Acoustics By Design Specifies EAW KF730 Series Line Arrays At Fine Arts Auditorium In Michigan

Complete coverage without need for additional delay loudspeakers

Whitinsville, MA – June 26, 2007 – The new 1,600-seat Fine Arts Auditorium at East Kentwood (Michigan) High School features a high-end sound reinforcement system headed by EAW KF730 compact line arrays in left-center-right configuration, accompanied by EAW SB730 flown subwoofers.

The system – an important component of a complete renovation of the original facility built in 1969 – was specified by Acoustics By Design, a noted acoustical and system consulting firm based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Tim Hamilton of Acoustics By Design took the point on the project, working closely with Rick Westers, a veteran of more than 20 years of teaching production at the school, in addition to working as a free-lance sound engineer.

After a great deal of discussion, Hamilton and Westers decided line arrays would be appropriate for the space, which hosts a busy schedule of national concert and theatrical tours in addition to serving school production needs and functioning as a learning environment for students. After intensive analysis of the room, Hamilton recommended three line arrays in left-center-right configuration, with all three arrays made up of six KF730 modules in a gentle “J” configuration.

The arrays provide complete full-range coverage from the front row to the back, without the need for additional delay loudspeakers that can sometimes overcomplicate systems of this nature, while also adding cost. "There's definitely no need for delay with this system," Hamilton says. "That's one of the big advantages of a premium line array system like the KF730, where you're guaranteed solid, tight coverage throughout a room of this size and overall large volume."

"I've always been a big EAW fan in general, and really like the sound quality and coverage provided by the KF760 line arrays," Westers adds. "But they would be a bit too much for this room, so I was thrilled when the KF730 was introduced. Following a live, working demo of KF730's for a gig I mixed at Michigan International Speedway, I knew the 730's were something very special."

East Kentwood High School is Westers’ first experience with the SB730 subwoofers, and he's impressed. Dual SB730 subs are mounted at the catwalk level adjacent to the left and right KF730 arrays. "I'm pleased. While I always love the double-18 power of the (EAW) SB1000's, these subs are perfect for this application, doing a great job while being up off the floor and out of the way."
Westers is more than pleased with both the new facility and its high-end sound reinforcement system, which also includes a couple of EAW SM109z compact stage wedges. "This system fits the essence of exactly what is needed for every production that appears on this stage," he concludes. "The sound quality, fidelity and coverage are at the highest capacity, and the system is very well designed now and for the future."
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Photo Captions: (click on photos for hi-res version)

EAW News Image –KF730 EKHS Perspective: A view of the new Fine Arts Auditorium at East Kentwood High School, with sound reinforcement supplied by flown left-center-right EAW KF730 line arrays, with dual SB730 subwoofers positioned adjacent to left and right arrays.	EAW News Image – Tim Hamilton: Tim Hamilton of Acoustics By Design at the Fine Arts Auditorium house mix position.