Brisbane’s iconic Chandler Theatre enters a new era with the first Australian permanent installation of JBL Professional VTX A6 system, facilitated by the superteam of XConnect Professional Services, High Noon Stage Productions, and MadisonAV.

Brisbane’s Chandler Theatre, a cultural landmark originally built for the 1982 Commonwealth Games and which resides within the Sleeman Sports Complex, has unveiled a landmark audio transformation that secures its place among the city’s premier performance venues. The 2025 upgrade which is powered by JBL Professional loudspeakers and Crown Audio amplification – distributed by MadisonAV – brings world-class sound reinforcement to a venue steeped in history.

For decades, the theatre’s ageing PA system limited its potential to serve the diverse array of concerts, community events, and productions it hosted. Recognising the need for change, Chandler Theatre partnered with acoustic consultants XConnect Professional Services and technical specialists High Noon Stage Productions to deliver a solution that seamlessly blends state-of-the-art performance with architectural sensitivity.

At the heart of the upgrade lies Australia’s first permanent installation of the JBL VTX A6 subcompact line array system — a compact powerhouse that balances precision clarity with powerful, controlled coverage. The system is reinforced with JBL VTX B15 cardioid-configured subwoofers, driven by Crown I-Tech amplifiers, creating a discreet yet impactful soundfield optimised for every seat in the house.

The system comprises 24 units of the JBL VTX-A6 loudspeakers deployed in three hangs of eight elements each and supplemented by two additional VTX-A6 units per circuit for enhanced dispersion control; while low-frequency reinforcement comes from 9 units of the JBL VTX-B15 subwoofers arranged in three hangs of three and configured in cardioid mode. Power to the loudspeaker system is delivered through 6 units of Crown Audio I-Tech 4x3500HD amplifiers.

Peter Kubow of MadisonAV, who describes Chandler Theatre as an iconic venue, expressed pride in supporting its next chapter with a solution designed to deliver both technical excellence and audience impact. He noted that the VTX A6 proved the perfect choice—compact, powerful, and ideally suited to the space. In fact, MadisonAV, the Australian distributor for JBL, was engaged at an early stage, supplying Glenn Thompson of XConnect Professional Services with a range of system models in Venue Synthesis, including the VTX A6 and A8 paired with either B15 or B18 subwoofers.

According to Thompson, the software generated precise mechanical drawings, enabling the team to evaluate drop heights, angles, and weight considerations. While initially inclined towards the VTX A8, the modelling revealed that it was too large and heavy for the venue’s requirements. The VTX A6, on the other hand, enabled the team to maintain a low hang height to protect sightlines and manage weight, while still achieving the SPL required for the venue. Furthermore, the B15 subwoofers were chosen for their cardioid capabilities, effectively keeping low frequencies off the stage and directing energy towards the audience — delivering precision, control, and power.

The level of attention to detail throughout the planning process gave the team complete confidence to transition seamlessly from design into deployment, largely owing to the fact that the predictions proved highly accurate. In fact, Thomson informs that the very first hang, which was executed exactly as specified in the simulation, required no adjustments and was perfectly aligned from the outset.

High Noon Stage Productions, who carried out the installation, has already reported strong results. Operations Manager Locky Young, who highlights the growing presence of the JBL VTX A Series on artist riders, noted that performers are enthusiastic about working with the system; and that feedback so far has been universally positive, with acts praising both the quality and the impact of the upgrade.

For Alex Hutchison, General Manager of the Sleeman Sports Complex, the development marks more than just an audio enhancement — it signals a new chapter for Chandler Theatre. He believes that the state-of-the-art JBL loudspeaker system will enable the venue to attract higher-profile content while continuing to support its diverse monthly programming, adding that the team is genuinely excited about the future.