University of Portland

Etzel Field Sound System Installation (2021)

The University of Portland sought to upgrade the sound system at Etzel Field, the home of the university’s baseball team. With its open air environment and varying crowd sizes, Etzel Field presented unique audio challenges that required a robust and flexible sound system.

To solve these challenges, DSNW turned to Community and Tesira DSP solutions. The loudspeakers were selected for their ability to deliver powerful sound over long distances, making them ideal for outdoor settings. The installation included weather-resistant models to ensure durability and consistent performance regardless of weather conditions.

The Tesira DSP platform played a crucial role in managing Etzel Field’s complex audio environment. It provided real-time audio adjustments to adapt to changing crowd sizes and ambient noise levels, ensuring optimal sound quality at all times. The system’s flexibility allowed for seamless transitions between different types of events, from baseball games to community gatherings and special ceremonies.

Chiles Center Sound System Installation (2022)

Following the success of the Etzel Field upgrade, DSNW embarked on completely overhauling the audio experience at the Chiles Center, a multi-purpose arena with a seating capacity of 5,000. The facility is home to the University of Portland’s basketball and volleyball teams, and hosts a variety of additional events, such as national athletic competitions, concerts, and graduation ceremonies. The existing sound system, however, was outdated and struggled to meet the diverse audio needs of these events.

DSNW’s solution involved installing a comprehensive Biamp-based sound system featuring Community loudspeakers known for their clarity and power. The entire process took more than two years. From the initial concept design using the global standard EASE acoustical modeler, DSNW worked through design criteria with Biamp engineers. There were major structural issues to address in the rigging hardware custom engineered by DSNW and Polar Focus. The end result was that the Community loudspeaker arrays were strategically placed to ensure consistent sound coverage throughout the arena. As part of the engineered AV design, Community amplified loudspeaker controllers were integrated to enhance audio precision and performance of the loudspeaker arrays.

Central to the installation was the incorporation of Tesira DSP solutions from Biamp. The Tesira platform provided advanced audio processing capabilities, enabling precise control over sound distribution and quality. Tesira, along with the unique Community line array technology, ensured that every seat in the arena received clear and balanced audio, significantly enhancing the listening experience for all attendees.

Impact and Reception

The impact of these installations has been profound. At the Chiles Center, the new sound system has transformed the audio experience for basketball and volleyball fans, as well as attendees of non-athletic events such as graduations and concerts. The clarity and even distribution of sound have been consistently praised, with many noting that the audio quality significantly enhances the overall event experience.

Similarly, the upgraded sound system at Etzel Field has been met with enthusiasm from both the university community and visitors. The powerful and clear audio has made baseball games more engaging and enjoyable, while also providing excellent sound quality for other events held at the stadium. The ability to maintain high audio performance in an outdoor environment has been particularly appreciated.

According to Craig Leppert, President, Design Sound NW, both projects dramatically improved the audio experience for live audiences at both venues. “In 35 years and hundreds of installations, this is one of the simplest systems I have ever tuned, and the final results are simply amazing. The Biamp solutions corrected a 30-year-old, poorly performing system by bringing their audio capabilities to a new, state-of-the art level of exceptional performance,” he said. “Biamp is one of our go to partners, and the IV6 line arrays are really mind blowing for the predicted-versus-real world results. I definitely have them on the list for future installations."

Conclusion

The successful installation of new sound systems at the University of Portland’s Etzel Field and the Chiles Center at the University of Portland underscores the importance of high-quality audio solutions in enhancing event experiences. Design Sound NW’s use of Community loudspeakers, amplified loudspeaker controllers, and Tesira DSP solutions has proven to be a winning combination, delivering exceptional sound quality and reliability.

These projects highlight the transformative potential of modern AV technology in sports and event venues. By investing in advanced sound systems, the University of Portland has not only improved the experience for athletes and fans but also demonstrated a commitment to excellence in all its events. The success of these installations serves as a model for other institutions seeking to enhance their audio capabilities and create unforgettable experiences for their audiences.