NEW ZEALAND: Located in Takapuna on Auckland’s North Shore, the Bruce Mason Centre, operated by Auckland Live on behalf of Tataki Auckland Unlimited, has long been recognised as one of the region’s leading performing arts venues, hosting a broad mix of family entertainment, dance productions, live music and comedy. With seating for more than 1,100 and a tiered auditorium that can be reconfigured into an open-floor layout for gala dinners and cocktail receptions, the venue’s technical infrastructure is required to adapt quickly to an increasingly diverse event calendar. After more than 20 years of operation, the existing sound system was no longer able to meet these evolving demands, prompting a comprehensive audio upgrade.

Following detailed evaluation, the venue selected a JBL Professional VTX A6 system, driven by its compact yet high-performance design and the flexibility offered by the A Series’ rigging system, which simplifies loudspeaker repositioning to suit different event formats. The two-year upgrade was delivered by JPRO in close consultation with the Auckland Live technical team and extended beyond loudspeaker replacement to include the installation of new Crown I-Tech 43500HD amplifiers, the addition of under-balcony fills, and a complete system rewire.

System design and performance prediction were carried out using JBL’s Venue Synthesis 3D Acoustic Simulation software, allowing the team to model coverage and optimise system behaviour before installation. Explaining the process, Tim Robertson, Tour Sound Manager with JBL Professional Distributor JPRO, said, “The platform enables precise angle prediction, system tuning and delay time optimisation for each loudspeaker position. It is remarkably accurate compared to real-world performance, significantly streamlining live tuning and system commissioning.”

The upgraded system now features two flown arrays, each comprising 12 VTX A6 dual 6-inch line array elements. Leveraging JBL’s ArrayLink mobile app, which integrates directly with the Venue Synthesis 3D Acoustic Simulation software, JPRO developed six system presets to accelerate deployment. Combined with the VTX A Series’ quick-rigging system, this approach allows the arrays to be scaled, repositioned and operational in under 30 minutes, depending on the event’s requirements.

Low-frequency support is provided by twelve VTX B18 arrayable 18-inch subwoofers deployed in a cardioid configuration, with the flexibility to be flown or ground stacked as needed. Under-balcony coverage is handled by eight JBL AC18 high-performance compact loudspeakers, discreetly positioned to maintain sightlines while ensuring consistent audio coverage. Power is delivered by Crown I-Tech 43500HD amplifiers, with system control and audio management handled via BSS BLU-806 networked signal processors.

Reflecting on the results, Lindsay Clements from the Bruce Mason Centre technical team commented, “The VTX rigging system delivers the flexibility and performance the venue needs for its varied event schedule. The sound is really clean and holds up beautifully across different instruments and sources.” With the new JBL VTX A Series system in place, the Bruce Mason Centre is now equipped with a scalable, high-performance audio platform capable of supporting its wide-ranging programme well into the future.