Splitz Happen
February 24, 2005
This is certainly not your father’s bowling alley. One step into Splitz, located in
Splitz is a total sensory experience, a state-of-the-art bowling center featuring a special effects Martin lighting, Jem smoke and Mach sound package that very well may make it the most high tech bowling center in
Multi-use with plenty of space
Designed to be a trend-setting center for next generation bowling, Splitz celebrated its Grand Opening the weekend of December 10-12. Yet Splitz is more than just a place to bowl. The facility also houses a large game area, full bar and large kitchen,
Operated by Schumacker & Co., a commercial recreation/entertainment service company that runs 12 family oriented bowling centers across the country, the Splitz facility is huge to say the least. Ceiling height is 32 feet with some 40,000 square feet of space spread across two levels. There are even plans to double the facility’s 29 lanes.
Lightning Strikes
On Friday and Saturday nights Splitz features a jaw dropping light show called “Lightning Strikes”. The time coded show was programmed by Peter Moore. Complete with a moving truss rig that any touring band would be proud of, Martin lighting effects abound. For the price of a bowling lane, visitors are treated to a multi-colored, multi-effect intelligent light show you would expect to find at only the biggest concert venues. The lightshow is followed by lighting looks that run constantly from 9:00pm – 2:00am.
The focal point of the lighting install can be seen over the 29 bowling lanes in the form of two moving triangle trusses – each with projection scrim - dripping with Martin gear. On each triangle are 3 MAC 550 and 6 MAC 250 Krypton profile spots, 6 MX-10 scanners, 6 Atomic Colors strobes, 3 Wizard effect lights, and 3 FiberSource CMY fiber optic illuminators attached with SNL1 (Super Nite Light) pinspots that throw light 70 feet. The triangles are also internally lit with Par 46s. Martin Magnum Pro 2000s located on a center lane island provide the atmospheric fog and mid air projection canopy. LED gutter lights and four large video screens complete the look.
Over the bowling seating area hang three stick trusses each with 6 MX-4 scanners, 2 Wizards, 2 Atomic Colors strobes, and a FiberSource CMY. Again, the trusses are internally lit with Par 46s. The area is bathed in color courtesy of 15 Martin Architectural Alien 02 Pendants.
Architectural lighting
Some 36 Martin Architectural Alien 02 Spots positioned on the walls around the lanes adds a splash of color and depth to the entire space. High precision Mania PR1 logo and graphics luminaires reinforce the Splitz brand by projecting the Splitz logo onto adjacent walls.
At the entrance reception area a Mania DC2 flame effect surrounds the Splitz logo projected from a Mania PR1 while more Alien 02 Spots color the game/lobby area. Two PC-based Martin LightJockey control systems handle the show and architectural lighting.
Schumacker & Co., a Martin dealer, supplied the lights themselves under the Premiere name. Lighting design at Splitz was a collaborative effort between Martin US’s Jim Fuller; Kelly Wilbar, Director of Project Management for Schumacker & Co.; and Jeff Canter, formerly of Schumacker; with input from architect Steve Scheirman.
Mach Audio – First
Splitz is the first venue in the U.S to benefit from the top quality sound of the new Mach Installation Series CN12 near field speaker. Some 23 of the versatile installation speakers cover the 29 lanes, yet unlike most bowling alleys that target sound solely at the seating areas, at Splitz the CN12s are positioned to provide sound for both the bowling and seating areas. The reason is that the client wanted to keep the energy level up by keeping the active bowler in the midst of the sound. The CN12 combines hi-fi properties with high SPL in a compact design and its soft dome tweeter results in an extremely clear, warm sound. At Splitz it is used for everything from PA to video sound to DJ and lightshow music.
The Mach C-Range’s install-friendly features made installation across the 29 lanes a breeze. With 18 flying points - four of which are fully adjustable - and a customized u-bracket included as standard with every speaker, the CN12 is an extremely versatile installation speaker.
ViroPendant / M151i subs
One of the biggest audio challenges was to create an even sound distribution throughout the space, including the lobby area. A Martin Architectural ViroSound solution using ViroPendants was chosen. ViroSound is a flat panel speaker system and a unique way of generating atmospheric audio while maintaining aesthetic appeal. It offers top quality audio reproduction in a speaker panel just 4 cm thick.
Eight ViroSound clusters of three panels each, called ViroPendants, seamlessly integrate into the interior design in the lobby, game and food areas. The ViroPendants exhibit excellent sound levels and distribute the sound evenly throughout the space. Additionally, there was also a cost savings when compared to a more traditional speaker solution. The ViroPendants are time aligned to the main bowling area speakers creating an even sound throughout the venue with no echo effect.
Complementing the ViroPendant sound system are Mach M151i subs, one sub for each ViroPendant. M151i subs also support the CN12s in the main room. Due to the architectural design of the building, the subs are flown instead of floor positioned. A decisive element in choosing the M151i was its fly points that allowed the speaker to be flown from the ceiling and, in the main room, positioned directly behind the bowlers. All sound at Splitz is processed through the Mach M20.06 controller working with PowerSoft amplifiers.
Equipment:
36 x Alien 02 Spot
15 x Alien 02 Pendant
18 x Atomic Colors
12 x MAC 250 Krypton
6 x MAC 550
12 x Wizard
18 x MX-4
6 x MX-10
9 x FiberSource CMY
3 x Mania PR1
2 x Mania DC2
6 x Martin Magnum Pro 2000
6 x AF1 Fan
2 x LightJockey (half show, half arch)
23 x Mach CN12
13 x Mach M151 subs
8 x ViroPendants
2 x Mach 20.06
5 x Powersoft 4004
2 x Powersoft 5001