Live Sound

I know this forum is used primarily for studio design, but Ive looked everywhere and cant find any info that'll help me out. I am located in Southern Oklahoma and just got my hands on an old Theater that I plan on using for live sound. Ive noticed in the past however that this room sounds pretty bad at high levels, using electric instruments. The room measures roughly 50' wide x 120' deep, and about 50' tall. there is a 4' high stage up front, and a balcony in the back. the previous owner had installed a number of hanging heavy "pillows" to help with the sound. they're big black vinyl covered squares that hang vertical. I dont know much about them as they're 50' up. Each side wall is brick but has a carpet layer that runs the entire lengths about 6-7' up. aside from that, there is no treatment in the room. about 20' back from the stage, the previous owner has installed 6" tiers, or steps. the whole room is gradually stepped up until it reaches the back. What I have noticed at high levels is basically, the room sounds awful! way too much reverb and all the detail gets lost really quick. even in conversation you notice the problem. my question would be what you would recommend for treatment to kill some of the reverb and restore some detail to the room. the live sound engineer sits at the back of the room, not quite under the balcony. I am a novice when it comes to acoustics, so please be gentle. I will have pictures of the room tonigh if anyone is interested.

The basic goals are the same as a smaller room - thick absorption spread around the room. The problem with a theater is you need a lot of absorption! --Ethan

Ive tried to do alot of reading before posting. Infact, Ive spent the last 4 days reading damn near every post in this forum. there are certain mathematical parameters I just cant wrap my head around yet. that aside, Ive seen the "mirror" test and have considered starting there. I planned on doing some pretty heavy damping along the back wall and back corners, as well as the front of the balcony. my questions: Ive tried to calculate the frequencies that are giving me problems, but really would be better off designing a nuclear sub or solving world hunger issues! Would placing broadband panels in various "mirror" positions be of any real value, or am I going to need much more extensive treatment? does anyone have any suggestions for the back of the stage? I will have some 3d models of the building to post this evening, I am taking exact measurements tonight (with plans for a recording studio upstairs where offices are currently located, but thats a different thread) thanks alot for your help!

"my question would be what you would recommend for treatment to kill some of the reverb and restore some detail to the room." What happens when you add people? Have you ever experienced the hall full of clothed bodies?

yeah, I have attended events there with about 300 people in the room. it was just as horrible as it is when its empty! granted, the bands playing were playing too loud and the monitors were clipping. I was just in there tonight taking measurements and noticed it took about 2 seconds for the echos to stop.

adaebb wrote:

Would placing broadband panels in various "mirror" positions be of any real value, or am I going to need much more extensive treatment?

Reflection points are more applicable to smaller listening rooms where the side walls are close to the speakers and listeners, and the reflections are strong and thus damaging. A large space like this just needs large amounts of absorption spread more or less evenly around the room. --Ethan