The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts in Houston, Texas, is a cultural hub of the city, hosting all manner of engaging live shows from Broadway classics to musicals, comedy, concerts and dance performances. Located in the downtown theater district, this premier entertainment complex has recently undergone an impressive technical upgrade, installed by CGI brand, LD Systems.

Major work was performed in Sarofim Hall, which received a state-of-art sound system. The shared back of house spaces - for both Sarofim and its smaller, sister, space Zilkha Hall – have also been newly re-wired and re-amplified for the house 70V speaker system. The upgrade included a mix of single and multi-mode fiber infrastructure allowing touring performances and in-house production company Theater Under the Stars (TUTS) to distribute various AV signals. The results enable crystal clear audio feeds from both venues straight into the relevant dressing rooms and backstage workspaces, ensuring uninterrupted live sound. The venue has new AV data infrastructure, PTZ, router, ethernet switches, cabling and panels. In addition to fiber and copper data, 52 x SDI ties were added to panels throughout the theater.

For mixing, new audio consoles were positioned at FOH and on-stage for monitors. Wireless capable intercom was installed to manage communication, and a fully integrated assistive listening system now also benefits the venue. This intricate upgrade was expertly designed by Nick Correa, Associate Director of leading theater consultancy, Charcoalblue. The project marked an exciting opportunity to continue working together; Nick’s vision and passion for technical excellence and innovation has put the Hobby Center on the map all over again, and with LD Systems’ assistance, sounds better than ever.