Having hosted performances by Albert Mangelsdorff and Dexter Gordon among other notable artists, Jazzclub Karlsruhe has secured a lasting place in the jazz world.
After years in temporary venues since opening in the 1960s, the club has now found a permanent home in the heart of Karlsruhe where its latest technical upgrade features a 16-fader Lawo mc²36 audio mixing console and mics from Schoeps.
‘The Jazzclub stands for quality and tradition,’ says Niklas König, Jazzclub Chairman and artistic director of local band Soulcafé. ‘When we host artists, we aim to provide not only an outstanding stage but also the best possible sound experience for our audience. The Lawo mc²36 offers the ideal combination of compact design and powerful performance – crucial for our limited technical space. Its slim profile integrates into the venue without compromising audio quality.’
The console is equipped with A__UHD Core technology, has 384 processing channels at 48/96kHz, supports up to 864 I/O channels, and includes local I/Os, native Ravenna/AES67 IP connectivity, and point-to-point stage box integration. The built-in Waves SuperRack plug-in integration enables detailed sound processing.
‘At Soulcafé concerts, we often use up to 32 channels from the stage, mixing them for PA and monitor paths, along with dedicated playout and multitrack recording paths,’ König says. ‘The mc²36 handles this effortlessly. We can use up to 16 aux and 16 playout paths while recording each source discretely. This set-up equips us perfectly for PA, in-ear monitoring, and high-quality recordings.’
The mc²36’s user interface offers efficient control of parameters and a smooth workflow. ‘Its design allows even freelance technicians to quickly get up to speed,’ König says. ‘This is essential for us, as we frequently work with different engineers but still aim to maintain a consistently high standard. The touchscreen interface and clearly structured workflow enable fast familiarization and reliable operation during live performances.’
Another key element of the club’s sound is its use of Schoeps microphones, internationally recognised for their audio fidelity. ‘Our microphones authentically and precisely capture the natural sound of instruments,’ says Florian Gundert, Marketing Manager at Schoeps. ‘Their transparent off-axis response gives sound engineers maximum flexibility in the mix – an advantage for both intimate acoustic setups and louder, more crowded stages.’
At Jazzclub Karlsruhe, microphones from the modular Colette series are used, typically paired with the CMC 1 miniature amplifier and the MK 4 cardioid capsule. Depending on production needs, they are positioned as drum overheads, on grand piano, or in front of wind instruments.
‘The subtle nuances our microphones capture are preserved throughout the high-quality signal chain,’ Gundert notes. ‘This ensures exceptional clarity and dynamic range in both PA sound and recordings.’
This also enhances in-ear monitoring: ‘The clarity of the in-ear mix is remarkable,’ König adds. ‘It allows our musicians to focus entirely on their performance, thanks to a perfectly balanced sound image in their ears.’
Even at higher volumes, the seamlessly integrated PA system delivers crystal-clear sound. Still, the club often opts for subtle miking techniques. ‘With a jazz trio, for instance, we lightly mic the instruments to complement the natural room acoustics and optimize the sound balance for the audience – without altering the direct sound character or introducing noticeable amplification,’ König says.
The integration of Lawo and Schoeps technologies demonstrates how Jazzclub Karlsruhe harmonises tradition with innovation to deliver the ultimate musical experience. The high-resolution audio set-up supports the club’s cultural mission: to highlight the and emotional engagement of jazz.
‘Our guests come here to experience music in its purest acoustic form,’ König concludes. ‘With finely tuned room acoustics and premium signal processing, we ensure that every artistic detail and dynamic nuance reaches the audience with clarity and balance.’
More: www.lawo.com