 hit the mark in terms of design, size, sound quality and budget. Integration is a new approach for me, coming from the production side of the audio industry, I really appreciate that it has the look of a professionally produced speaker and not a consumer speaker design. 70 volts,” says Fisher..

Available Adorn DSP presets have been used in the project, with a minimal equalizer. “This system is well balanced, reproduces speech very well and sounds extremely natural. This is a great sound installation. Despite all the hard surfaces and the openness of the main atrium, “The space is so divided with different angles and multiple surface textures that it is barely reverberant and there are minimal reflections.”.

Since it is a library, and a quiet environment it was important that the PA be relatively quiet and not surprise anyone when an announcement is made. The dispersion intelligibility of the Adorn A55 made it possible to achieve these goals.

Coverage is provided in several areas, including lobby/cafe, the main atrium, the children's area, the two areas in the young adult section, el Teen Lounge, el Mezzanine y el Mezzanine Lounge.

Second phase

However, due to COVID-19, The client decided to split the contract into two phases and the next stage for Montana Pro Audio will be to provide equipment for the library's large community room that can be routed in different configurations..

Requirements include a single sound system, which can be used in surround mode 7.1 for movies, as well as a presentation system. This time the integrators have opted for Martin Audio's CDD series.

When explaining why CDD is preferred, Explain to Aaron Fisher: “The pattern control of this series, especially at the lower frequencies, makes it an ideal option”. Low-end extension will be achieved with the addition of an SX210 subwoofer.

The room is relatively small with lower ceilings. “The CDD8 and SX210 are the perfect size and will make a big impact. Besides, since it must also act as a presentation system, with the use of wireless microphones and video playback, We needed a speaker that was not only specific for cinema movies, but that it could provide us with quality results for multiple types of use.”.