Production: Sound & Lighting

 

Control System | Mixing Console | Playback
Processing | Design Studio | Amp Room | Extra Firepower
Main Speaker System | Assisted Listening Device System | Auxiliary Speakers
Microphones | Misc Gear | Clear Com

Sound System


by Jeff Mockus, Resident Sound Designer
jeffm@sjrep.com

Although any Sound Designer worth his mics can dream bigger than any budget, it has been my extreme pleasure to explore and expand the sonic possibilities of this building. From the first public performance here in 1997, our inaugural Gala presented before the building was complete, to today’s performances, the system has performed exceedingly well and promises to enable sound artists and technicians to excel in their crafts for years to come. We have accommodated the needs of musical events such as the San Jose Jazz Festival, Keiko Matsui, The Bacon Brothers, Holly Near, and Chris Cain, as well as corporate events like Hewlett Packard's premiere of Agilent. And of course, our own productions are presented here; their sound needs ranging from world premiere musicals to through-composed original recorded underscoring.

The Sobrato Auditorium's acoustic design is optimized for unamplified spoken word. The 28 foot tall bubinga proscenium "torms" create one solid and coherent first reflection, and with only a few strategic hard surfaces to get sound to all corners, the auditorium is designed to keep the late reflections to a minimum. This means the aesthetic is not loud, but intelligible. It also means that when microphone reinforcement is necessary, feedback is rarely a problem. Speaker placement has been a little tricky, since the visual design is both tall and wide, and optimal placement is visually distracting. However, with the center cluster and delay fill positions we have a rep plot that serves quite well.

San Jose Repertory Theatre has one of the cleanest installations of audio I've ever worked with. Care was taken to run conduits well out of the way of interference: Crossing paths have a minimum 12" separation, with extra insulation. To avoid cross-talk issues, line level runs are in separate conduit paths from microphone level runs, as is all speaker wiring. The AC power for the system is on a dedicated isolated ground, with power points onstage including a 100-amp three-phase service located stage left (for monitor rigs), 120 volt circuits can be found at the proscenium wall, backstage wall, in the orchestra pit, trap room, catwalks, grid, and at the Parterre wall and the back wall of the seating area for front-of-house mix positions.

The stage wiring is designed around a 24 input stage box that has one direct multi-channel output as well as two transformer isolated splits to accommodate both a monitor mixer and a recording/broadcast feed. The front-of-house mixer can be located in the parterre, balcony or control booth. The stage box can be interfaced at the proscenium wall stage left or right, or in the orchestra pit stage left or right. Strategically placed panels throughout the venue mean we rarely have to run more than 50 feet of cable to find a connection:

  • 180 mic level runs (including 7 x 24ch. multi's)
  • 120 line level runs (run in separate conduit from the mic runs)
  • 120 speaker runs (4 conductor, Neutrik connectors)

Level Control System

The most recent major addition to the system, LCS Matrix 3 offers the deepest control over all aspects of audio playback, leveling, routing, and processing, with a cue button simplicity over show operation. It has 16 channels of internal asynchronous playback, 16 external inputs (upgrade at some point to 24), 24 outputs, Midi Machine Control, and space-mapped panning. Proper implementation requires dedicated programming time; therefore this system is not available for all events.

  • 2 LX-300 frames:
  • 16 physical inputs
  • 24 physical outputs
  • 16 Wildtracks w/ Ultra SCSI 9Gig RAID
  • CueStation Software (dedicated BeOS system)
  • RIF-108 Cue Mixer

Soundcraft K3 32x8x2 Mixing Console

The implementation of LCS has not negated the need for or the availability of our front-of-house board. For musical events, dance concerts, conference events, or playback operation that requires quick implementation and/or human flexibility, we can quickly bypass LCS and run or original patch.

  • 32 input, individual phantom power, phase reverse, balanced TRS 1/4" inserts
  • 4 band EQ. (semi-parametric)
  • 8 group outs, stereo and mono mix outs with balanced TRS 1/4" inserts
  • 8 auxiliary sends, switchable pre/post in pairs (TRS 1/4")
  • 8 matrix outs (XLR)

Playback

Processing

  • 1 Lexicon LXP-15 Multi Effects Processor
  • 1 Ensoniq DP-4 Multi Effects Processor
  • 1 Alesis Quadraverb Multi Effects Processor
  • 3 Dbx 166 stereo compressor / limiters
  • 6 Rane ME-30 Graphic Equalizers (31 band)
  • 6 Sabine SL-820 feedback eliminators
  • 1 Sabine SDA-102 delay (one input, two tap outputs)

Amp Room

  • 3 Yamaha C-20 Digital Signal Processor (x-overs for mains)
  • 1 Bag End ELF processor (for subwoofers)
  • 3 Crest CA9 600W per ch. stereo amplifiers (dedicated to mains, subs)
  • 3 Crest CA6 400W per ch. stereo amplifiers (1 is dedicated to mains)
  • 4 Crest CA2 160W per ch. stereo amplifiers
  • 1 QSC 1500 750W per ch. stereo amplifier
  • 2 Rane MA-6 multi channel amplifiers

Main Speaker System

  • 6 EAW KF-300 (LINK TO http://www.eaw.com/)
  • 2 Bag End S18E-IR Subwoofers (LINK TO http://www.bagend.com/)

Auxiliary Speakers (subject to availability)

  • 4 EAW JF-60
  • 4 EAW SM-12
  • 2 EAW SM-15
  • 2 Ramsa WSA-200
  • 8 EV S-80
  • 4 EV S-40
  • 4 Yamaha S55
  • 4 TOA SL120M Stage Monitors

Microphones (availability subject to change)

  • 6 channels of Shure UHF wireless (MKE-II lavs or ME 102 lavs)
  • 3 Samson Super TD VHF wireless systems (MKE lav, EV 757 handheld, or instr)
  • 2 EV 757 Dynamic
  • 2 Shure Beta 58 Dynamic
  • 2 Shure SM-58 Dynamic
  • 2 Shure SM-57 Dynamic
  • 3 Shure SM-98 Mini Condenser
  • 4 Shure S-55 Dynamic
  • 2 AKG C-3000 large diaphram condenser, cardiod or hypercardiod
  • 2 AKG C1000 Condenser (cardiod or hypercardiod)
  • 3 AKG C408 Condenser (drum clip-on)
  • 1 AKG D3600 Dynamic
  • 2 AKG C480 w/CK61 cardiod capsules or CK69 Shotgun capsules
  • 1 Sennheiser MD-421U Dynamic
  • 8 Audio Technica AT853 Mini Condenser (choir mics)
  • 2 Audio Technica AT815a Shotgun mics
  • 1 Audio Technica ATM33R condenser mic
  • 3 Audio Technica AT871 uniplate (floor mics)
  • 1 Barcus Berry 4000 Piano contact mic

Misc. Gear

  • 2 Whirlwind Director passive direct box
  • 2 DOD 265 Stagehand passive direct box
  • 1 DOD passive direct box
  • 6 KMD tripod boom mic stands (black)
  • 6 various round base straight mic stands (mixed black and chrome)
  • 4 Ultimate tripod speaker stands

Clear Com

  • 34 channel base station (stage manager's booth, backstage, spare)
  • 1 Telex wireless base station
  • 8 wired beltpacks
  • 4 wireless beltpacks
  • 12 headsets

Design Studio

  • 1 Yamaha Pro Mix 01 mixer
  • 1 Soundscape SSHDR1 Pro Plus
  • 1 Nakamichi MR-2 Cassette Deck
  • 1 Tascam 302 dual-well cassette deck
  • 1 Sony CDP316 CD player
  • 2 Mackie HR 824 self-powered monitors
  • 1 Technics S-1 1200 MKS Turntable

Extra Firepower

  • 2 Rane MA-6 multi channel amplifiers
  • 1 Ramsa 8118 Mixer (18 x 4 x 2)
  • 1 Yamaha MC 802 Mixer
  • 1 Pro-Co 16 x 4 Snake (100')
  • 1 Tascam 34 reel to reel tape deck
  • 1 Tascam 34B reel to reel tape deck

Assisted Listening Device System

  • Translator/Emitter: Sennheiser SI20
  • Emitters: 2 SZI-20 and 1 Power Radiator SZI 1029-120
  • Headsets (all Sennheiser): 21 RI-100J headsets, 5 EZT-100 Hearing Aid Loops and 18 BA-90 batteries

Please note that the sound booth is located behind and above the balcony. It is necessary to consult with the resident sound designer if there is a need to mix from the house.

Lighting Inventory

 

Fixture Type Quantity | Cable | Accessories | Circuiting | Control

DMX outputs | FX | Company Switches | Miscellaneous

Template Inventory | Film & Projector Equipment

 

Fixture Type Quantity

  • ETC S4 ERS Body 163
  • ETC S4 575W Caps 163
  • ETC S4 750W Caps 2
  • 5°  Lens Tubes 1
  • 10° Lens Tubes 6  
  • 19° Lens Tubes 61 
  • 26° Lens Tubes 60  
  • 36° Lens Tubes 43  
  • 50° Lens Tubes 16  

(Note: There are more Source Four barrels than instruments.)

  • Strand 6" Fresnel (1k)   14
  • Strand 8" Fresnel (2k)   6
  • Altman PAR 64 (1k)   18
  • ETC S4 PAR (575w)  34
  • MR 16 Mini PAR EYC (100w)   12
  • Altman 3 Cell Sky Cyc (1k)   8
  • L&E 6’3" 3 Circuit Mini Strip (750w) 8
  • Lycian Super Arc 400 Followspot 2

Accessories

  • Rosco I-Cues 4
  • I-Cue Power Supply 3
  • Morpheus S Fader 19
  • Morpheus Power Supply 5
  • 6 1/4" Source Four Tophat, long 30
  • 6 1/4" Source Four Tophat, short 13
  • GAM Twinspin II 4
  • 7 1/2" Tophat 38
  • 10" Tophat 12
  • 7 1/2" Barndoors 15
  • 10" Barndoors for PAR 64 only 6
  • Altman 24" Sidearm w/tee 27
  • Altman Scenery Bumper 8
  • Circular Boom Base 10
  • Source Four Iris 6
  • Source Four Pattern Holder 38 A size
  • Source Four Pattern Holder 44 B size
  • Strand 3 Light Rung Ladder 8
  • Floor Mount Bases 22
  • Round 50 lbs. Tel Base 8

Control

  • Strand 2.4k Dimmer 348
  • Strand 6k Dimmer 8
  • Strand 550 Console w/48 Subs (This is the primary board.) 1
  • Strand 520 Console w/24 Subs 1
  • Strand 520 Designer Console 1
  • Strand GSX Console
  • or House/Work Lights 1
  • Strand SN-100 Node 1
  • Strand Focus Remote 1
  • Strand System Wide Controller 1

The System Wide Controller is designed to be used for low-tech events. It has six programmable settings that can be cross-faded between on a fixed count.

FX

  • Rosco 1500 Fogger 1
  • Precision Projection Systems Wavelight 1
  • Le Maitre G300 Fogger/Hazer (DMX) 1
  • Little Blizzard Snow Machine (DMX) 2
  • Windmachine Moleffect (Model #5971-120V) 2
  • Weight: Estimated 75lbs.
  • Fan blades: 24" diameter
  • Width of Housing: 0'-34"
  • Height with stand: 0'-62"
  • Depth: 0'-22"
  • Control: Control from unit or Typical 5 pin DMX
  • Power: 120V power with edison connector
  • Rosco ColdFlow (120V) 1 (Uses liquid carbon dioxide)
  • Le Maitre Le Flame 3

Miscellaneous

  • Linestra Socket pairs 48
  • Linestra linear incandescent lamps 36
  • Dimmable Advance Mark X
  • Fluorescent Ballasts 6
  • Only dimmable ballast compatible with CD-80s
    Not compatible with the ETC Sensors

Film and Projection Equipment

LCD Projectors:  

  • Epson Powerlight 5600p 1
  • Front, Rear, and Ceiling Mount Projection
  • Power: 120V AC
  • Control: Infared Remote
  • Input: Analog/Digital Computer Input, S-video, Video/Audio RCA
  • Projection Distance: 3.6' to 47.9'
  • Lens: F= 1.7 to 2.3
  • Audio: Two 3-watt speakers/Audio output
  • Brightness: 2200 Lumens
  • Zoom Ratio: 1:1.3
  • Keystone Correction: +/- 30 degrees maximun
  • Noise Level: 36 dB

Slide Projectors:  

  • Kodak Ektagraphic IIIE 1
  • Kodak Ektagraphic IIIAM 1
  • 80 slide carousels 2
  • Schneider Cinelux AV MC Lens
  • 105mm (4.3")/F=2.4 1
  • 6'0" X 6'0" Front Projection Screen 1

Cable

  • 36" Two-fer Stagepin 65
  • 60A to (3) 20 A Branchoff 8
  • 5’ Stagepin 35
  • 10’ Stagepin 35
  • 25’ Stagepin 40
  • 50’ Stagepin 20
  • 100’ Stagepin 2
  • Multi Fan Out 4
  • Multi Breakout 40
  • 10’ (6) Circuit Socapex Extension 15
  • 20’ (6) Circuit Socapex Extension 15
  • 30’ (6) Circuit Socapex Extension 15
  • 50’ (6) Circuit Socapex Extension 5

Circuiting

Circuiting in this house is very flexible. It is done primarily through a series of multi cable plugs-ins placed strategically in the following locations:

  • Over the stage (22) 6 circuit multis - These circuits can then drop down to feed desired batten or boom.
  • Front of house catwalks (20) 6 circuit multis - These multis also feed the flex zone & box boom positions. 4 of these multis duplicate in the trap room.
  • Trap room (4) 6 circuit multis - All four of these multis duplicate on the first catwalk.
  • Stage floor (8) 6 circuit multis
  • Balcony rail (6) 4 circuit single circuit boxes. These duplicate on the proscenium jump.

DMX outputs

  • Onstage 3
  • Proscenium DL
  • Proscenium DR
  • Back wall UR
  • Catwalks 4
  • Center of 1CAT
  • Center of 2CAT
  • Center of 3CAT
  • Center of 4CAT
  • Mid-jumps 2
  • Behind proscenium SL
  • Behind proscenium SR

Company Switches

  • Onstage Left  
  • 400 amp 3 phase 120/208 volt General use
  • 100 amp 3 phase 120/208 volt Isolated ground (tied to sound power)
  • Loading Dock
  • 400 amp 3 phase 120/208 volt General use
  • Trap Room
  • 100 amp 3 phase 120/208 volt Isolated ground (tied to sound power)

Notes

House light control can be accessed through the stage management console for fixed settings. When in performance mode, the house lights, which have programmable levels and rates, are run through the light board.

We can make booms/trees in a variety of heights from 8'0" to 21'0". We have 10 bases for 1 1⁄2" pipe.

If followspots are being used, we have run them from the catwalks as well as placing one in the director's booth (house right back of balcony) and the other in the sound booth (house left back of balcony), provided the sound booth is not in use.

Color is available in the Rosco, Lee and GAM lines. Please contact the house electrician with needs. Incoming groups will be asked to provide their own cyc color.

Template Inventory Grid


Amount
Type
Template Name
5
R4009
Symteric 9
1
R7124
Lattice
2
R7135
Regency
7
R7135
Vernacular
6
R7139
Venetian
4
R7166
Cloud 8
4
R7170
Cloud 12
1
R7231
Kaleidoscope
1
R7279
Industrial Window
3
R7401
Linear 1
2
R7405
Small Dapple
5
R7570
Sponged
1
R7594
Bark
1
R7703
Double Hung Window
1
R7705
Church Window
9
R7721
Small Breakup
7
R7725
Aperture 1
12
R7726
Aperture 2
3
R7727
Aperture 3
2
R7728
Aperture 4
10
R7733
Dense Leaves
4
R7757
Stars 4
10
R7757
Irregular Leaves
4
R7764
Amorphous
3
R7769
Ritz
38
R7780
Dense Leaves (Detail)
6
R7786
City Lights
4
R7798
Cracked
4
R7806
Leaf Breakup Large
4
R7808
Dot Breakup Large
5
R7825
Montage
3
R7884
Snow
8
R7903
Reflected Water 1
3
R7906
Reflected Water 2
1
R7983
Seasons Greetings
16
R8041
Small Squares
4
R8042
Large Squares
3
R7320
Tree 3
5
R7409
Symetric 9
3
G203
Double Hung Window
2
G205
Venetian Blinds
2
G210
City Alley
2
G215
Bare Trees
8
G216
Bare Branches
2
G219
Trees
8
G225
Cloud 2
3
G226
Cloud 3
3
G227
Cloud 4
4
G228
Cloud 5
4
G229
Cloud 6
2
G230
Cloud 7
7
G231
Realistic Stars
1
G233
Spiral
7
G251
Spring Branches
2
G261
City Lights
4
G267
Fire!
2
G273
Lace
4
G289
Cloud 14A
1
G290
Cloud 14B
10
G294
Summer Leaves
1
G291
Sun A
2
G304
Treetop
2
G305
Pointed Breakup
1
G313
Cloud 15
1
G315
Reversed Trees
2
G337
Nebula
1
G352
Cob Web
5
G355
Search Lights
1
G360
Comet
1
G375
Rose Window 1
4
G379
Open Foliage
3
G381
Pin Spot A (1.5")
2
G382
Pin Spot B (1")
1
G390
Austrian Curtain
1
G506
Circle Moon
3
G530
Foliage Pattern
5
G536
Georgian Windows
24
G579
Foliage Breakup 3
2
G607
Cloud 24
4
G608
Cloud 25A
2
G611
Crackling Breakup
1
G619
Cone
8
G629
Homespun 1
10
G635
Construction A
4
G636
Construction B
1
G639
Whirlpool
21
G643
Moonscape
1
G644
Happy Holidays
3
G668
Twister
3
G669
Shimmer 1
4
G673
Linear Breakup 2
3
G675
Bubbling Breakup
2
G707
Twister XL
13
G709
Glass Brickup
4
G714
Sponge
18
G726
Smash
1
G740
Linear City B
2
G789
Renaissance Window 1
25
SFX 450
1
A1000
Leaves (B-size)
2
A2420
A Size Stars
1
A3200
Christmas Tree
4
Custom Footprints
2
Custom Cole (letters)
2
Custom Cole (in silhouette)
3
Custom San Jose Rep. Metal
2
Customer San Jose Rep. Glass