How to fix Saroyan Theatre sound issues
Regarding the recent complaints about the Saroyan Theatre: As a touring sound engineer on several Broadway shows in a variety of theaters across the United States, Canada and Mexico, there are some “fixes” that can be implemented with a modest cost.
▪ Acoustically treat the back wall under the balcony to prevent the reflecting of sound that makes it difficult for the sound engineer to “mix” the sound.
▪ Install underneath-the-balcony speakers that are electronically delayed to match the sound arriving from the proscenium speakers.
▪ Install speakers above the balcony, hung from the ceiling, that are also electronically delayed.
I am not suggesting any brand of equipment. That needs to be decided by an independent acoustical engineer. These complaints will continue until this issue is addressed.
As the city of Fresno owns the theater, address concerns to them.
William Woody, Fresno
This story was originally published July 31, 2015 at 5:09 AM with the headline "How to fix Saroyan Theatre sound issues."