Cornerstone in Berkeley, Calif., has become a popular spot not only for local bands and tribute acts but also for popular national touring bands including The Offspring, Jefferson Starship, Third Eye Blind and George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, among many others.
To help the live music venue, restaurant and beer garden deliver an exceptional audio and visual experience for both music fans and artists, Cornerstone owner Alex Popov hired Brad C. Schield and Associates to install a cutting-edge networked audio and lighting system for the 600-capacity venue.
Tech Specs at Cornerstone
BSA selected a complete networked HARMAN audio and lighting solution made up of JBL Professional speakers, Crown amplifiers, AKG microphones, Soundcraft consoles, BSS and AMX audio video control systems and Martin lighting fixtures for their professional performance, seamless integration and intuitive operation.
The audio system includes a main hang of 18 JBL VT4886 line array speakers, 6 JBL VT4883 subwoofers in the air, 4 JBL STX828S subwoofers built into the stage, and JBL SRX Series powered speakers for stage monitors.
JBL SCS8 speakers deliver full-range audio inside the restaurant, while JBL AWC82 and JBL SB2210 speakers are installed in the beer garden.
The entire system is powered by Crown I-Tech Series amplifiers and optimized by JBL V5 speaker presets.
The system also includes a comprehensive collection of AKG microphones to handle any live sound scenario.
To ensure maximum audio coverage in 13,000 square feet of venue space, BSA used JBL VERTEC Line Array Calculator II software to meticulously map out speaker placement and arrangement.
Plus Four Marketing commissioned, supplied and tuned the HARMAN system at Cornerstone.
By using a single distributor and a complete HARMAN solution, BSA was able to streamline the installation process and complete the project quickly and efficiently.
“The HARMAN system installed at Cornerstone was near-perfect right out of the gate and needed very little EQ adjustment,” said Keith Erickson, tour live sound and large venue specialist at Plus Four Marketing.
“The Soundcraft consoles are set up with preset recalls that allow audio to flow from either side of the venue.”
The audio at Cornerstone is also synced with an AMX video system. The entire system is networked via Dante, without copper cable.
Thanks to HARMAN’s finance program, Popov was able to buy all of the equipment he needed at once.
Soundcraft Vi2000 and Si Performer digital live mixing consoles not only provide unparalleled mixing power, they can be linked together via built-in Dante and BLU link interfaces to enable easy multi-track recording and flexible network routing options.
Utilizing the Dante network and a BSS BLU link-equipped eight-channel Crown DC-I amplifier, audio can be routed to eight different zones throughout the restaurant and outdoor beer garden.
The Dante network allows audio to be sourced from multiple locations in the facility.
Separate shows can take place simultaneously in the venue and beer garden, or audio from the main venue can be routed to restaurant and outdoor patio, allowing guests to listen to the live performance from anywhere in the facility.
BSA also installed a lighting rig, consisting of 13 Martin RUSH MH6 CT and 4 Martin MH7 Hybrid fixtures.
Impact on the Live Sound
Controlled by Martin M-PC software, the lighting rig has more than enough flexibility for local acts and serves as a great foundation for touring acts that bring their own lighting package.
“We have the flexibility to provide a complete audio experience in every area of our space,” said Popov.
“When we were researching the sound system, we travelled to different venues around the country. I can’t think of a single place we visited that sounds better than the HARMAN system we have at Cornerstone.”
“When The Offspring played here, they told us how great the room sounded. They’ve played some of the biggest and best venues in the world, so that was major validation of the system.”
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