Bellows Falls Union High School Auditorium AV Upgrade
- Nick Edgar
- 22 hours ago
- 3 min read
MFI Pro completed a comprehensive audiovisual system upgrade for the auditorium at Bellows Falls Union High School, replacing an aging, underperforming AV system with a modern solution designed for musical performances, theatrical productions, assemblies, and screenings.
This project focused on dramatically improving sound clarity and coverage while upgrading the video system to better support presentations and large-format content. The result is an auditorium that is easier to use, better sounding, and ready for future expansion.
Addressing a Challenging Acoustic Space
The existing sound system consisted of non-directional loudspeakers suspended from the ceiling, which contributed to uneven coverage, excessive reflections, and poor speech intelligibility—especially in a room with a long reverberation time.
The new system was engineered to tightly control dispersion, directing sound exclusively toward the audience while minimizing interaction with side walls and reflective surfaces. This approach delivers a consistent listening experience across the seating area while avoiding interference with areas used for orchestra and performance microphones.
Targeted Sound Reinforcement with NEXO
The upgraded audio system is built around NEXO loudspeakers and amplification, chosen for their precision, control, and performance in acoustically challenging spaces.
(4) NEXO ID84 loudspeakers, mounted as vertical columns—two per side of the stage—attached to full-height steel columns at the proscenium
(2) NEXO MSUB12 subwoofers, floor-mounted beneath each column for low-frequency support
NEXO NXAMP4x1mk2 amplifier providing manufacturer-optimized processing and amplification
This configuration provides even SPL throughout the audience area while delivering the impact required for concerts, band and choir performances, and theatrical productions. The addition of dedicated subwoofers marks the first time the auditorium has had true low-frequency reinforcement.
Mixing, Transport, and Performance Flexibility
A dedicated front-of-house mix position is located at the rear of the auditorium, centered around a Yamaha TF5 digital mixer equipped with a NY64-D Dante card. This provides ample channel count and processing power for complex performances without overwhelming operators.
Audio transport between FOH and the equipment rack is handled via Dante with
primary and secondary runs, ensuring reliability and redundancy. Additional digital input/output boxes at the rack provide a total capacity of 32 XLR inputs and 16 XLR outputs, supporting a wide range of performance and event needs.
Wireless Microphones for Performance and Presentation
The auditorium is equipped with a flexible wireless microphone package designed to support both spoken word and performance use cases:
Shure SLX-D wireless systems
Audio-Technica BP892 headset microphones for theatrical and musical performances
Shure SM58 handheld microphones for assemblies and presentations
Overhead microphones available for additional pickup as needed
This combination allows staff and students to transition easily between concerts, theater productions, and assemblies without reconfiguring the system.
Video System Upgrade for Assemblies & Screenings
The video system was also fully upgraded, replacing the existing screen and improving image quality and reliability for assemblies and content playback.
Christie Digital projector with a matched lens, mounted above the floating ceiling and accessed via catwalk
Draper Paragon V motorized screen, 234” diagonal, 16:10 format
Video switching and signal management are handled in the equipment rack using a ConferX AC-CX62-AUHD in combination with QSC video infrastructure, allowing for simple, automated source switching and clean
integration with the overall control system.
Simple AV Controls with Room to Grow
System control is designed with school staff in mind and is managed through a QSC TSC-50-G3 touchscreen. From a single interface, users can manage audio and video functions without needing deep technical expertise.
The system also supports:
Wireless presentation via AirTame
Hardwired HDMI input at the equipment rack
HDBaseT HDMI input at FOH and stage right
While intentionally simple to operate, the system has been designed with future expansion in mind, allowing additional capabilities to be added as needs evolve.
Accessibility & Inclusion
To support accessibility, the auditorium includes a Listen Technologies assisted listening system that meets ADA requirements for the 610-seat venue. The system includes RF transmission, multiple receivers, and neck loops for hearing aid users—ensuring all attendees can fully participate in events.
A Major Improvement in Performance and Usability
The transformation of the Bellows Falls Union High School auditorium has been significant. The new system delivers clear, intelligible speech, impactful performance audio, and a modern video experience—while remaining approachable for day-to-day school use.
This project reflects MFI Pro’s focus on designing systems that solve real-world problems, enhance performance spaces, and provide long-term value for educational environments.
