The Miracle Mile Shops is a 1.2-mile retail and entertainment complex adjacent to Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino on the famed Las Vegas Strip. With 170 speciality stores, 15 restaurants, and live entertainment, the high-tech complex boasts innovative architecture and streamlined store fronts, stunning LED video displays, and an indoor fountain show that features synchronized surround sound playback through a Meyer Sound system.
“The state-of-the-art Meyer system allows Miracle Mile Shops’ new fountain feature to transform from a tranquil piece of art to an entertainment centrepiece by surrounding shoppers with dramatic, original soundtracks synchronized to lighted water effects and eruptions 50 feet high,” says Russell Joyner, executive vice president and general manager of Miracle Mile Shops.
The system was designed and installed by Las Vegas-based Technology West Group, and is based around six UPM-1P loudspeakers, along with 16 MM-4XP miniature self-powered loudspeakers embedded into the base of the fountain. Composer Jeff Wyatt of Signwave Digital has created an original soundtrack in 5.1 surround for the water feature.
“One of the greatest challenges in creating surround mixes for an application like this one, where the listener is walking around rather than sitting in one spot, is that the sweet spot is literally everywhere,” says Wyatt. “But since the system fully surrounds you and the speakers in the fountain act as the mix centre, it really works. The speakers have a really clean, warm, crisp sound, and the imaging is just great. It’s interesting to watch as people are drawn in by this cool fountain, and then, when the show starts, they just stop dead in their tracks.”
The fountain, while a commanding visual centre of attention, required the system integrator’s skilful implementation. “Controlling the audio imaging in such an open and reflective environment can be a challenge in and of itself,” observes Gary Brown, Technology West’s director of engineering. “The sound produced by the fountain adds an additional dimension to that challenge.”
Brown addressed the issue by specifying the four-inch-square MM-4XP loudspeakers. “The MM-4XPs do more than simply supporting the main system,” says Brown. “They allowed us to use a compact cabinet, and achieve the impact of a much larger one. Not only is it aesthetically more pleasing, it also prevents the sound from overpowering the space.”
According to Brad Cornish, senior director at Technology West, the choice of audio equipment is critical for ensuring the final product successfully captivates and entertains the audience. “Meyer Sound’s wide range of products allowed us to provide the client with a perfectly balanced surround experience, and make their vision a reality,” says Cornish.
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