The Konzerthaus originally opened in 2002 with an installed sound system designed for voice transmission only, since the primary intention was to have classical concerts only in this acoustically-optimised concert-hall. However, the number of shows where dedicated sound reinforcement was needed started to grow steadily and for the past two years B&B rented a Harman Pro rig for special events at the Konzerthaus.
When it came to fitting a new infrastructure, the venue's head of stage-management/engineering, Ralf Leyk, originally specified a Soundcraft MH-3, 32-channel console with all the necessary outboard equipment. But around the same time Müller-Eckhard had the opportunity to work with a Soundcraft Vi6, and for the first time with a digital console was completely impressed.
"I felt no restrictions in creativity and control whatsoever. The sound of the EQs, dynamics and FX felt great, the user interface was unique and simple - and other engineers, who had to mix their artists for the first time on the Vi6 or Vi4, were able to use the whole desk without reading the manual."
Coincidentally, B&B provided a Vi4 (from Soundcraft resellers, Licht & Ton Dortmund) for a show in the foyer of the Konzerthaus. "I suggested to Ralf Leyk that he take a closer look - and a few days later a Vi4 was specified for the main installation."
As a result it was decided at short notice to invest in a complete Harman Pro system with the Soundcraft Vi4 at the hub. Delivery was made in late June and installation took place throughout July and August.
The installer has optimised the auditorium coverage, using 14 JBL VRX932LA line array elements (in left, centre, right, rear-fill and front-fill configuration) - along with a pair of VRX918S subs, which can be extended with further VRX918S's (everything is switchable depending on requirement). Integrated into the HiQnet network are four Crown i-Tech 4000 amplifiers with DSP processors and accessed by the matrix outputs of the Vi4.
(Jim Evans)
