If the Performance Hall sounds a little more pitch-perfect lately, your ears aren’t deceiving you. We’ve literally amped things up with a brand-new, state-of-the-art sound system and we can’t wait to share all the ear-resistible details.
The newly installed system features a Meyer LEOPARD speaker array, the most lightweight and versatile line array in its class, according to Theater Operations Manager Matthew Schlief. Excited to share the audio upgrade details, Schlief explained, “This system has been touted as one of the most flexible and high-performing line arrays out there, delivering exceptional sound for every type of event, from Broadway tours and concerts to stand-up comedy.”
And that’s important, because the audio system is one of those elements that often flies under the radar. With all the sets, lights, costumes, acting, and dancing dazzling your senses, it’s easy to overlook the sound behind it all. But it’s actually one of the most essential parts of any production. Crystal-clear audio can completely transform how you experience a performance—shaping every emotion, every laugh, and every note. When the sound is right, the magic truly comes alive.
“The system faithfully reproduces sound with unsurpassed depth and clarity in a broad scope of installed and touring applications,” Schlief says. “In Meyer Sound tradition, LEOPARD delivers exceptional phase coherence, consistent coverage, extremely low distortion and unrivaled power-to-size performance.”
This impressive power to size ratio makes the system ideal for the Performance Hall, providing full, even coverage throughout the space. According to Schlief, the previous system sometimes would sound a little muddy in middle frequency ranges. The new system, however, offers extreme clarity and crispness across all frequencies. The Lincoln Center’s old audio setup was limited in more ways than just sound— it was very large, creating sightline issues for certain seats.
“In the past, many of our Broadway productions would require multiple seats to be sold as obstructed view,” explained Schlief. “This would sometimes cause complaints from our patrons, and rightly so. No one wants to miss the action on stage due to giant speakers blocking the view.” Additionally, the sub speakers have been moved from the floor of the Performance Hall and are now “flown” above the stage with the other speakers, creating more floor space and making it easier for audiences to see the whole stage without obstruction.
The 2025–26 season started on a high note as the Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra became the first to take our brand-new sound system for a spin—and according to Schlief, “It’s never sounded better.” If you saw The Addams Family, then you’ve already been spellbound by our sonic sorcery. As Schlief put it, “This system can actually fool me into thinking the sound isn’t amplified… and that feels like magic.”
Come experience the magic for yourself at an upcoming Lincoln Center performance—because this is one upgrade that truly speaks volumes!