Embark A/V/L standardizes on RF Venue wireless audio essentials

— RF Venue®’s Diversity Fin® antenna is the backbone for Embark A/V/L’s wireless systems for schools, performing arts centers, mobile performances and beyond —

Walpole, MA, USA, September 25, 2024 — Osceola Mills, Pennsylvania-based Embark A/V/L specializes in providing design, consulting, and management services in event production and system integration across the Mid-Atlantic region. Under the direction of company founder Bailey P. Lukens, CTS, in a few short years Embark A/V/L has quickly become a valuable resource in the region, earning a loyal clientele who have come to rely on the company’s exceptional knowledge, service and reliability. And part of that is due to standardizing their wireless audio installations by employing wireless essential products from RF Venue.

A prime example of this was Philipsburg-Osceola High School, which recently completed a phased upgrade of its wireless audio system, and the results have been nothing short of exceptional. With frequent dropouts plaguing their previous system, even in a rural environment, the school sought a reliable solution that could deliver flawless wireless performance during critical performances and events.

“We had recently installed a brand-new PA system in their 700+ seat auditorium,” stated Bailey Lukens. “After completing the PA installation in the spring, the school district decided to upgrade the wireless systems as well. In the fall, around October of last year, we installed an RF Venue Diversity Fin to complement the new Shure SLXD 18-channel wireless system along with RF Venue’s DISTRO4 RF distribution system. What really impressed me about the RF Venue products was the excellent antenna reception and coverage. Previously, they were using two Yagi-style antennas from a major manufacturer that frequently dropped out, but with the single Diversity Fin, I achieved rock-solid coverage, even through multiple walls and to the other side of the building. Additionally in replacing the existing antenna system, we installed the RF Venue Diversity Fin about 12 feet up in the air, facing directly at the stage – and we specified the unit in white, which allowed it to blend into the completely white wall, and the product almost visually vanished.”

Since the installation of the Diversity Fin antenna and DISTRO4 distribution, Philipsburg-Osceola High School has experienced zero dropouts, even in challenging conditions, including areas with block walls and concrete where wireless reception was previously unreliable. “When we began the process of upgrading, I knew from the start that RF Venue would be my antenna of choice,” stated Bailey Lukens. “They’ve never disappointed us!"

An RF Venue Diversity Fin antenna, installed at Philipsburg-Osceola High School by Embark A/V/L as part of a setup with a Shure SLXD 18-channel wireless mic system and RF Venue’s DISTRO4 RF distribution system.

Portable wireless rig for Front and Centre Productions, outfitted by Embark A/V/L, including an RF Venue Diversity Fin antenna, a Shure SLXD 18-channel wireless mic system and RF Venue’s DISTRO4 RF distribution system.

RF Venue Diversity Fin antenna, installed at the Clearfield Arts Studio Theatre (CAST) by Embark A/V/L, deployed with Sennheiser wireless systems.

The school is confident that its new system, powered by RF Venue, will allow for future expansion without sacrificing performance. “They now have the peace of mind that they can add more wireless units in the future thanks to the rock-solid wireless essentials provided by RF Venue,” commented Lukens.

The employment of the RF Venue Diversity Fin antenna at Philipsburg-Osceola High School was a game changer for Embark A/V/L. “This was our trial project that we put the D-Fin on,” stated Lukens. “And since then, we’ve installed it multiple different places and because we had such a positive experience with it, it has become our go-to for wireless antennas.”

Another recent install employing the Diversity Fin for Embark A/V/L was the Clearfield Arts Studio Theatre (CAST), located in Clearfield, PA. A local performance arts venue whose purpose is promotion of community interest in theatre, art, music, dance and photography, the facility recently updated its sound and lighting system. “Prior to us installing their Sennheiser wireless system, they were renting units from other suppliers on a per-show basis,” commented Lukens. “Fortunately, we were able to work out a plan where we installed four units at a time, but the backbone and the start of the wireless order was with the RF Venue Diversity Fin antenna because I knew that is what they needed. Since they hold a wide variety of events from musical theater to dance to music events, I knew their wireless had to be rock-solid and that starts with RF Venue.”   

Front and Centre Productions, based in Osceola Mills, PA, is a non-profit visual and performing arts organization that engages in a broad range of cultural and theatrical productions. Because their productions are held in a wide variety of venues, they needed a portable wireless system that would give them flawless performance night after night. “Once again, I chose the D-Fin as the backbone of their portable wireless system, because Front and Centre goes into spaces where the spectrum is much more congested – and even where it’s congested, they’ve not had any issues with the system. We’ve just heard nothing but positive feedback from everyone about the D-Fin and its no-dropout performance.” 

The RF Venue Diversity Fin antenna has become the foundation of Embark A/V/L’s wireless systems. “RF Venue just works,” Lukens concludes. “No matter the application—whether it’s in installations or my own experience as a professional in the industry—I’ve seen it perform consistently. Many tours rely on this product, and it always delivers. That reliability is invaluable. With so many moving parts on a job site or during a show, the last thing you want to worry about is whether the wireless will work.”