YMCA Gala Relies on AmpliVox Sound Systems

For its annual fundraising gala, the North Suburban YMCA turns to AmpliVox Sound Systems to make its auctions, presentations, and announcements intelligible to everyone. AmpliVox portable sound systems provide outstanding audio coverage for this popular community event, which attracts approximately 500 guests to a massive 27,800 square foot venue with 20-foot ceilings.

As a Northbrook-based company, AmpliVox has deep roots in the community and has supported the Y for many years. AmpliVox has provided a wide assortment of sound equipment to fit the Y’s needs, from megaphones for sports and swimming events to portable systems and lecterns for programs. The Strong Kids Dinner raises particular challenges due to the size of the venue and the volubility of the audience.

“Intelligible sound is absolutely crucial to the success of this event,” notes Don Roth, CEO of AmpliVox and a past YMCA board member. “The Y needs everyone to be able to hear well in order to participate in the auction and engage in the other fundraising activities. There’s a great deal of background noise to overcome and a lot of space to cover.”

AmpliVox came through for the Y with a sound design plan that met the challenges of the noisy space. AmpliVox technicians laid out connected coverage zones that included powerful, unobtrusive units in strategic locations. The plan used SW915 Digital Audio Travel Partner systems, augmented by

S1297 Wireless Powered Dual Speakers and SC800 Titan Wireless Powered Companion Speakers. Additional speakers carried sound to separate rooms, including the silent auction gallery and the crowded bar area. Presenters spoke from an AmpliVox SN3500 wood and acrylic lectern on the stage, and used wireless AmpliVox microphones to move freely and interact with the audience.

In execution, the AmpliVox equipment exceeded expectations. Audience members in all areas of the room participated enthusiastically in the event’s auctions, games, and raffles, raising over $225,000 to make Y programs available to families in financial need.

“We are always happy support groups like the YMCA, who do such important work in our community,” noted Roth. “It’s exciting to see a challenge like this and know that we have the equipment to deliver great results. With the right planning, portable sound systems can enhance virtually any venue.”

For more information about portable sound systems from AmpliVox, visit Ampli.com.

About AmpliVox

AmpliVox ® Sound Systems products are predominantly made in the USA, meet stringent CE standards, and come with a warranty up to 12 years. AmpliVox ® Sound Systems offers an extensive range of superior quality, simple to operate, and reliable electronics, including our new integrated multi-media furniture line, to provide maximum satisfaction and ensure a crystal clear message. AmpliVox was named Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year in recognition of its outstanding company values. AmpliVox products are compliant with the California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board (CARB) and our PA systems and lecterns are manufactured to be RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substance) and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Compliant. Visit http://www.ampli.com for more information.

Photo 1 Caption: AmpliVox audio engineers Manny Canchola and Charley Rummel set up an SW915 Digital Audio Travel Partner unit.

Photo 2 Caption: Portable sound equipment including the AmpliVox SW915 Digital Audio Travel Partner and SW800 Titan Wireless Powered Companion Speaker provided complete sound coverage for the venue.

Photo 3 Caption: AmpliVox portable sound systems delivered comprehensive sound coverage for an audience of over 500 people in a venue of more than 27,000 square feet.

Photo 4 Caption: AmpliVox’s elegant wood and acrylic lectern provided a centerpiece for a speech by Ashley Blankstein-Delaney, the recipient of the YMCA’s Thiel Award for Social Responsibility.