The Fox Theatre, a fixture of Boulder, Colorado’s live music scene, turned to Lux AVL when it started experiencing amplifier failures during live shows.

The theatre’s owner, Z2 Entertainment, tasked Lux AVL with evaluating the system and implementing a solution that would improve reliability without altering the venue’s character.

At the center of the project was a legacy loudspeaker system with roots in large-scale outdoor events across Colorado in the 1990s. The system was later repurposed for permanent installation at the Fox Theatre. 

Rather than replacing the system, Z2 Entertainment said it chose to retain the original enclosures and update the internal components, which introduced technical constraints because the system’s design required significant power and multichannel amplification per enclosure.

“It’s a small club environment, but the PA system in it is very old,” said Wessley Stern, director of operations for Lux AVL. “That system has a history, and once we confirmed where it came from, it became clear why they wanted to keep it, but also why it needed a more reliable backbone behind it.” 

Lux AVL said the challenge was to integrate modern amplification capable of supporting the system’s demands while improving overall consistency and control. In addition to reliability concerns, Z2 Entertainment wanted to reclaim stage space and relocate the system to a loft area, creating more room for touring productions and improving operational efficiency.

“Each cabinet needs four channels of amplification, and they want a lot of wattage,” said Stern. “At the same time, we had to reduce the footprint, reduce the electrical load and move the system into a smaller space.” 

These requirements narrowed the field of viable solutions, as the new platform needed to deliver high output, efficient power usage and a compact design while maintaining flexibility for system control and monitoring. Lux AVL ultimately selected Powersoft’s X Series, including the X8, X4 and X4L models, to meet these demands, leveraging the platform’s ability to combine high channel density with integrated processing in a single unit. 

Designed for both touring and installed sound applications, the X Series consolidates amplification and loudspeaker management, incorporating full DSP functionality, routing and matrix capabilities within a lightweight chassis. Both the eight-channel X8 and four-channel X4 models include Ethernet connectivity for control and monitoring, along with a globally compatible three-phase power supply that supports efficient operation across varying electrical conditions. 

“Powersoft’s X Series allowed us to consolidate everything into a much smaller rack,” said Stern. “We were able to reduce space, reduce power draw and still deliver the output the system needed, which was critical given how power-hungry that PA is.”

Lux AVL said the X Series integrates with Powersoft’s ArmoníaPlus platform, providing comprehensive system control and monitoring across the entire network of amplifiers. The software environment offers structured workflows for configuration, tuning and live operation, aligning with the expectations of Z2 Entertainment’s technical staff, who regularly work with modern systems in other venues. 

Wi-Fi connectivity and a dedicated web app further extend control capabilities, allowing remote access and monitoring from mobile devices, which is particularly useful in compact venue environments. 

“The workflow is closer to what they’re used to with other modern systems,” said Stern. “Even though it’s a different platform, they can still approach it in the same way, from setup to tuning to show operation, which makes it easier to manage across multiple venues.” The system was configured with both Dante and analog inputs, providing redundancy and ensuring continuity during live performances.

Following installation and commissioning, Lux AVL said the upgraded system delivered measurable improvements in output, headroom and clarity, while maintaining the theatre’s visual and sonic identity. The combination of refurbished loudspeakers and modern amplification created a system that meets current production standards without altering the character of the space. 

“They walk into the room and it still feels like an old club,” said Stern. “But when you turn it up, it sounds like a modern system, and that’s exactly what they were aiming for.” This balance has allowed the venue to continue attracting touring engineers and artists who expect consistent performance, even in smaller, historic environments.

By upgrading the amplification system while preserving the existing PA, the company extended the life of a legacy asset while improving reliability and operational flexibility. “They’re one of the few groups successfully operating independent venues at this level,” said Stern. “They’re keeping these spaces current and competitive without losing what makes them unique, and that requires making smart technical decisions like this one.”