Meyer Sound’s Pearson Theatre has been revitalised with technology upgrades, strengthening its position as a showcase for audio excellence.
The introduction of Meyer Sound’s new Astrya cinema screen channel loudspeakers and a 33-channel theatrical Dolby Atmos system has elevated the venue to a world-class screening room, complemented by a Constellation acoustic system, which transforms a room’s acoustic signature at the push of a button. Milan integration and support for the Spacemap Go spatial sound design and mixing tool underscore Meyer Sound’s commitment to operability.
Since its inception in 2004, the Pearson Theatre, named after the late audio pioneer Don Pearson, has served as a real-world showcase for Meyer Sound’s advanced technologies. When it was built, the 1,500-square foot, 55-seat venue reflected the state of the art in sound, showcasing both a 7.1-channel surround system and a Constellation system. A floating room optimised for variable acoustics, the space was conceived to adapt to a range of applications, from film screenings to lectures to music performances and recording.
Nearly two decades later, the Pearson was ready for a refresh, and in January, it underwent a complete technological transformation. “We approached these upgrades the way our esteemed clients would approach building full theatrical or cinematic production spaces,” says Meyer Sound’s SVP John McMahon. “All essential systems were refreshed, which now puts the Pearson solidly into the category of top-performing spaces of its kind in the world.”
Central to the upgrade are Meyer Sound’s Astrya-140 cinema screen channel loudspeakers, anchoring the LCR positions. Astrya delivers precise time alignment and optimal clarity across its frequency range from 30 Hz to 20 kHz. Based around concentric mid/high drivers, the speaker offers AES67 network support and a fully digital signal path, facilitating modern audio-over-IP workflows.
For cinema sound reproduction, a Dolby Atmos theatrical layout with a 33-channel sound field is supported by a diverse range of products from the Meyer Sound catalog. Astrya-140 anchors the LCR positions. Ultra-X42 and Ultra-X20 point source loudspeakers are used for lateral surrounds while Ultra-X40 and Ultra-X23 point source loudspeakers are in overhead surround positions. On the low frequency effects channel, two 2100-LFC low-frequency control elements and two VLFC very low frequency control elements work together to extend visceral low-end impact to a subsonic 13Hz.
Improving picture and source playback were primary goals as well. A Christie CP4420-Xe cinema projector and Dolby IMS-3000 integrated media server earn the Pearson Theatre a DCI-compliant path for DCP playback. A new Stewart cinema screen, six feet wider than its predecessor, provides truer presentation of native cinema aspect ratios. In non-DCI playback, a Kaleidescape Strato V 4K Ultra HD movie player and Terra Prime movie server ensure tthat source material reflects the best possible consumer release formats.
The Pearson’s upgraded Constellation system features advanced algorithms and harnesses the power of the Nadia integrated digital audio platform, which brings greater resolution and enhances flexibility with more discrete zones. The 34-speaker system was upgraded to UP-4slim installation loudspeakers and the omnidirectional microphones were replaced with 24 miniature cardioid microphones, in line with modern Constellation implementation.
The new system meets loudspeaker and microphone density guidelines for Constellation’s voice lift implementation, which elevates spoken word intelligibility throughout the space — from both presenters and audience members — without the need for hand-held microphones.