Newly established Finnish theatre sound consultancy Wavemark has specified and installed a TiMax audio showcontrol package into the Finnish National Opera.

Part of a new audio system designed and implemented by Wavemark’s Santu Sipila, the TiMax2 SoundHub audio spatialisation processor and TiMax Tracker automation system were sourced through established Finnish TiMax distributor, Electro Waves, for a major audio refurbishment of the venue’s main auditorium. The new installed set up features a TiMax2 SoundHub S-64 with AES I/O plus a Dante64 interface which enables access to the venue’s new permanent Dante network infrastructure.

The FNO is the only professional opera company in Finland, tracing its history back to 1911. Having occupied the tiny Alexander Theatre for decades, in 1993 it moved to a purpose-built Opera House whose main auditorium seats more than 1,300. The venue also houses a studio stage, as well as using foyers for smaller events.

The TiMax SoundHub unit receives Midi Controller messages from the TiMax Tracker system whose UWB radar TT Tags worn by the actors are continually scanned by five TT Sensors located above the stage area. Radio mic channel direct outs from the DiGiCo SD7T mixing console feed into the SoundHub whose dynamic delay-matrix maps them onto the distributed d&b audiotechnik Q, V and T Series loudspeaker system to achieve continuous and precise localisation of the actors voices for all audience members.

The audio renovation was completed in 2015, in time for use with the current sold-out production of Phantom of the Opera, with sound design by Sakke Kiiskis and Andreas ‘Stanley’ Lonnquist who is also a founding member of the Wavemark sound consultancy. The production’s very large number of soloists, chorus and dancers meant TiMax spatialisation automation was a significant factor in achieving a level of authenticity and impact to match the high production standards that the directors and the FNO strive for.

More: www.wavemark.fi
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