Old World Village Audio Network Modernizes With Allen & Heath System
Old World Village in Huntington Beach, California, has overhauled its aging audio infrastructure with a new distributed system built around Allen & Heath processing and mixing. The Bavarian-themed destination, which has operated since 1978 with shops, restaurants, a chapel, and multiple live performance stages, now relies on an Allen & Heath AHM32 matrix processor and Qu series mixer to manage music playback and sound reinforcement across the property.
The upgrade was initiated during the COVID-19 shutdown, when the village temporarily closed to the public. Entertainment Director Tyler Ruebensaal used the downtime to address long-standing audio limitations and prepare the venue for a more flexible, centralized sound system once events resumed, including Oktoberfest celebrations and the annual European-style Christmas Market.
Project Design And System Integration For Multi Zone Coverage
To deliver the refresh, Old World Village turned to system designer and integrator John Trenholm of JTAUDIOGUY Designs, who brought more than three decades of audio industry experience to the project. The outdoor stage, expected to be the first area back in operation post-lockdown, became the starting point for the new design.
Trenholm initially selected an Allen & Heath Qu series mixer to handle live mixing duties for the outdoor performances. The console’s multiple built-in outputs were used not only to feed the main left and right system for the outdoor stage, but also to send signals to the indoor main stage, the on-site restaurant, and other listening areas that needed a live mix from the show.
As the project expanded to cover more areas, it became clear that the mixer-based routing alone would be too complex for long-term operation. To centralize and simplify distribution, Trenholm introduced an Allen & Heath AHM32 matrix processor as the core of the installed system.
AHM32 Matrix Processor Provides Central Audio Backbone
The AHM32 serves as a 32×32 I/O matrix for the village, with integrated signal processing, automation, and multiple control options. Trenholm evaluated alternative matrix platforms, but determined that other options were either too complex or cost-prohibitive for the venue’s requirements.
To extend connectivity beyond the central rack, the system designer deployed Allen & Heath DX88-P expanders in key locations such as the restaurant and the main stage. These remote I/O units allow audio sources and destinations in those spaces to be directly tied into the main AHM32 processor over a network connection, reducing long analog cable runs and streamlining the infrastructure.
The resulting architecture supports a variety of coverage zones throughout Old World Village, including the restaurant, bar, patio, garden, festival hall, and market area. The market zone is equipped with its own dedicated AHM processor to manage its specific playback and control needs while remaining consistent with the wider site approach.
Custom Control Platform Delivers Simple User Interface
To ensure that non-technical staff could operate the new system, Trenholm relied on Allen & Heath’s Custom Control editor to build a tailored touchscreen interface. The bespoke control layer runs on a wall-mounted touchscreen panel and provides simple buttons for common scenarios, such as disabling all inputs, listening only to the small stage, only to the main stage, or to both simultaneously.
Wireless microphones are connected directly to the AHM processor, allowing staff to use them without powering up any of the stage mixers. This approach supports everyday announcements and smaller activations outside of full live show operations.
Through the Custom Control application, staff can route audio to specific zones and adjust levels as needed. Because the platform is also available on Android and iOS devices, authorized personnel can access the same interface from their own smartphones or tablets when connected to the venue’s WiFi network, extending control beyond the fixed panel.
Trenholm emphasized that the configuration allows him to manage detailed parameters such as equalization, compression, and limiting in the background, while presenting end users with familiar, simplified controls focused on volume adjustments and source selection.
Interactive Attraction And Themed Sound Design With Internal Playback
Beyond core distribution, Trenholm used the AHM’s internal playback capabilities and GPIO functions to add interactive and thematic audio elements around Old World Village.
One notable feature is an antique phone booth that doubles as a guided tour point. By leveraging the phone’s internal contact mechanism and the AHM’s GPIO, audio playback is automatically triggered when a visitor lifts the handset from the cradle. A pre-recorded voice then plays through the earpiece, describing nearby attractions and points of interest.
The village’s church bell ambiance is also recreated using the AHM’s internal playback system. A hidden loudspeaker reproduces pre-recorded bell sounds stored in the processor’s memory, scheduled to ring at specific times on weekends. This approach allows Old World Village to maintain consistent, controllable bell chimes without installing a mechanical bell system.
Installer Experience And Manufacturer Support For Venue Technology
From an integration standpoint, Trenholm highlighted the user-friendly nature of the AHM platform for both installation and daily operation. The ability to customize the system to the venue’s requirements, while shielding staff from the complexity of audio processing, was central to the project’s success.
He also underscored the value of direct support from Allen & Heath during the deployment. Compared with experiences he has had with some other manufacturers, ready access to assistance and a personal approach from the vendor contributed to the smooth rollout of the multi zone audio upgrade at Old World Village.
With the new Allen & Heath ecosystem in place, the Huntington Beach venue now has a scalable, centrally managed sound system capable of supporting its year-round programming, from daily dining and retail trade to larger seasonal events and live performances.
