The project’s timing gave SBS Development Manager Brent Thornhill the opportunity to use the new Dynacord MXE5 matrix mix engine to control all aspects of the system, which includes weather-resistant loudspeakers from Electro-Voice powered by Dynacord amplifiers. Dynacord’s intuitive SONICUE sound system software was used to set up and fine-tune the main PA.
“This project was part of a big upgrade to the whole stadium,” says Thornhill, who oversaw the design and installation for Southwest Building Systems. “It also gave us the opportunity to undertake the first installation in North America to use the new MXE5, which was pretty exciting.”
Flanking the large video scoreboard beyond the end zone are two arrays of eight XLD291 line-array loudspeakers, each covering the bleachers along one sideline. In addition, a set of four Electro-Voice X12i-128 dual-18” subwoofers is mounted on a platform in cardioid configuration, focusing low-frequency coverage across the entire stadium. All the end-zone loudspeakers are fully weatherized, with an IP55 rating against dust and water. Three Dynacord IPX10:4 amps power the arrays and an IPX20:4 handles the subwoofer stack. The amplifiers are rack-mounted in the video control room with the network switches and the MXE5.
The MXE5 is a 24 x 24 matrix with 12 analog mic/line inputs, eight line outputs and 24 Dante audio channels. In addition to complete integration with SONICUE sound system software, the MXE5’s advanced feature set provides professional audio mixing and routing capabilities, along with system-wide control and supervision for a wide range of applications. With full 96 kHz processing power, superior SNR and THD specifications, and the industry’s lowest latency, every detail of the MXE5 is designed to deliver the highest audio quality.
In addition to full support of the MXE5 matrix mix engine as a 24-channel zone mixer, SONICUE simplifies the creation of advanced tasks for comprehensive system supervision, monitoring and control. System installers can use SONICUE to design standalone, customized control applications that will run on Windows PCs or the new Dynacord TPC-1 touch panel controller, which features a high-definition 5.7” display. The TPC-1 at Del Valle stadium is located in the press box, providing easy access to change the system’s power status, presets, input sources and gains.
The stadium announcer’s desk is equipped with an Electro-Voice PC Desktop-12 gooseneck microphone from the PolarChoice series. Two Electro-Voice RE3 wireless systems are deployed, one with a switch-enabled headworn referee system and the other a handheld mic with ND86 capsule for speeches and vocals.
Other products from the Bosch Communications Systems portfolio complete the remaining system needs. To meet ADA accessibility requirements, a Telex SoundMate assistive listening system was specified, equipped with rechargeable bodypacks and a choice of SEB-1 earbuds or the NL-4S, an inductive neck loop for use with hearing aids. The stadium’s video control room sports an EVID-C6.2 ceiling speaker as a confidence monitor, and the production team uses an RTS BTR-800 intercom system.
“There are a lot of moving parts in creating a good stadium audio system,” adds Thornhill, “but the SONICUE software with the new MXE5 digital matrix made it easier than ever to deliver a great-sounding, sophisticated solution. The folks at Del Valle High School and I are all very happy with it.”
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
