Scharff Weisberg has completed the installation of a new comprehensive sound system for the Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts, the principal theater on the campus of Pace University.
The 743-seat theater is one of the largest in Lower Manhattan. Since September 2005 it has hosted the award-winning Bravo television series, "Inside the Actors Studio" with James Lipton; previously, it was home to the late Tony Randall's National Actors Theatre. The Center is also a founding venue for the Tribeca Film Festival and the Tribeca Theatre Festival; and hosts events of the River-to-River Festival and the New York International Fringe Festival. It is also where the University's theater students are showcased in dramatic and musical productions.
"As part of our $1.5 million facility renovation, Scharff Weisberg has designed and installed a truly magnificent sound system to suit not only the acoustical demands of our space, with its broad proscenium frame, but also the production demands of our eclectic events calendar," says David Watson, Director of Cultural Events at the Center.
"Like many university theaters we present a diverse array of events from high-profile, revenue-generating film and video productions such as 'Inside the Actors Studio,' to corporate and educational conferencing, and live performances of every kind," he continues. "Since it is not practical for the university to keep a full inventory to support this wide variety of uses, Scharff Weisberg has supplied us with audio and video rental equipment for many years."
Scharff Weisberg won the public bid to install the Center's sound system which consists of a Yamaha M7CL 48-channel mixer, 14 Meyer M2D loudspeakers and two Meyer M2D subs, six Meyer UP Junior stage monitor speakers, four Shure UR4D wireless mic receivers with KSM9 handheld capsules and WL-50B lavaliers.
Director of Audio Services David Lynd also recommended a 56-channel 3-way split stage microphone box with Lundahl transformers. "This type of transformer was the best choice due to the Center's downtown location, which has a very cluttered RF spectrum, and the type of events they do," he explains. "'Inside the Actors Studio' is shot there, and mobile recording trucks are often parked outside requesting feeds from the facility."
Lynd was also tasked with creating rigging points to fly the 14 Meyer M2D loudspeakers and two Meyer M2D subs. In addition, he provided training on the Yamaha M7CL console and Smaart- tuned the room.
"We're very pleased with the installation," reports John Fistos, Technical Director of the Center. "Scharff Weisberg has a state-of-the-art inventory, a technical staff that offers expert advice and flawless operation, and a support staff for accurate billing and reliable pickup and delivery. Kudos to David Lynd and his team for another job well done!"
Scharff Weisberg and Video Applications, firms with extensive histories in the presentation and staging markets, recently announced a co-ownership agreement. While continuing to operate independently the two companies work together strategically to provide clients with state-of-the-art audio, video and lighting equipment and services. With a strong presence on both coasts Scharff Weisberg and Video Applications are able to deliver a large array of cost-effective services on a national level. For more information, call 212-582-2345 or visit our website at www.scharffweisberg.com. For more information on Video Applications, visit www.videoapps.com.