The Gaslamp is one of Southern California's best-known night spots, with a rich history of great entertainment and an impressively eclectic roster. On any given night, the club's stage plays host to artists ranging from hard rock and metal to punk, acoustic, and even contemporary classical performances, as well as comedy, DJs, tribute acts, karaoke, and even televised sporting events.

The Gaslamp offers up a full kitchen, with private booths and tables as well as a bar and dance floor, making it a great place for dinner, drinks, and a night out. But as owner Mike Newfeld explains, the club's acoustics have long been a struggle.

"It's a very boomy room," says Newfeld. "It's got high ceilings, concrete floors, and just not very good sound dispersion — a lot of pockets that are dead space or too loud. The challenge has been to find a system that would deliver consistent coverage and sound good, no matter where you are in the room."

Engineer Tony Purvis agrees. "It was really, really hard to get a good mix throughout the whole club — to achieve that ‘comfortable loud,' where everyone can enjoy themselves, enjoy the music and the performance but still be able to hold a conversation."

The Gaslamp recently upgraded their sound system, installing the new VARIA modular point source line array system from Renkus-Heinz. As Purvis observes, the VARIA system has completely changed the equation for the club.

"The experience that I've had with the new VARIA system has been just amazing," Purvis remarks. "The design of the system has enabled complete coverage. This system makes my life easier."

"We couldn't be happier with the new VARIA system," adds Newfeld. "Our customer base noticed immediately. It's loud, clear, and clean, without blowing people away. Thanks to the new VARIA system, we are now known as the premiere live music venue in Southern California."