---
title: THE LATEST BUZZ ON SHOWTIME SOUND - L-Acoustics Gets It Right For The Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee
description: "Showtime Sound LLC Is Now An All L-Acoustics Sound System Provider
DC-area touring sound company for world’s top comedians hits the road with large K2 system for Kevin Hart’s 100-plus-date Irresponsible world tour"
image: https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/hubfs/spell%20bee%20web%205.jpg
---
[](http://showtimesoundllc.com)
# Showtime Sound Blog
## THE LATEST BUZZ ON SHOWTIME SOUND - L-Acoustics Gets It Right For The Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee
by [Showtime Sound](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/author/showtime-sound), on Jul 5, 2018 1:35:44 PM
June 2018
**Showtime Sound LLC deploys Kara and Kiva II controlled by LA Network Manager allowing Chris “Cap” Capaletti to run a nearly one-man sound show**
***The article below was featured on L-Acoustics.com***
[**The Scripps National Spelling Bee**](http://www.spellingbee.com/) has been an American cultural and educational institution since the first Bee, back in 1925. This year, the event took place on May 31, capping off “Bee Week,” at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, where it’s been held since 2011. For most of that time, Chris “Cap” Capaletti has been the Bee system guru for its live sound, which has grown with the event itself—this year a record-breaking 516 spellers from around the country vied to make the final round, culled from 11 million students nationally and internationally.
To fully cover and provide highly intelligible audio to a live audience numbering in the thousands, Capaletti laid out a line source array system comprising six L-Acoustics [**Kara**](http://www.l-acoustics.com/products-kara-85.html) per side for the main left and right hangs, with two smaller arrays of five [**Kiva II**](http://www.l-acoustics.com/products-kivaii-151.html) addressing the far sides of the audience. Five coaxial [**X8**](http://www.l-acoustics.com/produits-x8-141.html) boxes were deployed as stage monitors, while four **[KS28](http://www.l-acoustics.com/products-ks28-148.html)**subwoofers were positioned backstage behind the furthest upstage scenic elements for LF reinforcement. A second truss flown out in the house featured four more arrays of four Kara each for delay. The entire system, which was supplied by Frederick, Maryland-based [**Showtime Sound LLC**](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/), was powered by a dozen [**LA12X**](http://www.l-acoustics.com/products-la12x-149.html) amplified controllers housed in four [**LA-RAK II**](http://www.l-acoustics.com/products-la-rak-ii-150.html).
Deploying the L-Acoustics system for this event was arguably easier than spelling the winning word, “Koinonia.” Capaletti credits L-Acoustics’ LA Network Manager, which provides a slew of features, including real-time control and monitoring of amplifiers, a truly intuitive workflow and application-driven GUI, and automated discovery and matching of units over the network, for much of that.
*“In terms of managing the system on site, LA Network Manager’s tools are the best there are,”*says Capaletti, who has supervised the sound for the Bee for the past six years and was responsible for bringing the L-Acoustics system in. *“Thanks to the program’s intuitive amplifier and group management, which lets me listen to changes in real time as I move things, I get to spend more time on the rig and on the console. I just get to where I need to be faster with L-Acoustics’ stuff, which is critical in an event like this, where we have television [the event was broadcast on ESPN] and lots of lighting, and I don’t have a lot of time before rehearsals start, so I have to do a lot of the system tuning by ear. LA Network Manager is simply the best software out there for this.”*
*“L-Acoustics’ hardware design also helped substantially,”* says Capaletti. Four of the X8 speakers were arrayed across the front of the stage for contestants waiting their turns, but the fifth solved a unique challenge: *“We want to have the speller’s monitor below them, so they can be looking down from the stage and at the judge speaking to them, so it feels natural,”*Capaletti explains. *“But every year, the space between the front of the stage and the judge’s position gets tighter and tighter. The X8 is the perfect size for this situation—it fits right into the space but still gives the speller a very natural-sounding voice to listen to. It’s one of the many little things that L-Acoustics gets right that makes a big difference in a show like this. There’s no way to pull this level of event off without the kinds of tools that L-Acoustics gives me.”*
For more info on this year’s Scripps National Spelling Bee, visit [www.spellingbee.com](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.spellingbee.com&data=02%7C01%7Cjulie.blore-bizot%40l-acoustics.com%7Ccc4763ae36e84ec86baf08d5dd103c41%7C68e431e8d632483eae79f28a7b4c69e6%7C0%7C0%7C636657984193596224&sdata=%2Bnhw1mlpgmC%2Fwl8vYSZ8gFDyPd4jD9L5k1QEgAS6foI%3D&reserved=0). Showtime Sound can also be found online at [www.showtimesoundllc.com](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.showtimesoundllc.com&data=02%7C01%7Cjulie.blore-bizot%40l-acoustics.com%7Ccc4763ae36e84ec86baf08d5dd103c41%7C68e431e8d632483eae79f28a7b4c69e6%7C0%7C0%7C636657984193596224&sdata=J%2BSS13x1k4cYZ3qfTrkuRenv4UWTawExX6BCT6fjC4k%3D&reserved=0). This year’s winning moment can be seen [**HERE**](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_yW6j2gN1w).
*[Link to full article by L-Acoustics.com](http://www.l-acoustics.com/909-l-acoustics-gets-it-right-for-the-annual-scripps-national-spelling-bee.html)*
Topics: [Insider](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/insider) [production events](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/production-events) [Tour](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/tour) [Touring](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/touring) [comedy](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/comedy) [news](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/news)
- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)
### Event Planners Checklist
Download our FREE Event Planner Checklist. Take on your next event like a pro!
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2274806/21589fb5-c16f-481f-8fbc-8cf48e32f7b8)
### Subscribe to Email Updates
### Recent Posts
### Posts by Topic
- [audio (28)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/audio)
- [sound (28)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/sound)
- [event production (24)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/event-production)
- [Showtime (22)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/showtime)
- [Touring (20)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/touring)
- [touring audio (20)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/touring-audio)
- [production events (19)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/production-events)
- [tech (18)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/tech)
- [tour production (17)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/tour-production)
- [live music (16)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/live-music)
- [music (16)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/music)
- [Tour (15)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/tour)
- [arts (15)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/arts)
- [concert (15)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/concert)
- [l-acoustics (14)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/l-acoustics)
- [New Technology (11)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/new-technology)
- [news (11)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/news)
- [FOH (10)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/foh)
- [Lighting (9)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/lighting)
- [live events (9)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/live-events)
- [Front of House (8)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/front-of-house)
- [audio engineer (8)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/audio-engineer)
- [band life (8)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/band-life)
- [tour lighting (7)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/tour-lighting)
- [Corporate Planner (6)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/corporate-planner)
- [Festivals (6)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/festivals)
- [Showtime Sound (6)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/showtime-sound)
- [Tour gear (6)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/tour-gear)
- [dc events (6)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/dc-events)
- [event production solutions (6)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/event-production-solutions)
- [gear (6)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/gear)
- [showtime touring (6)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/showtime-touring)
- [Event Planners (5)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/event-planners)
- [LEDWalls (5)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/ledwalls)
- [live audio (5)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/live-audio)
- [maryland events (5)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/maryland-events)
- [partnership (5)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/partnership)
- [trade show (5)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/trade-show)
- [video (5)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/video)
- [Baltimore events (4)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/baltimore-events)
- [FOH Magazine (4)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/foh-magazine)
- [LED (4)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/led)
- [LEDtech (4)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/ledtech)
- [Lights (4)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/lights)
- [art events (4)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/art-events)
- [comedy (4)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/comedy)
- [exhibits (4)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/exhibits)
- [university events (4)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/university-events)
- [Frederick Maryland (3)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/frederick-maryland)
- [Hyperreal Sound (3)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/hyperreal-sound)
- [Immersive Sound (3)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/immersive-sound)
- [Kevin Hart (3)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/kevin-hart)
- [LED Display (3)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/led-display)
- [backline (3)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/backline)
- [comedy tour (3)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/comedy-tour)
- [commencement planning (3)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/commencement-planning)
- [education (3)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/education)
- [microphone (3)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/microphone)
- [rock music (3)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/rock-music)
- [sommer cable (3)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/sommer-cable)
- [theater (3)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/theater)
- [theatre (3)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/theatre)
- [tour audio (3)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/tour-audio)
- [tourlife (3)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/tourlife)
- [world tour (3)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/world-tour)
- [British Drum Co. (2)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/british-drum-co)
- [Drive-In (2)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/drive-in)
- [FOH Mag (2)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/foh-mag)
- [Frederick Maryland Economic Development (2)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/frederick-maryland-economic-development)
- [Immersive Hyperreal Sound (2)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/immersive-hyperreal-sound)
- [Insider (2)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/insider)
- [Production Solutions (2)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/production-solutions)
- [Sound System Installation (2)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/sound-system-installation)
- [Telefunken (2)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/telefunken)
- [Touring Drummer (2)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/touring-drummer)
- [absen (2)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/absen)
- [audio installation (2)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/audio-installation)
- [bdc (2)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/bdc)
- [college park (2)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/college-park)
- [comedian (2)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/comedian)
- [commencements (2)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/commencements)
- [conference (2)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/conference)
- [drum kit (2)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/drum-kit)
- [drummer (2)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/drummer)
- [drums (2)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/drums)
- [event video (2)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/event-video)
- [historic venue (2)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/historic-venue)
- [installations (2)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/installations)
- [instruments (2)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/instruments)
- [system upgrade (2)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/system-upgrade)
- [university (2)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/university)
- [Audix (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/audix)
- [Basketball (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/basketball)
- [Economic Development (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/economic-development)
- [Frederick Chamber of Commerce (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/frederick-chamber-of-commerce)
- [Frederick Maryland Business (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/frederick-maryland-business)
- [Frederick sports mural (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/frederick-sports-mural)
- [Free Download (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/free-download)
- [G.E.M. (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/g-e-m)
- [Gaylord National (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/gaylord-national)
- [Heilung (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/heilung)
- [Installation (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/installation)
- [New location (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/new-location)
- [Novastar (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/novastar)
- [PLSN magazine (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/plsn-magazine)
- [Parnelli awards (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/parnelli-awards)
- [Preakness (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/preakness)
- [Riot Fest (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/riot-fest)
- [Roxy (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/roxy)
- [Supernova International Ska Fest (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/supernova-international-ska-fest)
- [Supernova International Ska Festival (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/supernova-international-ska-festival)
- [T-Pain (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/t-pain)
- [Theatrixx (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/theatrixx)
- [Weinberg (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/weinberg)
- [banjo (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/banjo)
- [banjo strings (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/banjo-strings)
- [bass strings (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/bass-strings)
- [comedy production (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/comedy-production)
- [comedy tours (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/comedy-tours)
- [country concert (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/country-concert)
- [covid concerts (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/covid-concerts)
- [del amitri (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/del-amitri)
- [edm (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/edm)
- [festival backline (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/festival-backline)
- [festival production (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/festival-production)
- [gem (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/gem)
- [graduations (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/graduations)
- [guitar (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/guitar)
- [guitar strings (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/guitar-strings)
- [hometown hero (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/hometown-hero)
- [iamgloria (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/iamgloria)
- [live event awards (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/live-event-awards)
- [lord of the lost (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/lord-of-the-lost)
- [mandolin (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/mandolin)
- [mandolin strings (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/mandolin-strings)
- [midas (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/midas)
- [mix magazine (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/mix-magazine)
- [music connection (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/music-connection)
- [niklas kahl (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/niklas-kahl)
- [reality check (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/reality-check)
- [resolute (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/resolute)
- [ribbon-cutting (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/ribbon-cutting)
- [ritual (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/ritual)
- [shure (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/shure)
- [ska (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/ska)
- [ska fest (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/ska-fest)
- [ska music (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/ska-music)
- [snare (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/snare)
- [socially distant events (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/socially-distant-events)
- [sports mural (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/sports-mural)
- [stringjoy (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/stringjoy)
- [strings (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/strings)
- [tour backline (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/tour-backline)
- [vpc (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/topic/vpc)
[see all](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/showtime-sound-llc-is-putting-their-l-acoustics-on-the-road-with-comedian-kevin-hart-0#)
### Blog Archive
- [August 2023 (3)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2023/08)
- [November 2023 (2)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2023/11)
- [September 2025 (2)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2025/09)
- [December 2016 (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2016/12)
- [March 2017 (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2017/03)
- [April 2017 (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2017/04)
- [April 2018 (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2018/04)
- [July 2018 (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2018/07)
- [November 2018 (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2018/11)
- [July 2019 (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2019/07)
- [January 2020 (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2020/01)
- [January 2021 (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2021/01)
- [December 2021 (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2021/12)
- [January 2022 (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2022/01)
- [March 2022 (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2022/03)
- [June 2022 (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2022/06)
- [August 2022 (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2022/08)
- [October 2022 (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2022/10)
- [April 2023 (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2023/04)
- [December 2023 (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2023/12)
- [January 2024 (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2024/01)
- [February 2024 (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2024/02)
- [May 2024 (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2024/05)
- [July 2024 (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2024/07)
- [August 2024 (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2024/08)
- [December 2024 (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2024/12)
- [August 2025 (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2025/08)
- [October 2025 (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2025/10)
- [November 2025 (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2025/11)
- [December 2025 (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2025/12)
- [January 2026 (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2026/01)
- [June 2026 (1)](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/archive/2026/06)
[see all](https://www.showtimesoundllc.com/blog/showtime-sound-llc-is-putting-their-l-acoustics-on-the-road-with-comedian-kevin-hart-0#)
### proud memberS of:
[VISIT BALTIMORE](https://baltimore.org)
[TECH FREDERICK](https://techfrederick.org)
[FREDERICK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE](https://www.frederickchamber.org)
[VISIT FREDERICK](https://www.visitfrederick.org/listing/showtime-sound-llc/6771/)
### Contact
**Showtime Sound, LLC**
8421 Broadband Drive
Suite D
Frederick, MD 21701
Office: [1-800-231-3072](tel:1-800-231-3072)
Email: [solutions@showtimesoundllc.com](mailto:solutions@showtimesoundllc.com)
### From Our Blog
