AV Case Study: Lefty’s Music Hall
Lefty's Music Hall Transforms Sound with JBL SRX Loudspeakers
15 July 2024
Lefty’s Music Hall in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley has been a busy live music venue since 2013 but its PA’s number was up – it had been kept together and upgraded in piecemeal fashion but wasn’t cutting it. In the end it was Kevin Hennigs, the Production Manager, who called time and went on the upgrade journey.
SYSTEM DEMANDS
Lefty’s Music Hall plays host to live bands, DJs and plenty in between. The venue’s sound system must deliver clear, powerful audio across different genres and performance styles. Upon taking over as Production Manager in 2019, Kevin Hennigs recognised the need for a more robust, tour-grade system. The existing setup was inadequate, with dying top-end drivers and ineffective subs. The challenge was to find a system that could deliver superior sound quality, withstand the rigours of frequent use, and be manageable within the venue’s infrastructure constraints.
UPGRADE PROCESS
Hennigs set the upgrade wheels in motion by researching and recommending several high-end systems, including those from Nexo, Martin, L-Acoustics, d&b, and JBL. “The majority of these were mind-bogglingly expensive or out of stock,” he recalls. Despite initial apprehensions about the powered nature of the JBL SRX, he recommended JBL SRX line source system for its performance and reliability.
Eventually, the decision was made to install four JBL SRX910LA boxes in a mono cluster above the stage, complemented by three SRX918S subs under the stage. “I made the decision to array the subs in a cardioid configuration to ideally prevent further complaints from the neighbours behind the venue,” explains Hennigs. In addition, a total of five JBL SRX812P point source loudspeakers were strategically positioned throughout the venue to serve as fill speakers.
ALL ABOUT RESULTS
The installation of the JBL SRX system marked a significant transformation for Lefty’s Music Hall. Hennigs enthusiastically describes the impact: “The clarity and power of the JBL is chalk and cheese compared to the old system. I’ve not seen the system go into compression after hundreds of gigs. We constantly get praise regarding the PA.”
The system’s ability to provide consistent, high-quality sound throughout the venue was particularly noteworthy. “Despite it only being four full-range boxes, there is enough throw to cover the whole venue, and that’s even with a 2dB trim using the Array Size Compensation filter within JBL Performance,” Hennigs highlights. This capacity for powerful yet clear audio allowed him to mix vocal-forward without battling system limitations for the first time since coming on board.
The JBL Performance software proved to be a valuable asset, offering real-time system monitoring and easy control for visiting engineers. “Being able to have the JBL Performance software at ops with its real-time system monitor has been a game-changer, especially when touring engineers tend to push the system more than needed,” notes Hennigs. The software also facilitated straightforward tuning and adjustments, enhancing overall system performance.
The system was supplied by AVA Distribution out of Brisbane and installed by Australian Fibre Communications.
TOOLED UP
Lefty’s Music Hall’s upgrade to the JBL SRX loudspeaker system has given the venue a real shot in the arm. For a highly-experienced live sound professional like Kevn Hennig, SRX has been an eye opener. “My initial misgivings about having the amps on board have so far been unfounded. While the system itself has the guts and clarity we need. And it didn’t cost the earth. The feedback we’re getting is almost universally positive. The SRX upgrade has been a much needed step forward and really paid dividends.”
RESPONSES