Recognised for its chili, Tolbert’s Restaurant & Chili Parlor in Grapevine, Texas, also serves up a regular diet of live music for its patrons. Like many restaurants and bars, Tolbert’s took advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to upgrade its sound system, calling in Sound Productions (SoundPro) to deliver on owner, Paul Ryan’s, ambitions.

‘When we met with Paul and Steve Tremayne of Tolbert’s, their original vision was to use a line-array approach,’ says Sound Productions Account Manager, Kris Landrum. ‘But, once we saw the physical space in person, it was clear that a point-source solution would serve them better. It’s a long, narrow room with hard surfaces, which presented a challenge.’

The EVF series from Electro-Voice was the preferred solution, with a main system of four EVF-1122D 12-inch two-way models, flown as two-box arrays at stage left and right, each comprising a 60° x 40° model over a 90° x 60° model. This offers precise coverage and ample output, yet keeps sightlines clear. Low-frequency support is provided by an XLCi-215 dual-15-inch subwoofer beneath the stage.

The system is powered by a single Dynacord IPX10:8 DSP amplifier, which proved critical to the installation. ‘Since Tolbert’s is basically a restaurant, there’s no traditional sound booth, just a small cubby in an awkward location,’ Landrum says. ‘With so little room, we assembled a rolling rack that houses a digital mixer and the Dynacord amp, plus drawers for cables and such.

‘The IPX10:8 is only two rack units tall, yet it provides 10kW across eight channels – enough to power the EVF mains and subwoofer with two channels to spare. The sound cart can be placed almost anywhere on the stage as needed, since the engineer mixes on an iPad. The IPX amps are just great problem-solvers – very powerful, very smart, and very efficient.’

Dynacord’s SoniCue Sound System Software was used for system configuration and tuning, using factory settings for the EV speakers to optimise system performance.

Another key aspect of the install was manufacturer support, as SoundPro worked directly with the EV/Dynacord team on the overall system design. ‘The support we get from EV/Dynacord is great,’ Landrum says. ‘They even sent an engineer out to finalise the system. He had a great chili lunch, then took some measurements and fine-tuned the system, which took it from good to great right off the bat.’

Stage monitoring is from six Electro-Voice PXM-12MP powered wedges. In addition to high output relative to their compact footprint, these coaxial models are extremely robust, making them popular with both band members and sound engineers. For drummers, a powered EKX-15P loudspeaker is available for extra punch. When no bands are playing – such as at lunchtime and during football games – Electro-Voice Evid 6.2 surface-mounted loudspeakers provide the audio.

With the new EVF system in place, Tolbert’s has achieved its desired look and sound, improving the musical experience for patrons and artists alike. Paul Ryan is enthused by the results…

‘We love our new EV equipment. We have live music every night, so we needed a top-notch system, and SoundPro really made it happen. The clarity of individual instruments and vocals is tremendous, and the system is easy to operate. It sounds clear and full at all volumes, and we’ve had numerous compliments from bands, customers, and staff. We couldn’t be happier.’