Since 2001, the Jackson-Triggs Amphitheatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, has showcased Canada’s most celebrated artists in an elevated vineyard concert setting. Today the 575-seat open-air venue, part of the Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate, continues that legacy as the first in
Canada to feature Meyer Sound’s ULTRA-X80™ versatile point source loudspeakers.
For more than two decades, the Jackson-Triggs Amphitheatre has built a reputation for intimate performances paired with premium sound, and installed its first Meyer Sound system in the early 2010s. Rob Richardson, president of Marquis Entertainment and longtime producer of the Jackson-Triggs concert series, says that this year’s upgrade was driven by both audience expectations and the changing landscape of the surrounding community. “We needed to figure out a way to give our audience the experience they expect, or even surpass it, while also keeping our decibel levels within reason for our neighbors,” he says. “This system really achieves that balance.”
The new system comprises eight ULTRA-X80 loudspeakers and six 900-LFC™ compact low-frequency control elements, plus ten ULTRA-X20™ compact point source loudspeakers as front fills, with a Galileo® GALAXY 816 network platform handling system control. The system was designed by Jackson-Triggs Audio Engineer Jamie Howison, with equipment supplied by Solotech with support from Meyer Sound’s Canadian distributor, Gerr Audio.
“The Meyer Sound ULTRA-X80 is one of the best point source speakers on the market today,” says Howison. “It’s incredibly accurate but still voicing extremely well; highly musical and very mix-friendly. The acoustic crossover of the speaker lends itself to working very well with the 900-LFC. It’s an absolute dream to work with—basically, turn it on and start creating.”
Production Manager and Series Sound Engineer Tim Murray notes that the ULTRA-X80 offers a level of performance that touring productions immediately recognize. “When artists see Meyer Sound on the rider, they know they’ll be represented properly,” he says. “Then they hear it and
they’re blown away. It’s very rare to sit behind a console in a venue and feel like you’re in a studio. Here, you just turn it on, listen, and go.”
In recent years, residential development near the amphitheatre introduced new environmental challenges. “With the help of our designer, Jamie Howison, we tackled mitigation from multiple directions,” says Murray. “The system delivers a great audience experience, but the way the ULTRA-X80s and 900-LFCs control energy also helps reduce spill into the neighbourhood.”
The ground-stacked ULTRA-X80s and 900-LFCs are housed in custom-built enclosures that absorb targeted frequencies and reduce low-frequency transmission to the rear of the venue. Additional acoustic panels were installed along the back wall of the stage and flown above to help contain onstage volume, further minimizing the impact on nearby residences.
The Jackson-Triggs Amphitheatre has hosted a who’s-who of Canadian music, including Gordon Lightfoot, Sarah McLachlan, and The Tragically Hip. Richardson believes the venue’s commitment to exceptional sound is central to its success. “When I read reviews, the first two things that come up are that this is an intimate experience, and that it’s known for fantastic
sound,” he says. “That’s what differentiates us.
“I have been the producer and the programmer of the Jackson-Triggs Amphitheatre since 2001, and I’ve seen several different iterations of our sound system,” he adds. “What we have this year is without a doubt the best sound experience we’ve ever had at the amphitheatre.”
“Providing a world-class sound experience from our whimsical vineyard amphitheatre is integral to our concert series,” says Stacey Vukovics, estate manager of Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate. “Our guests agree, there is nothing better than enjoying sophisticated sound while sipping a Grand Reserve wine under the stars!”
ABOUT MEYER SOUND
Founded in 1979 by John and Helen Meyer, Meyer Sound is the global leader and innovator in self-powered loudspeaker systems, active acoustics, spatial sound mixing, and sound system design and prediction tools. Headquartered in Berkeley, California, with operations globally, the company is driven by a singular mission: to create the best sonic experiences in the world. With more than 100 patents and a legacy of breakthrough technologies—including the first dedicated loudspeaker processors and large-scale self-powered arrays—Meyer Sound combines scientific innovation with precision craftsmanship. Its premium systems power the world’s most iconic concert tours and festivals, theatrical productions, cinemas, houses of worship, educational institutions, and more. The company champions sustainable manufacturing and invests in the future of sound through education and global partnerships.
Meyer Sound Upgrade Enhances the Concert Experience at Jackson-Triggs Ampitheatre