Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall in downtown Troy, NY is considered one of the most acoustically sensitive venues ever built. The music hall, renowned for its acoustics and Odell concert organ was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989 for its architecture as one of the finest surviving 19th-century auditoriums.
In August 2020, the historic venue completed an upgrade to its loudspeaker system. The reflective surfaces, high domed ceiling, and band shell stage required an audio solution that combined high intelligibility, even coverage, and a design that would not disrupt its iconic aesthetic. Live Sound, Inc., led by President Mike Seddon, was tasked with delivering this delicate balance.
The new system features six K-array Kayman-KY102 line arrays, two Thunder-KMT218 subwoofers, and one Kommander-KA84 amplifier. A key challenge was addressing the disconnection between stage volume and amplified sound caused by the previous system’s high placement above the thrust stage. Thanks to the Kayman system’s compact form factor, the arrays were flown at a lower height, integrating the amplified sound with the stage output and reducing the need for additional front fills. This resulted in a more natural and transparent sound, aligning perfectly with the Hall’s acoustical requirements.
From a technical perspective, the lighter weight of the K-array system allowed the team to use the existing rigging infrastructure, avoiding costly upgrades. The longstanding relationship between Troy Savings Bank Music Hall and Live Sound, Inc., which had been the venue’s preferred concert audio vendor since 2010, ensured confidence in the selection of K-array products. The K-array systems had already proven their capabilities during previous events where they were rented and supplemented the Hall’s old audio system.
“I thought the sound quality at this morning's press conference was noticeably more intelligible. I was standing under the balcony overhang and the speaking was very clear, even with JD's accent. I think the lower placement of the speakers also helped immensely.” - Stacey Bridge, Associate Director.
Executive Director Jon Elbaum also commended the system’s intelligibility, expressing anticipation for experiencing its full capabilities in future performances. The project showcases K-array USA’s ability to respect historic architecture while elevating audio performance, making it an ideal choice for notable venues like the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.
