FEATURE: CONCERT VENUES


LEADING OPERA VENUE UPGRADES TO RENKUS-HEINZ IC LIVE SYSTEM


Designed by legendary Viennese architects Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer, the Slovak National Theatre (SNT) in Bratislava completed construction in 1886. Since 1920, the 1,000-seat building has been home to the SNT opera and ballet ensembles, as well as hosting performances by some of the world’s leading touring ensembles. As usage of the space has


diversified, however, its acoustics have faced ever- greater scrutiny. While acceptable for opera, the room’s short RT is less suitable for orchestral performances. The configuration of the space has also provided its fair share of challenges; the narrow stage faces a long auditorium where the rear seats are 75ft (22m) away, while uneven sound coverage affected


headroom capabilities” make d&b audiotechnik’s Q-Series suitable for small to medium- scale concert environments, while for Harman a “high degree of technical rider acceptance” means that the JBL VTX and VerTec line array series – combined with Crown Audio I-Tech HD power amplifiers – provide a popular solution for concert venues, says Bauman.


Amplifier specialist Powersoft, meanwhile,


multiple balconies. Deciding to take action to


address these issues, the theatre approached MediaTech – Bratislava’s largest pro-audio specialist – to select a subtle, high-quality and aesthetically discreet sound reinforcement system.


Extensive EASE analysis led to MediaTech recommending a system based around the IC Live digitally steerable line array. A clear, uncoloured musical sound and the ability to steer multiple sound beams into specific areas of the venue are said to have offered the solution required. Meanwhile, the IC Live’s slim, low-profile design – complete with a custom paint finish – complements the theatre’s highly distinctive aesthetic. The newly installed audio system also includes a TC


installs. “They are very easy to manage, highly configurable and characterised overall by very low power consumption,” says Francesco Fanicchi, marketing and communications manager, Powersoft.


ACCOMMODATING ACOUSTICS Making a preliminary section from the many options available on grounds of size and output is one thing – but other considerations must necessarily come into play. Although many contemporary arenas and larger concert halls are often built scrupulously to order with all the necessary acoustical precautions one would expect, consultants and installers working on older (often smaller) venues constructed before the advent of modern treatments may be faced with a whole other magnitude of challenge. Rik Kirby, VP sales and


‘Everyone wants


the best possible coverage and sound for the least outlay’ Mark Millar, TC Group


singles out the Ottocanali and K Series power amps as being “flexible, reliable and cost-effective solutions” for all manner of concert venue


marketing at Renkus-Heinz, comments: “Many venues, particularly older theatres and concert halls, were originally designed without amplification, and present challenging acoustics once amplified sound is introduced.” A beam technology solution, such as Renkus-Heinz’ own Iconyx system, “can deliver beams so tightly focused that they deliver sound directly to the listener, without reflecting or interacting with the room”.


PREDICTION MODELLING The ability to predict coverage patterns and, therefore, specify the right number of boxes for a given


www.installation-international.com April 2014 31


Electronic M6000 processor for additional reverb, and a Yamaha PM5D console that is linked directly to the IC Live system via CobraNet.


MediaTech’s project


manager, Miroslav Paciga, reflects: “The audience had to be unaware of sound reinforcement. IC Live allowed


us to achieve


that subtle effect while being visually unnoticeable.”


STUDY CASE


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