Auracast™ LOCATION PROFILE
Hanson Barn
About this location
Key stats
Location: Marengo, Illinois, United States
Venue type: Outdoor holiday venue
Auracast™ equipment installed: Listen Technologies and HomeSpot
Installation: DIY installation
Hanson Barn serves as a venue where immersive audio experiences are part of the guest experience. As an AV professional and venue owner, Chris Hanson is always looking for ways to improve the visitor experience while maintaining high-quality audio delivery. This focus led him to explore new approaches that could expand access to show audio beyond traditional systems.
The problem statement
Before deploying Auracast™ broadcast audio, Hanson Barn relied primarily on FM transmission and traditional sound reinforcement to deliver audio to guests. While these solutions met many operational needs, they did not address every audience preference or use case.
Guests occasionally asked whether they could listen to the show audio directly on their smartphones rather than using FM-based solutions. At the same time, the venue wanted to preserve a high-fidelity, all-digital audio workflow wherever possible. There was also an opportunity to provide additional listening options for guests with hearing loss.
Although FM transmission remained effective, the venue recognized that audience expectations were evolving. Visitors increasingly carry personal devices capable of supporting advanced wireless audio experiences, creating an opportunity to offer greater flexibility and accessibility without replacing existing systems.
The Auracast™ solution
Deployment
Hanson first learned about Auracast™ broadcast audio at an AV industry conference and immediately saw its potential. As a one-to-many Bluetooth® audio solution, Auracast™ broadcasts deliver audio to large numbers of listeners using compatible devices.
The decision to deploy an Auracast™ solution was driven by several factors. Most importantly, it enabled the venue to maintain its all-digital broadcast workflow while providing guests with another convenient way to access show audio.
To support different applications throughout the venue, Hanson Barn deployed two Auracast™ solutions. The Auri-TX2N Auracast™ transmitter was selected for general show coverage because of its greater range, while the HomeSpot BA210 Auracast™ transmitter was chosen for smaller interactive experiences. Rather than replacing the existing infrastructure, these Auracast™ solutions were implemented alongside FM transmissions and traditional sound reinforcement.
“The deployment was straightforward, and the technology worked remarkably seamlessly,” said Hanson. “Even more notable was the wireless range, which exceeded expectations during operation.”
Benefits
Since deployment, the Auracast™ solution has provided the venue with another way to reach audiences and make audio more accessible. By offering multiple listening options, guests can choose the experience that works best for them while continuing to benefit from existing audio systems.
Audience feedback has been equally encouraging. The combination of accessibility, convenience, and high-quality digital audio has helped expand the ways guests can engage with presentations and performances.
A look ahead
As awareness and device support continue to grow, Auracast™ broadcast audio has the potential to become an increasingly valuable tool for delivering accessible, high-quality audio experiences. For Hanson Barn, the objective remains simple: Reach more people, provide more listening options, and make audio as accessible as possible for every guest.
Learn more about Auracast™
Register your Auracast™ location
