Bringing a diet of live performance, art and entertainment to Barcelona, Sala Apolo has earned itself the title: ‘club of clubs’ and with it a following that extends throughout the city and beyond. More than seventy-five years since it first opened as a dance hall, it has adapted to the city and its times, to become a noted reference hub for music of all kinds. Now, with a Soundscape ready d&b Audiotechnik KSL line array system newly installed usingthe manufacturer’s new Subscription-Series tool, the venue confidently put itself ahead of the game.

Subscription-Series gives venues access to the complete d&b product range for a monthly fee. The agreement includes the design and installation of a tailored audio solution, plus a maintenance contract for servicing, and remote monitoring of the system; a computer in touch with Sala Apolo’s electronics 24/7 means if anything goes wrong, a responsible d&b person is alerted to take care of things.

With monthly payments easing the way, Sala Apolo began a major renovation project without the usual pressure of investment. Then, as global events unfolded, the venue’s vision went on hold. ‘The agreement was originally supposed to be closed during March 2020 but had to be postponed due to the health crisis,’ says Director, Alberto Guijarro. ‘Ultimately, none of this could have happened without full collaboration and trust on both sides.’

Eventually, the project started up again. ‘The first d&b equipment that we put into Apolo was in our second room, and the improvement in quality was quickly noticed explains Guijarro. ‘People said it was the best sounding room in Spain. We wanted to elevate our big room to the same level.’

With KSL installed the sound is now both clear and powerful, without the one affecting the other. The system’s cardioid design and constant directivity control across the entire frequency range have solved the venue’s two key issues: controlling the reverberant field, and reducing the sonic impact on the neighbourhood.

The line arrays comprise KSL8, with KSL12s at the bottom to cover the first rows – eliminating the need for front fill. KSL-Subs and SL-Subs ensure the lowest frequencies go exactly where they’re wanted, while a selection of monitors add extra onstage comfort for performers.

Belgian group Balthazar were the first to put the system through its paces. ‘Balthazar’s technician was delighted when he learned that he was going to have d&b and, after, how much he enjoyed the great technical advancement of the installation,’ recalls Apolo Technical Director, Jordi Martin.

Guijarro’s vision for the venue included being the first Soundscape-ready room in Spain. ‘With object-based mixing and immersive sound on the table, Apolo will be at the cutting edge, technically and creatively,’ he says. ‘Soundscape is a very important venture for our future. Not just within our city, but at a national level.’

Adding Soundscape to the venue’s wish list was made easy with Subscription-Series. Alongside a monthly fee, venues have the option to add additional components as and needed, only paying for them when they’re actually put to use. This is the case in Sala Apolo’s big room; a Soundscape ‘pre-installation’ now exists, including all the necessary wiring and switches to incorporate extra boxes, and Soundscape’s central hardware, the DS100 Signal Matrix.

In keeping with its reputation, Sala Apolo’s audio renovation has left it ready for anything: high performance, rider-friendly sound and all the creative and technical manoeuvring possible – in a physically and technologically long lasting package. ‘Add to that, our room technicians have confirmed that d&b is one of the best performance brands,’ says Martin, ‘standing out for unique sound, and for meeting the highest quality expectations in the world.’

Sala Apolo is at the threshold of another history-defining moment, during what is arguably one of the most uncertain times for live performance venues globally. ‘The hardest thing has been doing this right after the pandemic,’ Guijarro says. ‘It required a leap of faith on the part of the company. However, the collaboration with d&b has been very easy; they met deadlines perfectly, and ultimately the Subscription-Series has made everything possible. Without that solution we simply wouldn’t have been able to achieve all this at this time.’

More: www.dbaudio.com