Renkus-Heinz brings balanced sound to the iconic Art of Living center

A pair of IC Live Gen5 dual array speakers from Renkus-Heinz deliver optimal voice and music clarity in the iconic central sanctuary of this premier Los Angeles meditation venue.

Art of Living Center It is an urban oasis in the heart of Los Angeles, Considered one of the most prominent meditation centers in the world. As part of a global non-profit movement dedicated to reducing stress and promoting well-being through reflection, acts as a meeting point for personal growth and connection with the community.

The building in which it is located is an architectural jewel from the beginning of the 20th century, which houses what was once the largest poured concrete dome in the world, large glass surfaces and a historic pipe organ. All of this makes for a visually impressive environment, but with huge acoustic challenges.

The great volume of space, Its highly reflective surfaces and the historic character of the central space make it an inspiring meeting place, but complex when it comes to deliver clear and intelligible sound.

To face this challenge, Art of Living collaborated with the lead consultant for Menlo Scientific Acoustics, Aw, and with the electronic technology integrator Russ DuBrow, to design and install a new audio system capable of guaranteeing voice intelligibility and musical clarity, while respecting the historic architecture of the building.

Digitally addressable arrays IC Live Gen5 ICL-F-Dual, supported by a pair of subwoofers SA112 from the manufacturer Renkus-Heinz has been the audio configuration chosen to respond to the sound challenges of this center.

In addition to spoken word programs and meditative activities, the center occasionally hosts musical performances requiring higher sound pressure levels. This diversity of content was one of the key reasons for selecting IC Live, as the system's ability to deliver both high power and precision makes it particularly suitable for all types of uses, from speeches and songs to more intense musical elements, including complete sets with keyboards, guitars, etc, without compromising clarity.

“Most AV experts would turn away from a space like this,” says DuBrow., but with current digitally addressable arrays, “We finally have the necessary tools to confidently face large, highly reverberant rooms.”.

For the project, two custom-painted Renkus-Heinz ICL-F-Duals have been installed on both sides of the projection screen.. Their boxes offer a discreet and elegant solution, along with a precise control of vertical pattern.

“Digital technology brings a great advantage in such a large space, where normally you can control almost nothing -continues DuBrow-. It allowed us to manage unwanted frequencies and complex dome reflections with much greater precision., while line array capabilities made it possible to direct sound away from reflective surfaces.".

During installation it was discovered that a wall mounted projection screen, which had not been taken into account initially, interfered with the intended speaker locations. To avoid it, the arrays separated some 2,7 additional meters. "Actually, improved the design -says Shaw-. Coverage was already good before adjustment, but after beam steering and optimization, “The improvement was notable.”.

With limited acoustic treatment and no possibility of adding more without compromising the architecture, both ICL-F-Dual, discreetly mounted on the front columns provide a controlled and focused coverage in seating areas. “The steerable beam allowed us to direct the sound towards the audience, “avoiding areas of the premises where it was not necessary”, Shaw adds..

To complete the audio system, Two SA112 subwoofers have been installed at the front of the stage, placed directly on the floor to avoid unwanted resonances and the absorption of low frequencies, for which a specific niche was built in order to mitigate the energy that leaked below the platform, thus achieving compact but forceful low frequency performance.

As part of the final integration, A custom metal grille and frame have also been designed to follow the curvature of the stage.. Later, a digital mixing console Allen & Heath GX4816 and a Cat5/6 extender with D-Snake DT168 stage box, which was a significant improvement in signal routing and overall system control.

The installation has significantly improved voice intelligibility and sound uniformity throughout the facility., allowing speakers, presenters and spiritual leaders are heard clearly throughout the space and fully support the center's wide variety of activities.

New sound system now offers greater headroom before feedback, providing reliable performance with different microphone types and delivery styles, as well as during musical productions.

Improved clarity has also made communication during spoken presentations significantly easier., chants and meditation programs, offering a level of support that was not possible before. “I have used Renkus-Heinz on several projects and there is a trust factor. I know what these arrays are capable of and they have responded time and time again”, concludes DuBrow.