AUDIO
CHI HEALTH CENTER Omaha, USA
Images: Creighton Athletics
A
new Meyer Sound system, based on LEOPARD line array loudspeakers, is the keystone component of a complete audio upgrade for Omaha’s 18,300-seat CHI Health Center arena. Now equipped with the latest in audio
reinforcement technology, the venue offers an enhanced audience listening experience for a wide range of large-scale athletic, community and corporate events. Integrated and installed by the Sports and Entertainment division of Alpha Video, the new system replaces a sturdy, but dated Meyer Sound point source cluster system that had been in place since the arena opened in 2003. “The durability and craftsmanship of the Meyer Sound loudspeakers outlasted most of the rest of the system,” noted Gino Meyer, Manager of audio-video technology for the Omaha Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA), the venue’s manager and operator. “So, when it came time to upgrade to the latest in line array technology, going with a new Meyer Sound system was a no-brainer.” After the video boards were updated in 2013, ideas started to trickle in as to how the venue could provide fans with a better listening experience to match the new, stand-out visual upgrade. Gino and the rest of the audiovisual team knew they wanted a system capable of catering to a wide variety of sports and corporate events, therefore, after previous experience with the brand, Meyer Sound was chosen and system design began. “Meyer Sound took the building schematics and created a 3D model of the space so they could see how the LEOPARD line arrays would react in the arena. This helped ensure that all of the seating would be covered. Following a stamp of approval from our structural engineer, we began working with the electrical contractors to figure out the power cabling needed for not only the powered loudspeakers, but the chain motors that hold them,” explained Gino. “The next step was assessing the network infrastructure. We needed to decide where the switches would reside, where the networked QSC touch