Nashville’s American Legion Post 82, a venue known for its mission of reintegrating local veterans into the community through music, needed an upgrade to its aging sound system. Despite its vibrant community of open mic nights, songwriter workshops, and live performances, the venue’s PA system struggled to deliver clear and powerful audio, particularly in the room’s wide and shallow layout where sound coverage was inconsistent. When Grammy-winning musician Jack White chose Post 82 as the site for an intimate launch performance of his latest album No Name, the need for a high-quality audio system became even more urgent. Rather than simply installing a temporary solution for his concert, White proposed a permanent upgrade that would benefit the venue and its community for years to come.
To transform Post 82’s audio capabilities, Jack White partnered with JBL Professional and Guitar Center Custom House (GCCH) to install a comprehensive JBL SRX900 Series sound system. The project was coordinated by Mick Beisel, CEO of Vision2 Marketing, and executed by a team led by Ken Ferrel of AVDG. The installation was completed in record time, with equipment arriving just one day before the show.
The new system included four JBL SRX910LA two-way active line array cabinets—two for each side of the stage—paired with two SRX928S dual 18-inch subwoofers to deliver deep, impactful bass. The sound was managed through a Soundcraft Mini Stagebox 32i and a Soundcraft Si Performer 3 digital mixing console, ensuring precise control and high-quality audio output. For the bar area, which is separate from the main performance space, two JBL PRX912 powered two-way loudspeakers were installed to provide clear and consistent sound.
The compact and powerful design of the SRX910LA cabinets proved ideal for Post 82’s unique room acoustics, which featured a mix of ceiling tiles, carpet, and a wide, shallow layout. The new system’s wide coverage ensured that even the farthest corners of the room received clear and balanced sound—an issue that had plagued the previous system. The main system was ground-stacked, which streamlined setup and minimized potential acoustic challenges posed by the room’s architecture.
Despite the incredibly tight schedule, the system was installed and calibrated on the morning of the concert. Greg Glaser, Vice President of Artist Relations at GCCH, noted how straightforward the setup process was, with the SRX900 Series’ intuitive software enabling rapid configuration without extensive manual adjustments. The quick turnaround was made possible by the cooperation and enthusiasm of Post 82’s members, who volunteered to assist in removing the old system and preparing the venue for the upgrade.
The JBL SRX900 sound system delivered an immediate and dramatic improvement to Post 82’s audio quality, transforming the listening experience for both performers and the audience. Jack White’s launch performance was a resounding success, with attendees and venue staff alike praising the clarity, power, and coverage of the new system. The system’s ability to maintain consistent sound throughout the venue, even at high volumes, ensured that every attendee could fully experience the energy of the performance.
Jack White, known for his preference for loud and unfiltered rock and roll shows, was delighted with the results. Lalo Medina, White’s longtime tour manager, confirmed that the system was more than capable of meeting White’s demand for volume without sacrificing clarity. Feedback from the audience was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing it as the best the room had ever sounded.
Beyond the immediate success of the launch concert, the upgraded sound system is a lasting benefit to Post 82 and its community-focused mission. With state-of-the-art audio equipment, the venue is now better positioned to host a wider range of music events, workshops, and performances, enhancing its role as a community hub for local veterans and music enthusiasts.
Greg Glaser highlighted the collaborative effort between Jack White, JBL Professional, Custom House, and the American Legion, emphasizing that the project’s success was a testament to what can be achieved when all parties work together seamlessly. Looking ahead, the upgraded sound system is expected to attract more artists and audiences to Post 82, amplifying its impact as a vital cultural and community space in Nashville.