Lewis University, Joliet, IL
Lewis University and its contractor Conference Technologies consulted with Bag End Loudspeakers to improve sound at the university's St. Charles Borromeo Convocation Hall. The space is used for concerts, rehearsals and auditions by the Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO).
Along with acoustical treatments, the Hall now features Bag End Crystal2-I mid-high speakers, two Bag End CDS-110"s and two Bag End bass columns. The two custom Bag End bass columns were spaced out in a sparse low frequency array. Each column is 24 feet tall with eight 12" speakers. The columns are Infra processed down to 8 hertz using a Bag End INFRA-MXB processor. This provides even bass coverage at every location of the room.
The Crystal2-I mid-high speakers are mounted high up on the walls and pointed at the audience. Most importantly, good directivity and a flat response make this location possible. The Bag End CDS-110's are pointed at the side area. The front rows are very well covered without front fill speakers. There is no feedback problem even with the mains behind the performers and mics.
Jim Wischmeyer of Bag End commented, "It's pretty amazing how even and natural the coverage is from the stage on out. With light acoustic music the direct sound is heard slightly in front of the amplified sound so the source orientation and image to the performer is beautiful. The bass level doesn't change by more than a few dB from standing on the stage in front of the bass column, to the middle or back of the room."
Lewis University is a Catholic university in the Lasallian tradition offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 6,600 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally connected, and socially responsible graduates. The seventh largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report.
Joliet's Lewis University purchased the St. Charles Borromeo property in the summer of 2013. This property adjoins the campus, and accommodates the increasing enrollment and expansion of its academic programs. The new location connects via a short walking path from the heart of the campus.