Hightstown High School Auditorium Sound System Upgrade

JD Sound & Video completed a detailed auditorium sound system upgrade for Hightstown High School, part of East Windsor Regional Schools. The project was designed to improve the flexibility, control, monitoring, and performance capability of the school’s auditorium audio system.

School auditoriums are used for much more than one type of event. A high school auditorium may need to support assemblies, theatrical performances, musicals, concerts, guest speakers, awards nights, student presentations, and community events. Because of that, the sound system needs to be easy enough for everyday users while still being powerful and flexible enough for more advanced productions.

For this project, JD Sound & Video provided an upgraded sound system that included new stage monitoring, side-fill loudspeakers, choir microphones, wireless microphone improvements, Q-SYS control, DSP programming, rack fabrication, cabling, system tuning, and user training.

The result was a more capable auditorium audio system that could better support both simple school events and more demanding live performances.

Project Overview

The Hightstown High School auditorium sound upgrade included several major system improvements:

• New QSC stage wing monitors
• New QSC stage monitor loudspeakers
• Portable QSC powered stage monitors
• QSC side-fill loudspeakers for auditorium coverage
• Band room and choir room monitor loudspeakers
• Six Audix hanging choir microphones
• Ten Shure QLX-D digital wireless microphone systems
• Ten Countryman over-the-ear microphones
• Shure antenna distribution
• RF Venue D-Fin remote antenna
• Shure rechargeable battery system
• Q-SYS DSP processing and system control
• Custom Q-SYS touchscreen interface
• New front-of-stage input and output plates
• Network hardware for monitoring and control
• New amplification for added loudspeakers
• Professional rack wiring, labeling, and system commissioning

This was not simply a speaker replacement. It was a complete auditorium audio upgrade focused on improving usability, routing, monitoring, wireless microphone performance, and overall system flexibility.

The Challenge: A Flexible Auditorium Sound System for Many Uses

High school auditoriums often need to serve two very different types of users.

On one hand, the system needs to be simple enough for a staff member to turn on and use for a basic assembly. On the other hand, the same system may need to support a musical, talent show, concert, or theater production with multiple microphones, stage monitors, audio playback, and more advanced mixing.

The goal for Hightstown High School was to create a system that could operate in both simplified and more advanced modes. The auditorium needed better stage monitoring, better wireless microphone support, improved control, and additional microphone capability for choirs and performers.

JD Sound & Video designed the system around that real-world use case: simple operation when needed, but enough flexibility for more technical productions.

Q-SYS DSP and Touchscreen Control

A key part of the upgrade was the addition of a Q-SYS-based control and processing system.

The Q-SYS DSP provides audio routing, processing, and control for the auditorium sound system. This allows the system to be used in different operating modes depending on the event. For simple events, the system can be controlled from a customized touchscreen interface. For more advanced events, the system can work with the mixing console for manual control.

A 7-inch Q-SYS touchscreen was installed near the mixing console and programmed with a custom interface for the school. The touchscreen gives users access to key system functions without requiring them to understand the deeper technical details of the audio system.

The control interface included practical presets such as:

• Power
• Assembly
• Show
• Mute All
• Input and output controls
• Media player controls
• Administrative functions

This type of control system is especially useful in school auditoriums because it helps reduce user error. Instead of relying on multiple pieces of equipment being adjusted manually, staff can recall the correct system mode from the touchscreen.

Shure QLX-D Wireless Microphone System

The project included ten channels of Shure QLX-D digital wireless microphones. These wireless systems were rack-mounted at front of house and provided the school with a reliable wireless microphone platform for productions, assemblies, and presentations.

Each wireless system included a Shure QLX-D receiver and bodypack transmitter. The system was paired with ten Countryman over-the-ear microphones, making it well suited for theater, musicals, and spoken-word performances where discreet microphone placement is important.

For school theater applications, over-the-ear microphones are often preferred because they provide consistent microphone placement and better gain before feedback compared with loose handheld or poorly positioned lapel microphones.

The wireless microphone system also included Shure antenna distribution, allowing multiple wireless receivers to share a properly installed remote antenna system. This improves wireless performance and keeps the rack cleaner and more organized.

RF Venue D-Fin Antenna for Wireless Reliability

An RF Venue D-Fin antenna was included as part of the wireless microphone upgrade. A properly located remote antenna helps improve wireless microphone reception by placing the antenna in a better position than the receiver rack itself.

This is important in auditorium environments where equipment racks may be located behind furniture, inside booths, or in positions that are not ideal for RF performance.

The RF Venue D-Fin antenna provides polarization diversity, which helps improve wireless reliability as performers move around the stage. This is especially helpful for theater productions, musicals, assemblies, and events where bodypack transmitters are moving constantly.

Rechargeable Battery System

The wireless microphone upgrade also included rechargeable Shure batteries and charging stations.

For schools, rechargeable battery systems can be a major operational improvement. They reduce the need for disposable batteries, help avoid dead microphones during performances, and make it easier for staff and students to keep wireless microphones ready for use.

The charging system included both an 8-bay charger and a dual docking charger, giving the school a convenient way to charge and manage the wireless microphone batteries.

Stage Monitor System

Stage monitoring was another major part of the auditorium upgrade.

JD Sound & Video installed several types of monitor loudspeakers to support different performance needs.

Stage Wing Monitors

QSC two-way 8-inch surface-mount loudspeakers were installed in the stage wings. These are fed from an auxiliary channel on the mixing console, allowing performers and stage personnel to hear program audio or monitor mixes as needed.

Stage wing monitors are useful for performers waiting offstage, stage managers, and theater productions where cues and program audio need to be heard from the sides of the stage.

Front Stage Monitors

A row of three QSC two-way 8-inch loudspeakers was installed along the front electric to provide coverage across the stage.

This gives performers better monitoring during concerts, assemblies, and theatrical events. Proper stage monitoring helps performers hear music, microphones, and playback more clearly, reducing confusion and improving confidence during live events.

Portable Powered Monitors

The system also included two QSC K10.2 powered loudspeakers for portable stage monitor use.

Portable powered monitors give the school flexibility for events that require a different stage layout. They can be used for talent shows, musicals, special performances, or other events where fixed monitor locations may not provide the right coverage.

Side-Fill Loudspeakers for Auditorium Coverage

Two QSC dual 8-inch two-way loudspeakers were installed as side fills for the auditorium.

Side-fill loudspeakers help improve coverage in areas that may not receive even sound from the main loudspeaker system. In many auditoriums, seats along the far left and right sides can have different coverage than the center seating area. Adding properly aimed side fills can improve intelligibility and consistency throughout the room.

For this project, QSC AD-S282H loudspeakers were used for side-fill coverage. These loudspeakers provide higher output and controlled coverage, making them a strong fit for auditorium fill applications.

Choir and Performer Microphones

Six Audix hanging choir microphones were installed over the stage area.

Hanging choir microphones are commonly used for choirs, ensembles, theatrical pickup, and stage-area reinforcement. They allow the system to capture sound from a group of performers without requiring every performer to hold or wear an individual microphone.

For school auditoriums, choir microphones are especially useful for concerts, assemblies, chorus performances, and events where groups need to be heard more clearly through the sound system.

Band Room and Choir Room Audio Feeds

The upgrade also included monitor loudspeakers in the band room and choir room.

Each room received a QSC two-way surface-mount loudspeaker with a wall-mounted volume control. These speakers provide an overall feed from the auditorium sound system, allowing people in those rooms to hear what is happening in the auditorium.

This can be helpful for backstage coordination, warm-up areas, overflow use, or situations where students and staff need to monitor the event without being inside the main auditorium.

Front-of-Stage Input and Output Connections

JD Sound & Video installed new front-of-stage connectivity to make the system more useful for live events.

The front center of the stage received:

• Four XLR microphone inputs
• Two XLR line outputs for monitors
• RCA stereo input
• 1/8-inch stereo input

These connections make it easier to plug in microphones, playback devices, instruments, and portable equipment from the stage area.

Adding proper input and output plates helps reduce temporary cable runs, improves safety, and gives the school a cleaner and more professional setup for performances and events.

Amplification and System Infrastructure

Two QSC PLD amplifiers were included to power the new side fills, stage monitors, wing monitors, and band/choir room loudspeakers.

The system also included supporting infrastructure such as:

• Network switching
• PoE support for touchscreen control
• XLR cabling
• Plenum-rated speaker and control cabling
• Rack wiring
• Custom labels
• Battery backup
• Signal splitting and routing hardware

This infrastructure is a major part of any professional auditorium sound system upgrade. The visible equipment is only one part of the project. The cabling, rack layout, labeling, programming, and commissioning are what make the system reliable and serviceable over time.

Professional Rack Fabrication and Labeling

JD Sound & Video fabricated and wired the system rack according to a planned rack elevation and wiring design.

Rack fabrication included:

• Loading equipment into the rack
• Custom wiring
• Cable dressing
• Lacer bars and tie points
• Equipment labeling
• Wire labeling
• System testing
• Burn-in testing before installation

Clean rack fabrication is important in school AV systems because it makes future service easier. A properly wired and labeled rack helps technicians quickly understand the system, troubleshoot issues, and make future upgrades without unnecessary confusion.

System Programming and Commissioning

After installation, JD Sound & Video programmed and commissioned the system.

This included DSP programming, routing setup, control interface programming, EQ, delay settings, and system calibration. Audio test equipment was used to optimize the system and verify that the new loudspeakers, microphones, control system, and routing were working correctly.

System commissioning is one of the most important parts of an auditorium sound upgrade. Even high-quality equipment will not perform well if it is not properly configured, aimed, tuned, and tested.

Training for School Staff

JD Sound & Video provided hands-on training after the system was completed.

Training covered the touchscreen control system, automatic and manual operation modes, and general system use. This helps ensure the school can confidently operate the system for everyday events as well as more advanced productions.

For school auditorium sound systems, training is just as important as the equipment itself. Staff turnover, student involvement, and changing event needs all make it important for the system to be understandable and repeatable.

A Better Auditorium Audio Experience

The Hightstown High School auditorium sound upgrade gave the school a more flexible and capable audio system for assemblies, theater productions, concerts, musicals, and special events.

By combining QSC loudspeakers, Q-SYS processing, Shure QLX-D wireless microphones, RF Venue antenna distribution, Audix choir microphones, and a custom touchscreen control interface, JD Sound & Video delivered a system designed for both ease of use and performance flexibility.

This project is a strong example of how a school auditorium sound system can be upgraded without focusing on one single use case. Instead, the system was designed to support the many different ways a high school auditorium is used throughout the year.

School Auditorium Sound System Upgrades in New Jersey

JD Sound & Video designs and installs professional sound systems for schools, auditoriums, theaters, gymnasiums, cafeterias, athletic facilities, houses of worship, municipalities, and commercial spaces throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

Our team understands that school sound systems need to be durable, easy to operate, and flexible enough to support a wide range of events. From wireless microphone upgrades to complete auditorium sound system design, we help schools create systems that work reliably for staff, students, performers, and audiences.

If your school auditorium needs better sound coverage, easier control, new wireless microphones, stage monitors, choir microphones, or a complete audio system upgrade, JD Sound & Video can help design and install a system that fits your space and your needs.

Contact JD Sound & Video to discuss your school auditorium sound system upgrade.

FAQ

What was included in the Hightstown High School auditorium sound upgrade?

The project included QSC loudspeakers, stage monitors, side-fill speakers, Audix hanging choir microphones, Shure QLX-D wireless microphones, Countryman over-the-ear microphones, RF Venue antenna hardware, Q-SYS DSP processing, a custom touchscreen control interface, new stage input plates, amplification, cabling, programming, calibration, and training.

Why is Q-SYS useful in a school auditorium?

Q-SYS allows the auditorium sound system to operate with custom presets and simplified touchscreen control. This makes it easier for staff to run basic events while still allowing more advanced control for productions and performances.

Why are rechargeable wireless microphone batteries helpful for schools?

Rechargeable wireless microphone batteries reduce disposable battery use, help keep microphones ready for performances, and make it easier for staff to manage multiple wireless systems.

Why add side-fill loudspeakers in an auditorium?

Side-fill loudspeakers improve sound coverage for seats that may not be evenly covered by the main speaker system. They help create a more consistent listening experience throughout the auditorium.

Does JD Sound & Video install auditorium sound systems for schools?

Yes. JD Sound & Video designs, installs, programs, and services auditorium sound systems for schools throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.