When you’re competing with Friday night plans, you need more than just popcorn and a projector—you need an experience. That’s exactly what Studio 35 Cinema & Drafthouse delivers, and their latest audio upgrade proves it. With a new sound system powered by LEA Professional amplifiers, this iconic cinema is taking its AV game to the next level.
THE SPEC
🍿 Venue: Studio 35 Cinema & Drafthouse | Columbus, OH
Integrator: Total Cinema Solutions
Audio Spaces: Entire Theater
🦈 Product Used: Connect Series 704 (Multiple)
Studio 35 Cinema & Drafthouse
Studio 35 Cinema & Drafthouse, nestled in Columbus, Ohio’s Clintonville neighborhood, has been a local staple since its debut as the Indianola Theatre in 1938. In the 1970s, it made history as the first U.S. cinema to serve beer and food, becoming a pioneer in the dine-in movie experience. Over the decades, it’s evolved with the times—hosting cult classics, beer tastings, live sports, and community events. A major renovation in 2012 introduced a full bar with 40 taps and a refreshed interior. Studio 35 remains proudly independent and family-owned, continuing to blend blockbuster appeal with neighborhood charm.
THE INSTALL
Studio 35 contacted its longtime technology partner Brian Vita, Sales & Service Manager at Total Cinema Solutions, for recommendations on audio system upgrades. Vita immediately included LEA Professional amplifiers as part of the new system design.
“The best definition of an amplifier I’ve heard is that ‘it’s a piece of wire with gain and nothing else,’” said Vita. “And that’s basically what LEA amplifiers perform as. They’re pieces of wire with gain that don’t add any noise to the signal. I mean that as a high compliment.”
The new audio system is built around a state-of-the-art Trinnov Ovation2 cinema processor, greatly enhancing the movie-going experience at Studio 35. The unofficial project goal is to “rattle the shingles of the building next door.” JBL 4732 three-way ScreenArray loudspeakers are the mains, supported by two JBL 4642A subwoofers and several JBL 9310 surround loudspeakers.
Vita deployed Connect Series 704 amplifiers to power the theater’s speakers. The IoT-enabled 4-channel 704 provides 700 watts per channel, supports Hi-Z (70V or 100V) and Lo-Z selectable by channel, and features Smart Power Bridge technology. Unlocking the full potential of the speakers right out of the box, Connect Series amps deliver optimized speaker tunings that ensure every note is heard with clarity and precision throughout the theater.
“The built-in speaker tunings in the LEA amps were great for this application, as was the ability to monitor (the amps) remotely,” said Vita. “That level of control, monitoring and processing made the choice of amplifier easy and clear-cut for us.”
THE CONCLUSION
With the success of the recent upgrades at Studio 35, the owners are now looking ahead—exploring similar enhancements for their other theaters. It’s a clear sign that delivering high-quality, immersive experiences isn’t just a one-time investment, but a long-term commitment to their audiences and the communities they serve.
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