DG 1110.3.120
DESIGN GUIDE: MUSIC AND DRAMA CENTERS
JANUARY 1981
CHAPTER 4: ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS
quired. The normal sound reinforcement system
In terms of the House we may find that the di-
console does not include these components as
rector would like to provide a sound effect that
a standard part of its design.
is directionally oriented in relation to the seating
area. In other words, sound coming from the left
Theatrical Sound Effects: An effects system
to the rear or from the right of the audience, or
is conceptually the opposite of a reinforcement
perhaps a sound that would be panned across
system. It would usually have a limited number
the audience in either direction or panned around
of inputs, 4 to 12, with a large number of outputs.
the audience from one direction to another. In
Output delegation switches allow the operator
this instance it is good to put a series of small
to feed the signal to the loudspeaker of his choice
speakers of bookshelf or studio monitor type
in a wide variety of locations both on stage and
around the auditorium in certain locations. A
in the house. Obviously, in such a situation each
minimum arrangement would be one on both
speaker must be fed by its own individually con-
the left and right, which would be located about
trolled amplifier.
one third of the way from the proscenium to the
rear, and one in the rear.
This system should be independent of the rein-
forcement system because directional realism
The inputs of effects systems are usually tape
may demand that sound effects such as door-
recorders, turntables, cassettes and/or voice an-
bells, thunder, sirens, shots, etc., appear to orig-
nouncements over a microphone. The interven-
inate off stage or even in the house. Therefore,
ing electronics are fairly straight forward in
it is advisable to keep the design flexible and just
terms of a simple mixing console with the re-
provide receptacles for loudspeaker leads in a
quired number of output channels to feed the
variety of locations. One left and right on the
various loudspeaker locations. This console is
proscenium and three or four on the backstage
often remote from reinforcement controls, with
wall would be sufficient. Sometimes a receptacle
a separate operating technician receiving cues
on the loading gallery and pinrail is advisable.
from the stage manager.
INTERCOMMUNICATIONS
FIGURE 4-5.1
4-22
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