WPS Delivers Landmark Fulcrum Acoustic Installation
During the 2025 offseason, WPS completed a comprehensive redesign of the sound system at the University of Richmond’s Robins Center. The 7,201-seat arena is home to Spider men’s and women’s basketball and also serves the university as a venue for commencements, concerts, major addresses and other community events. The project was part of the Robins Center’s largest technology enhancement since the completion of its renovated inner bowl in 2014.
At the heart of the new system are 18 Fulcrum Acoustic CC215 constant-curvature subcardioid array modules. This landmark project represents the first large-scale installation of Fulcrum Acoustic’s newly introduced CC Series, placing WPS and the University of Richmond among the earliest adopters of the manufacturer’s next-generation array technology.
Introduced in June 2025, the CC Series combines wide horizontal coverage with Fulcrum Acoustic’s Passive Cardioid Technology and Medusa Waveformer. These technologies are engineered to reduce unwanted low-frequency energy behind the arrays while helping adjacent modules operate as a cohesive source—important advantages in a reflective, high-energy arena environment.
The main arrays are supported by eight Fulcrum Acoustic Sub218L subwoofers, providing the low-frequency impact required for music, videos, player introductions and in-game entertainment. Eighteen Fulcrum CX1226 compact coaxial loudspeakers extend coverage throughout the venue, bringing the complete system to 44 Fulcrum Acoustic loudspeaker and subwoofer enclosures.
Ten Powersoft UNICA amplifiers provide efficient, high-output amplification. A DiGiCo S21 console with D-Rack gives operators professional mixing control, while a Q-SYS Core 8 Flex platform handles centralized audio processing, control and system integration. Dante networked audio, NETGEAR AV Line switches and a single-mode fiber backbone connect equipment locations across the facility and provide a flexible foundation for future needs.
The production system also incorporates Shure ULX-D digital wireless microphones, an Electro-Voice RE20 announcer microphone, a Dante-enabled Studio Technologies push-to-talk interface and Q-SYS touchscreens. Together, these tools support basketball games, university ceremonies and the wide variety of events hosted at the Robins Center.
The project included the removal of the previous system, structural engineering coordination, specialized rigging and high-reach installation, system programming, loudspeaker tuning and commissioning.
The completed system is designed to provide clear, consistent and powerful sound throughout the Robins Center—giving announcements greater intelligibility, music greater impact and Spider fans a more immersive game-day experience.