Lux AVL Selects Powersoft X Series for Fox Theatre

Scandicci (Florence), August 20, 2026 – Located in Boulder, Colorado, the Fox Theatre has long been a fixture of the region’s live music scene, operating under independent venue group Z2 Entertainment, which manages several prominent rooms across the state. Z2 Entertainment has built its reputation by maintaining historic venues while continuing to invest in technical infrastructure that meets the expectations of modern touring productions. This approach requires balancing preservation with performance, ensuring legacy systems continue to deliver consistent results for visiting engineers and artists.

When amplifier failures began occurring during live shows at the Fox Theatre, Z2 Entertainment engaged Lux AVL to evaluate the system and implement 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, later repurposed for permanent installation at the Fox Theatre. Rather than replacing the system, Z2 Entertainment chose to retain the original enclosures and update the internal components, which introduced technical constraints, as the system’s design required significant power and multi-channel 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 LuxAVL. “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.”

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,” explained 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 8-channel X8 and 4-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. The X Series supports AES3 and optional Dante networking, allowing up to four selectable input sources per channel and enabling redundant signal paths for increased reliability.

“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.”

In addition to its hardware capabilities, the X Series integrates with Powersoft’s Armonía Plus 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. The 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, the upgraded system delivered measurable improvements in output, headroom and clarity, while maintaining the visual and sonic identity that defines the Fox Theatre. 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.”

Since commissioning, the Fox Theatre system has operated with improved consistency and stability, addressing the failures that prompted the upgrade while delivering the performance expected by both staff and visiting engineers. The integration demonstrates how modern amplifier platforms, such as Powersoft’s X Series, can support legacy systems, offering a practical path forward for venues that prioritize both heritage and functionality.