2180 South McDowell Blvd.
Petaluma, CA 94954, USA
707-778-8887 Fax: 707-778-6923
July31, 2003 Contact: Brit Byrnes
Marketing Coordinator
Phone: 201-934-9832 x 2024
Fax: 201-934-9832
E-mail:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Apogee ALA-3 Line Array SystemInstalled inUnique Retractable Cluster at Atlanta’s Schwartz Center
Petaluma, CA – Apogee Sound International announced the installation of a custom-rigged Apogee ALA-3 Line Array loudspeaker system in the new Cherry Logan Emerson Concert Hall at the Donna and Marvin Schwartz Center for Performing Arts at Emory University in Atlanta.
The main center-cluster Apogee loudspeaker system, as designed by Richard Laidman of Kirkegaard Associates, features custom rigging constructed by Apogee to be ultra-compact to enable it to retract into a very tight space in the ceiling of the 825-seat concert hall. "Apogee was extremely helpful in creating the rigging system to fit the available space," said Laidman, "and when something had to be custom built, they didn’t take us to the cleaners on the customization."
When needed, the cluster is lowered from the attic space by an electric hoisting system. The loudspeaker cables are reeled and unreeled, eliminating the need for the typical large and unsightly cable-catching tub. For unamplified performances, the cluster is stored in the attic and is totally out of view to preserve the hall’s visual aesthetic.The audio installation contractor was Electronic Engineers, Inc. of Montgomery, Alabama.
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"The reasons we chose the Apogee ALA-3 line array are its small size, sound quality,and choice of horizontalcoverage patterns," said Laidman. "Apogee’s offeredline array cabinets with a choice of 60- or 90-degree horns, and this was important to keep reflections off of the side walls of the concert hall. Our decision was also influenced by Apogee’s cost-effectiveness and our previous experiences using Apogee loudspeakers."
The Donna and Marvin Schwartz Center for Performing Arts is a multi-use complex for music, dance,and theater. In addition to the Cherry Logan Emerson Concert Hall, which utilizes adjustable acoustical treatment to lower reverb time significantly when used with unamplified music, the Schwartz Centeralso features a dance performance studio, experimental black-box theater, and houses a large rehearsal hall and a number of small rehearsal and teaching spaces.
In addition to the five ALA-3 enclosures, the retractable Apogee processor-based system also includes: one Apogee AE2s2 wide angle loudspeaker to cover just the Choral Balcony, two FH-1 Hi-Pack loudspeaker systems to provide high frequency in fill for the closer seatsin the side balconies, and two ACS-118 subwoofers mounted back to back behind the main array.
Said Apogee Director of Engineering Barry Grzebik, "We enjoyed the opportunity to work with a designer of Richard Laidman’s caliber, and the challenge of creating an Apogee system unique to this application."
The Apogee ALA-3 is the most compact model of the ALA family of Line Array loudspeakers. Intended for applications that require clarity, power, and precise directivity, especially in the vocal range, each bi-amped/two-way/electronically-coupled cabinet featurestwo Apogee 10-inch permanent magnet cone type low frequency drivers and two Apogee 1-inch throat compression high frequency drivers. Horizontal dispersion in the high frequency range is controlled by the HF horn flares (horns are available in either 60 or 90 degree formats).
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The Apogee AE-2s2 is a wide-angle/two-way/single-amped system designed for extended horizontal dispersion and high fidelity response. The unique shape of the enclosure produces the wide coverage angle (165 degrees) while minimizing sight-line obstructions. The AE2s2 features 8-inch permanent magnet cone type drivers, and dual Apogee 1-inch horn-loaded compression drivers.
The FH-1 is a high-power, multi-purpose system designed for sound reinforcement where small size and high output capability are essential. Each single-amped cabinet features one ten-inchlow frequency driver and a single one-inch high frequency driver.
Matt Williamson, Technical Coordinator for the Schwarz Center, is pleased with the performance of the Apogee system. "We do a lot of different things – jazz ensembles, the Emory wind ensemble, symphony orchestra, vocals, speech, recordings, and radio." He added, "The Apogee system helps a great deal, especially with feedback, as it’s so directional."
Kirkegaard Associates ( provides comprehensive consulting services in the areas of architectural acoustics, mechanical noise and vibration control, and audio/video/visual systems design. Since its founding in 1976, the firm has earned international acclaim for excellence in the design of performing arts and education facilities, churches, recording and broadcast studios, and many other acoustically sensitive environments.
For more information on the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts, please visit
About Apogee Sound International
Apogee Sound International, LLC, is known worldwide as a manufacturer of sound reinforcement products designed for the professional audio industry. For more information, contact Apogee Sound International, LLC., 2180 South McDowell Boulevard, Petaluma, CA 94954, U.S.A.; 707-778-8887, fax: 707-778-6923, e-mail: , web site:
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