Upgrading the decade-old Meyer Sound system in its 800-seat Yeak-Dang Theatre, Seoul’s National Gugak Center has installed a M’elodie line array. The centre will continue to use its UPM-1P, CQ-1, and CQ-2 loudspeakers as part of the new system.

The centre’s role in preserving and promoting ancient Korean musical traditions places it under the control of the South Korean Government, which means that its spending is carefully scrutinised: ‘When it comes to government spending, it’s not always easy to specify a particular brand,’ confirms Ungseop Kwon of Korean distributor, Sovico. ‘The committee members listened critically to several loudspeakers, and agreed that M’elodie was the best option.

‘With the old Meyer Sound system in place for more than ten years, it was not unexpected that they would be pleased with M’elodie,’ he continues. ‘But the system’s performance has exceeded expectations, and everyone is quite pleased.’

The new set-up includes left and right arrays of 12 M’elodie loudspeakers each, and four 600-HP subwoofers. ‘The theatre’s acoustics are challenging,’ explains Kwon. ‘The left and right M’elodie arrays provide an ideal solution, with excellent sound and very even coverage for all seats.’

Taken from the previous system, one UPA-1P, two CQ-1, and two CQ-2 loudspeakers comprise a centre cluster used for voice announcements, with one CQ-1 each at left and right. Ten UPM-1P speakers have also been redeployed for front fill and delay. The upgrade was designed and installed by Sovico.

‘The previous system’s components were still in excellent condition, even after many years of constant use,’ Kwon says. ‘Repurposing them in this way allowed us to create a true LCR configuration, with uniform left-right coverage for music, and a centre channel for voice.’

Founded in 1950, the National Gugak Center has roots dating back to the Eumseongseo music institute of 7^th century Korea.