World-Class Audio Excellence

Music to the ears of patrons. How one of Australia’s most  innovative regional venues upgraded its sound system.  Gonzalo Collarte Bondy reports. 

Perched along the banks of a beautiful river south of Sydney, the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre has long been a cultural hub.

Opened in July 2008, the centre has the flexibility to host close to a one thousand people in its flat floor mode for concerts, cabaret dinners, expos, or gymnastics events, or between 450 to 700 in its tiered theatre seating mode.

But after 16 years of operation, the venue’s original PA system was struggling to keep pace with evolving audio standards.

In response, the venue has completed a bold upgrading of its auditorium PA system with the state-of-the-art L-Acoustics KARA II. The result? A world-class audio experience that meets the demands of modern touring productions while enhancing every event held within its walls.

Key Parties: 

Jands
Established in 1970, Jands has been a leading distributor of world-class audio, video, lighting, control, and broadcasting technologies across Australia and New Zealand.

The P.A. People
A specialist integrator in venue engineering and audio solutions, The P.A. People leveraged over 50 years of experience to deliver and install the state-of-the-art audio systems professionally and efficiently over a four-day period, minimising disruption to the venue’s busy calendar of events. 

L-Acoustics
Globally renowned for groundbreaking innovations in audio technology, L-Acoustics pushes the boundaries of sound reinforcement. Originally grounded in physics and fundamental acoustics, the company is the pioneer of modern line source arrays, credited to its research on Wavefront Sculpture Technology and the legendary V-DOSC system.

From Dated to Outstanding

The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre hosts diverse events — from theatrical performances and dance shows to corporate conferences and live concerts. 

“We had a system in place for over 13 years, but it wasn’t featured on many touring tech riders,” explains Tobes Colvin, Technical Coordinator at Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre. “This meant touring crews often brought in their own PA systems, adding time, cost, and complexity to each production.”

With increasing demands from touring professionals and a desire to streamline operations, the venue sought exceptional sound quality, tailored to its multi-purpose layout, and aligned with industry rider expectations.

A system tuned to success

Jands, in collaboration with L-Acoustics and The P.A. People, stepped in to design a system tailored to the venue's unique needs. Without architectural plans available, Jands conducted a comprehensive site survey and leveraged L-Acoustics' Soundvision 3D modelling software to predict and optimise system performance.

The recommended solution featured the L-Acoustics KARA II system, known for its exceptional clarity, flexibility, and power. Key components included:

• Left and Right Main Arrays: Eight KARA II loudspeakers per side, ensuring precise coverage.

• Centre Fill Array: Four KARA II loudspeakers, delivering balanced sound to front-row seating.

• Subwoofers: Three SB18 cardioid-configured subwoofers per side for controlled low-end, plus four portable ground-stacked SB18s for additional infra bass.

• Delay Speakers: Two A10 Focus medium-throw line source speakers per side, time-aligned to the main arrays.

• Front Fill: Six X8 coaxial point-source speakers for enhanced clarity and a lowered sound image.

• Amplification: LA4X amplified controllers for precise DSP control and consistent performance.

“Panflex technology in the KARA II was a game-changer,” says Gerry Gavros, Business Development Manager at Jands. “It allowed us to direct energy away from side walls and focus it on the audience, eliminating previous issues like lobing and bass traps.”

Smoother workflow, better experience

For the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre team, the upgrade has transformed not only sound quality but also operational efficiency.

“With the new system, setup times have dramatically decreased,” Tobes shares. “Touring crews no longer need to unload and reload their own PA, saving both time and money. They can plug in their desk, tune as needed, and get straight to work.”

The system’s versatility shines across the venue’s two primary modes: theatre mode with tiered seating and flat-floor mode. Separate system calibrations ensure seamless audio coverage regardless of the configuration.

“It’s incredibly rider-friendly,” adds Brendan, Senior Technician overseeing audio operations. “L-Acoustics is a name crews trust, and they’ve been impressed by the flat response, particularly the clarity from the X8 front fills. We’ve received nothing but positive feedback.”

Designed for the future

“The entire system is powered by LA4X controllers, positioned in the catwalks to reduce cable runs,” explains Gerry. “A P1 processor at front-of-house gives engineers full control, allowing for quick EQ adjustments and calibration.”

For Tobes and the Shoalhaven team, the upgrade represents an investment in the venue’s future.

“The KARA II system has brought us in line with industry standards while giving our audiences and artists an unparalleled audio experience,” Tobes concludes. “It’s made our venue more attractive to high-profile acts and improved every event we host.”

For more information visit www.jands.com.au