Meyer Sound's Pearson Theatre Showcases Its Transformation

The update of this emblematic theater of Meyer Sound, located at its headquarters in Berkeley (California – USA) Configures with the new Astrya cinema screen speakers, the latest generation of the Constellation acoustic system and a Dolby Atmos of 33 canals.

Since its inauguration in 2004, the Pearson Theatre, named after the pioneer of the audio industry Don Pearson, It is used as a real, practical environment in which the manufacturer Meyer Sound showcases its latest technological and third-party integration advancements.

Located at the manufacturer's headquarters in the Californian city of Berkeley, This venue, of 457 m2 and 55 Seats, was designed as a acoustically variable spacing for use in Different applications, from film screenings to lectures and musical performances.

Almost two decades later, Meyer Sound began in January 2025 one Technological transformation Pearson, that has just ended, to respond to the new needs of the audio industry and other applications.

"We approach these improvements as our customers would when build complete theatrical or film production spaces -Explains John McMahon, Vp. Meyer Sound's Senior Officer-. All essential systems have been revamped, which places the Pearson in the category of the highest performing spaces of its kind in the world.".

To carry out this important technological update, the new Cinema Screen Speakers Astrya, one theatrical Dolby Atmos system of 33 canals and the latest generation of the acoustic model Constellation, with the aim of "transforming this space into a World-class screening room and reflect audio excellence".

New standard in audio

At the core of this update are the new cinema screen speakers Astrya-140 by Meyer Sound, occupying the positions of LCR, and offer ultra-precise temporal alignment and optimal clarity in their wide frequency range, of 30 Hz to 20 khz.

Based on concentric mid/treble drivers, This advanced speaker model features network support AES67 and a fully digital signal path, facilitating the Audio over IP workflows.

"Astrya is going to be a really transformative product for the film industry," he says Jay Wyatt, Meyer Sound Film & Residential Program Manager-. The Pearson is now powered by an audio-over-IP distribution infrastructure. It's the only cinema system I've been involved in that has all the speakers powered by IP and a preserved all-digital path from the source to the cabinet.".

Immersive sound system

For cinematic sound playback, its managers have carried out a theatrical Dolby Atmos design, with a sound field of 33 canals, backed by a diverse range of Meyer Sound products.

Astrya-140 speakers anchor LCR positions, while point source equipment Ultra-X42 and X20 are used for surrounds Side, and the models Ultra-X40 and X23 for superiors. On the low-frequency effects channel, two elements of 2100-LFC control and another pair of very low frequency VLFC work together to extend the visceral impact of the bass to a 13 Hz.

State-of-the-art variable acoustics

The updated system Constellation Pearson Theatre presents Advanced algorithms and harness the power of the integrated digital audio platform Nadia, that provides higher resolution and improves flexibility with more discrete zones.

The 34 Speakers have been upgraded to ultra-compact installation models UP-4slim, and omnidirectional microphones have been replaced with Twenty-four miniature cardioid units, in line with the Constellation update.

New System Meets Speaker and Microphone Density Guidelines for Constellation's Voice Lift Implementation, that improves the intelligibility of the spoken word throughout space, both presenters and audience members, No need for handheld microphones.

"The update to a current design methodology, with new speakers and a more modern digital platform was the driving force," recalls Pierre Germain, director of Constellation at Meyer Sound-. As a result, The system sounds richer, lush and enveloping. We have more acoustic power than ever before, with better coverage and overall clarity thanks to our latest line of speakers and enhanced VRAS algorithms.".

Most of the speakers that have been installed in the Pearson Theatre are equipped with Milan, with the exception of the UP-4slims models, needed for Meyer Sound Constellation.

"With our Nadia processor using AVB Milan as their native audio network," Germain points out- We can directly connect the processors Galileo Galaxy and Nadia I/O units, which gives us flexibility in how we drive the entire system.".

Comprehensive design

The Pearson Theatre exhibits and demonstrates the Meyer Sound's Comprehensive Capabilities, from design to manufacturing and final product, all under one roof. "Visitors see our process up close: go through a door where on one side we design the drivers and, a few meters away, We manufacture them. Who else can tell that story?”, says McMahon.

Pearson Theatre reopened its doors in the past 16 with a projection of Megalopolis, of Francis Ford Coppola, showcasing the room's enhanced audio-visual capabilities. "What I like most about this space is that it is so good that it 'disappears'. When we make screenings, Technology immerses you completely, recreating the director's intention so deeply that you get lost in everything. It's a powerful experience.", Concludes.

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