Garrison Forest School, located in Owings Mills, MD, needed a major upgrade to its theatre’s audio system. The existing Soundcraft mixer and supporting equipment were outdated, limiting sound quality and operational flexibility. Teachers and students struggled with cumbersome setups, unreliable routing, and insufficient control for multiple mixes. The school wanted a modern, networked solution that would simplify workflows, improve audio clarity, and support advanced productions while remaining intuitive for educational use. Butch Ely contacted MidPoint after a referral from another private school, seeking a partner to design and implement a robust, future-ready system tailored to their theatre’s needs.
Before MidPoint’s involvement, Garrison Forest’s theatre relied on aging analog equipment that lacked modern features. The Soundcraft mixer offered limited channel capacity and no networked audio capabilities, resulting in excessive cabling and clutter. Teachers faced frequent technical challenges during rehearsals and performances, and the system could not support multiple mixes for main PA, monitors, and dressing rooms. Audio quality was inconsistent, and the workflow was inefficient, making it difficult for students to gain hands-on experience with industry-standard technology. The school needed a comprehensive upgrade to deliver professional-level sound and simplify operations.
Audio-Visual
MidPoint delivered a fully integrated, state-of-the-art audio system tailored to Garrison Forest’s theatre needs. At the heart of the solution is the Allen & Heath Avantis 64-channel digital mixer, installed on the desk in place of the old Soundcraft unit. We added a Dante I/O card to enable audio-over-IP transport and programmed the console for essential operations, including individual level control for 16 wireless microphones, 16 wired microphones, stereo program and AUX inputs, and mixes for Main PA, stage monitors, and dressing rooms.
To manage routing and signal processing, we installed a QSC Core 110f DSP in a new Middle Atlantic BGR-25SA-27 rack backstage, connected to the AV network. A Netgear GSM4248P AV Line switch was configured for Dante to ensure seamless network traffic. At the front of the house, we replaced stacked racks with a Middle Atlantic BGR-38SA-27 cabinet, housing the DSP, network switch, power distribution, and existing video switcher for a clean, organized setup.
Wireless Microphone Upgrade: We implemented a Shure ULX-D digital wireless system for scalability and durability. This included four ULXD4Q 4-channel receivers, 14 bodypack transmitters, and 2 handheld transmitters, paired with 18 lavalier microphones in multiple colors for flexibility. Directional antennas and antenna distribution were installed to ensure strong RF performance. Rechargeable batteries and two 8-bay charging stations were added for sustainability and convenience.
Additional upgrades included Shure MX412D/C gooseneck microphones, Shure SRH440A headphones, and new EAW MK5399i loudspeakers powered by six Crown XLS1502 amplifiers for the main PA. Dressing rooms received JBL Control 25-1L speakers with Crown amplification and an Allen & Heath Dante output expander for networked audio. All components were tested, tuned, and programmed for intuitive operation, creating a scalable, future-ready system.
The upgrade transformed Garrison Forest’s theatre into a modern, high-performance venue. The Avantis console and Dante-enabled infrastructure streamlined workflows, reducing setup time and eliminating cable clutter. Teachers and students now enjoy intuitive control over multiple mixes, improving rehearsal efficiency and production quality. Audio clarity and coverage have significantly improved, enhancing the audience experience and elevating school performances.
The wireless microphone system added flexibility for productions, allowing up to 16 simultaneous channels with reliable RF performance and rechargeable battery technology for cost savings and sustainability. Organized equipment racks and networked design simplified maintenance and future expansion, while durable components ensure long-term reliability. Faculty reported greater confidence in managing productions, and students gained hands-on experience with industry-standard technology. Dedicated mixes for dressing rooms and monitors improved backstage coordination, supporting smoother shows. Overall, MidPoint delivered a solution that combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly design—providing lasting value and positioning Garrison Forest as a leader in performing arts education.
MidPoint is the central hub for integrated technology systems—bringing Audio-Visual, Electronic Security, Structured Cabling, and IT-Wireless Services together to work in perfect synergy.
BBJ, Fastest Growing Private Companies #1, 2025, 2024
BBJ, Largest Managed IT Firms #1, 2025
Inc. Regionals #30, 2025