Franklin Towne Charter High School Gymnasium Sound System & Acoustic Upgrade
JD Sound and Video recently completed a comprehensive sound system and acoustic treatment installation for the gymnasium at Franklin Towne Charter High School. The goal of this project was to dramatically improve speech intelligibility, music playback quality, and overall sound coverage within the large athletic facility.
Gymnasiums are notoriously difficult environments for audio due to their size and the abundance of reflective surfaces, such as hardwood floors, concrete walls, and metal roofing. These surfaces cause excessive reverberation, which can make announcements difficult to understand and music sound muddy or indistinct.
To address these challenges, the project combined advanced system design, high-performance loudspeakers, and extensive acoustic treatment.
Acoustic Modeling and System Design
Prior to installation, our team created a detailed EASE acoustic model of the gymnasium. This modeling process allowed us to simulate how sound would travel through the space and identify optimal loudspeaker locations and acoustic treatment requirements.
By completing this modeling step before installation, we ensured that the final system would provide even coverage, high output capability, and improved intelligibility throughout the gym.
Loudspeaker System
The gymnasium sound system is built around nine EAW QX300-Series loudspeakers, chosen for their ability to deliver high output while maintaining precise pattern control.
These loudspeakers provide full-range coverage throughout the facility, ensuring that announcements and music are clearly heard whether the space is being used for athletic events, assemblies, or school functions.
Additional Biamp under-track fill loudspeakers were installed to provide consistent audio coverage beneath the basketball structures where sound can otherwise be obstructed.
Processing and Amplification
The system is powered and controlled using professional-grade processing and amplification equipment.
An Allen & Heath AHM-32 audio processor serves as the system’s central DSP and control engine. This processor manages signal routing, system processing, and control integration.
The loudspeakers are powered by Powersoft amplifiers, providing efficient, high-performance power delivery with excellent reliability.
For exterior audio coverage, four JBL AWC129 outdoor loudspeakers were installed and controlled via an IP1 wall controller, allowing easy volume adjustment for outdoor areas.
Acoustic Treatment
A major component of the project involved installing extensive acoustic treatment to reduce excessive reverberation within the gymnasium.
The acoustic package included materials from Acoustical Fulfillment, including:
• 4 – 4’ x 8’ ECONOWEDGE acoustic panels
• 40 – 4’ x 6’ ECONOWEDGE acoustic panels
• 80 – 4’ x 4’ ECONOWEDGE acoustic panels
• 59 – 8’ ceiling baffles installed in a staggered configuration
These treatments significantly reduced the room’s reverberation time (RT), which is critical for improving speech intelligibility and overall system performance.
With the improved acoustics, the sound system is able to deliver clear announcements, balanced music playback, and consistent coverage throughout the gym.
System Tuning and Commissioning
Final system calibration and tuning were completed in collaboration with Hadi from HX Audio, a respected specialist in large-scale sound system optimization.
Through detailed measurement and tuning, the system was optimized to ensure the best possible performance in the newly treated space.
The Final Result
The completed installation provides Franklin Towne Charter High School with a high-performance gymnasium audio system capable of supporting a wide variety of uses, including:
• Athletic events
• Pep rallies
• School assemblies
• Community gatherings
• Music playback and announcements
By combining professional system design, advanced loudspeaker technology, acoustic treatment, and expert tuning, the project transformed the gymnasium into a space where sound is clear, powerful, and evenly distributed.