As well as the multi-purpose concert hall, the striking venue (which takes its name from the local area's ethnic and linguistic community), designed by Arch-Studio and inaugurated in 2012, also features a culture centre with numerous workshops hosting a wide variety of artistic activities.
Leading Polish designer, manufacturer, and supplier of sound reinforcement systems and system integrator, Gda?sk-based Outline distributor Ambient System was called in by the venue's owners, Wejherowo City Hall, to supply and install the audio equipment, as well as coordinating the hall's AV design.
The company's brief was to provide a system which, as well as ensuring high quality sound and even coverage throughout the 400-seat auditorium, had to be able to be easily moved outdoors for larger events.
Ambient System's electro-acoustic system specialist Pawel Zakrzewski explains, "We therefore had to find a system that was big enough for outdoor events, but not too aggressive, as well as being ideal for smaller indoor performances in the concert hall. Our clients also specified that the equipment installed had to be compatible with visiting acts' rider requirements."
After selecting an Outline audio package as the best solution, Pawel used Outline OpenArray 3D software for sound prediction, coverage and weight distribution.
The main rig's configuration features a L-R set-up, with each hang comprising six Outline Butterfly C.D.H. 483 line array elements for mid-high frequency reproduction and a Butterfly C.D.L. 1815 enclosure handling the low end.
A pair of Outline DBS 18-2 passive subwoofers for sub-bass extension are positioned at either side of the stage and four Outline Mantas used on front fill chores. Thanks to their 120° horizontal coverage pattern, the Mantas enclosures avoid any unwanted reflections from the room's walls.
Four Outline iSM 115 powered monitors and six Outline iSM 212 wedge monitors are on hand for stage monitoring and the set-up's powerhouse comprises four Outline T-Five amplifiers (driving the Butterfly C.D.L. 1815 and front fills enclosures) and eight Outline T-Seven units (for the Butterfly C.D.H. 483 and subs).
Thanks to their built-in iMode DSP platforms, the monitors can be controlled via Wi-Fi with the dedicated Outline app. Pawel enthused, "This configuration works well for the venue, because it's designed to be very flexible. For opera productions, classical concerts or other events not requiring high-level subwoofer content, the sound team can disconnect the Outline DBS 18-2 subwoofers and remove them if necessary, as the main hangs are able to ensure top-grade sound down to 40Hz.
"Using one manufacturer's hardware offers the advantage of perfect compatibility between presets and limiters, as well as achieving maximum efficiency and sound quality from amplifiers and loudspeakers," continues Pawel, "and we chose Outline for this installation for its products' great flexibility and the fact that Butterfly systems are able to ensure very natural transparent sound for all music genres. Moreover, as well as carefully testing all its products, Outline also ensure great support from its engineers if and whenever necessary."
(Jim Evans)
