Poland - In January 2024, disaster struck the Fabryka Lloyda venue in the Polish city of Bydgoszcz. The infrastructure of this cultural space, which had been transformed from a shipyard hall into an events and concerts venue, was destroyed by fire. Over the years its owners had created a special atmosphere which attracted large audiences as well as top Polish artists.
In 2019 audio specialist Skene had installed a Coda Audio system based around its powerful and compact ViRAY line array, contributing much to the venue’s strong reputation.
With more than 30 years in business, Skene has extensive knowledge and experience of sound system design, configuration and commissioning, and has collaborated with Coda Audio distributor Tommex as a partner for more than seven years, successfully completing numerous projects which utilise innovative solutions from the Coda Audio brand. After the fire, Fabryka Lloyda owner Łukasz Gliński made the decision to carry on the business and Coda Audio once again featured in the plan.
Gliński retained the venue’s employed staff, and with the help of friends and partner companies decided to stage the venue’s previously booked events as outdoor concerts whilst plans for the rebuilding of the club progressed. He comments:
“When choosing a new sound system, we considered various options for both indoor and outdoor events. The system simply had to offer the highest quality sound for every event. We were determined not only to rebuild the club, but also to install a new system there that would capture the atmosphere and unique feel of Fabryka Lloyda that we all valued so highly.
“Under Skene’s guidance we opted again for Coda’s ViRAY as well as the very latest CiRAY system, which had been launched at ISE in Barcelona just after the fire. These systems combine the power of large systems with the flexibility of compact solutions, and so are ideal for both touring and permanent installations. They cover a wide range of applications including outdoor settings and music venues, making them the perfect solution for our needs.”
The new system comprises 12 x CiRAY and four ViRAY line array units, supported by SCP subwoofers and APS (arrayable point source) sets. Cue Two stage monitors complete the picture, with the system powered and controlled by Coda Audio Linus amplification.
Thanks to Gliński’s comprehensive approach, the Coda Audio system enables the staging of high-level events which can meet the expectations of both audiences and performers alike. The system’s debut took place in front of an 1,800-strong audience in June at a concert featuring leading Polish singer Agnieszka Chylińska.
A successful, busy and varied programme of outdoor events then continued through the summer until September, with appearances from a host of popular Polish artists. More than 25,000 people attended the shows in total, with audiences, artists and technical staff all responding positively to the system.
Global sales and marketing director for Coda Audio, David Webster, comments: “It’s fantastic to see a Coda system at the heart of Fabryka Lloyda’s ambitious rebuilding plans, and we’re very proud to be part of their story. The summer concerts have proved to be a huge success, and the flexible nature of the system means that when the club is rebuilt it can be adapted for permanent installation. We wish them well for what we are sure will be a bright future.”