Based on the Sesame Street TV series, Sesame Place is one of 12 theme parks operated in the US by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment hosting a variety of shows. Among the Philadelphia location’s most popular attractions are the meet-and-greets with the characters held in the Abby’s Paradise Theatre.

Here, system integrator Illuminated Integration recently installed a Martin Audio CDD solution in a comprehensive upgrade to the theatre’s aging PA. At the same time, Sesame Place asked the integrators to carry out an assessment of the audio in other event spaces and theatres, as well as a parade route.

Abby’s Paradise Theatre required uniform sound coverage throughout its 850-seat, clam-shaped auditorium, as well as provision for future integration and immersive sound. The installation itself was not without its challenges, as the venue is situated outside, under a metal roof with metal bleachers, and a Lazy River and waterfall behind.

Although the integrators are independent when it comes to product specification, Cody Toms, Illuminated Integration’s Audio/Video Systems Creative, knew that CDD had all the attributes to counter any obstacles.

‘We love how good Martin Audio boxes sound and the fact that the sound remains consistent throughout the line,’ he says. ‘We also knew we could get the space modelled well and that we weren’t going to need to spend a lot of time at the back end tuning, especially to get the vocal clarity of the Martin Audio boxes – as they already sound just phenomenal.’ In this instance they used Ease Focus for modelling.

As a result, the company specified three CDD12 (in white), spaced and suspended as a conventional LCR system from the overhead beams, with an SX112 (single 12-inch sub) also flown behind each of the left and right hangs. This solution worked out perfectly for lead A/V designer, Bobby Dengler.

‘With the noise of Lazy River and the waterfall behind, we also had to achieve some rear rejection and keep the audio contained where it’s supposed to be,’ Toms says. ‘Neither we nor Sesame Place wanted audio to be spilling out, and it was important to be able to boost performers’ live mics on stage without getting feedback, while at the same time achieving the required SPL and even coverage across the seating. It was a delicate balance.’

He also notes that Abby’s Paradise Theatre had been struggling with low end coverage ‘and while it’s not a rock concert, we wanted to cover the full spectrum’. They used the recommended tuning parameters from Martin Audio within a Q-Sys environment, as this provides the existing digital backbone.

Toms anticipates CDD will be a brand for the future: ‘The way Martin Audio translates vocals throughout the line is a huge win for us, particularly as many of our clients are churches, theatres or school performance spaces. With CDD I love the large number of models in the range and the fact that the coaxial source does not have the comb filtering of traditionally designed boxes. That all makes it easier for me as a designer because I know I’m not going to have to fight the box.’

The company has been a Martin Audio dealer for more than 18 months, as owner Tyler Hoffman already had a relationship with the British manufacturer from his previous company, the catalyst being a church project involving Torus T12.

Arriving here presented a perfect opportunity to reestablish the relationship, and he was soon in touch with Martha Callaghan, Martin Audio’s Northeast Regional Sales Manager. A team from Illuminated Integration attended the manufacturer’s recent Open Day at Merriweather in Maryland to asses all products, including arena systems.

Toms couldn’t be happier with the project’s outcome: ‘We’re thrilled that the park is thrilled,’ he quips. ‘It’s far better than what they had before and has exceeded expectations. Consequently, it is establishing a footprint. As for Martin Audio, Martha, Will and the team have been right there for us.’

‘The Sesame Place entertainment team had a great time partnering with Illuminated Integration on the audio upgrade for Abby’s Paradise Theatre,’ says Sesame Place VP of Entertainment, Nick Manna. ‘The team were knowledgeable and offered their professional advice to provide us with the best quality sound system for our space. The Martin Audio speakers allow our audience to feel like they are part of the show, and the sound perfectly enhances the overall show quality. I would recommend both companies to any professional in the business.’