Historic Performance Space Fueled by Comprehensive yet Compact Mixing Solution
The Assembly Theatre at The Woman's Club of Minneapolis, a historic venue that first opened its doors in February 1928, has undergone a significant transformation. With a new DiGiCo S31 sound system in place, this 630-seat venue overlooking Loring Park is once again ready to entertain.
Rip Nordhougen, technical director for The Woman's Club, had a vision to "bring back to life a wonderful theater that was originally used for vaudeville." After years of disuse, that vision is becoming a reality.
The old sound system, installed in 2008, has been replaced with the modern DiGiCo S31. This versatile console was chosen for its flexibility, user-friendliness, sound quality, and price point. It offers features such as the Flexi Aux/Group Bus option, which allows for customisation on a show-by-show basis, and a UB MADI port for quick multi-track recording.
The DiGiCo S31 has proved its worth, handling technically demanding productions like The English Beat with ease. It has also impressed Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Dan Wilson and his engineer, who performed at The Assembly Theatre and were pleased with the sound quality.
Kevin Winge, the executive director for The Woman's Club, is thrilled with the improvement in sound quality and clarity. He believes it has surpassed expectations. The DiGiCo S31 is used to drive the main PA system, as well as for recording feeds and additional sends.
The DiGiCo S31 also provides flexibility for switching between running monitors from FOH and from an iPad side-stage. The three touchscreens are appreciated by the audio techs for their intuitive workflow.
The installation of the DiGiCo S31 was recommended by local pro audio rep firm Wiklander & Associates and dealer Windy Shores Sound. Rip Nordhougen worked with Sound Arts, the local pro-audio representative, for the recommendation.
Having the DiGiCo S31 has given The Woman's Club peace of mind in bringing any level of performer into the venue without worry. The new sound system has revitalised and modernised The Assembly Theatre, making it a premier destination for live entertainment in Minneapolis once again.
