Meeting expectations
Sound & Video Contractor

For 10 years, the Paradise Performing Arts Center awaited a sound reinforcement system whose sophistication could be supported only by today's technology.

Systems contractors are often called upon to wear a diverse group of hats. Certainly, there is the issue of being a systems expert, which requires fluency in effectively implementing the latest technology, more and more of it digitally based. Another discipline often required is that of acoustician.

More often than not, systems projects demand a good understanding of structural engineering. Certain projects may require even more knowledge of specialized disciplines. Also, a systems integrator must definitely take on the role of diplomat, countering the lack of understanding or flat-out carelessness exhibited by architects, general contractors, construction crews and the like.

Joe Orlando of Commercial Sound & Communications, based in the San Francisco Bay Area, recently had the opportunity to model several hats while implementing a new sound reinforcement system at the Paradise Performing Arts Center, Paradise, CA. The privately owned facility has been open for about 10 years, but during that time, it operated without a sound system until funding became available. In the interim, rental systems were brought in to support a wide range of acts, including country and rock performances as well as ballet and theatrical productions.

A sound system design had been formulated when the facility was being built, a process handled by Paoletti and Associates, San Francisco. Commerical Sound & Communications, along with several other firms, supplied proposals based on that original design, even though it was almost a decade after the fact.