Ruth Eckerd Hall Shakes the Rafters with d&b audiotechnik SL-Series Loudspeaker System Upgrade

	Ruth Eckerd Hall

Ruth Eckerd Hall, the historic performing arts venue in Clearwater, Florida, has enhanced its audio production capabilities with a d&b audiotechnik SL-Series loudspeaker system. The new system, designed and installed by APAV Solutions, replaces the Hall's nearly two-decade-old d&b C-Series system.

Craig Beyrooti, CEO and founder of APAV Solutions, elaborates on the venue's needs that drove the system upgrade: "Today, tour riders call for line arrays and the Hall frequently had to swap out their point source system. They wanted a top-tier product and because they've had a positive, long-standing relationship with d&b audiotechnik, the step up to SL-Series was the natural choice. While Ruth Eckerd Hall was happy with their C-series system, it was nearly twenty years old...it was time to upgrade."

The upgraded system features a combination of KSL and XSL loudspeakers and SL-SUB subwoofers, designed for their sound quality, directivity control, and low-frequency performance. This configuration delivers pristine audio coverage throughout the hall, the company says, minimizing troublesome reflections and maximizing intelligibility.

The system upgrade began during the COVID-19 period which caused a delay in the installation of the SL-SUBs. Despite the initial lack of subwoofers, Philip Dunn, the head of sound at Ruth Eckerd Hall, praised the new system's exceptional low-end performance and headroom. "When we first installed the system, we ran the ArrayCalc simulations, configured everything, and started playing music, I was astounded by how much low-end just the KSL and XSL loudspeakers were putting out without subs. For such compact enclosures, the low-end extension was incredible. The system was producing frequencies down in the 60Hz region.

"But what really blew me away, was the minimal amount of low-end energy hitting the stage," Dunn continues, "This minimal SPL is attributed to the way the side- and forward-firing drivers work together to mitigate excessive energy at the rear of the enclosures while simultaneously providing tight pattern control and reinforcing the energy aimed at the audience. But simply stated, bands love the quieter stage when they're performing, and it was a critical factor in choosing the SL-Series system."

Once the SL-SUBs were installed, the system's low-frequency reproduction was taken to a new level of power and impact. "Heilung was our first act to perform on the complete system. They create drum-heavy, Nordic shamanic music and their rider specified a minimum of eight subwoofers. Our challenge was, we had just received, but hadn't officially deployed our SL-Subs. With the help of d&b we got them installed right before the show," Dunn shared. "At the end of the night, Heilung's engineer said our d&b audiotechnik system was hands down the best PA he'd ever heard. Oh my god, it was incredible. The audience felt the music and the building literally resonated."

Another benefit of the new system is its ease of deployment and removal. The SL-series line arrays can be quickly flown in and out as needed, accommodating touring acts who may require the use of their own systems. "We included multi-pin disconnects and array site markers to ensure that when the system is taken down, we can redeploy it in the same position." explains Beyrooti. Dunn adds, "We can take down the d&b system in an hour and have it back in two, all with minimum staff."

Dunn also emphasizes the system's appeal to the touring artists and their engineers, who have embraced Ruth Eckerd Hall's in-house system. "We chose the d&b SL-Series system because it's rider-ready. No one questions it anymore. When acts come in, they run a quick sound check and everything sounds good. After they play their show, if they've performed in the venue before, they always comment on how good our room and the system sounds."

"I can walk into a show with zero concerns because with d&b audiotechnik SL-Series, I know everything will go smoothly and sound great." Dunn concludes.