New management and a five-year renovation at the open-air Harzer Bergtheater in Germany’s Harz Mountains recently saw its prior dependence on rental systems make way for a its own L-Acoustics line array system shaped by Soundvision acoustic simulation software.
‘We couldn’t rely on standard deployment approaches,’ explains Schad. ‘The extreme slope creates sound propagation scenarios you rarely encounter in conventional venues. Soundvision allowed us to model precisely how sound would travel through the space and determine optimal placement for each component, particularly the X12 delay and surround speakers needed to ensure even coverage from front row to the uppermost seats.’
The venue presented two primary challenges alongside its exposed mountain environment – extraordinarily steep audience seating that demanded precise coverage, and strict safety regulations requiring complete removal of the main sound system nightly due to unpredictable mountain weather conditions.
‘The venue presents a truly unique situation,’ agrees Alexander Schad, CEO of Session Pro, L-Acoustics’ Certified Partner who collaborated with consultant Matthias Kreiner and Bodo Bergmann on the project.
Planning commenced three years ago, with the team initially evaluating various professional sound system options. The launch of L-Acoustics L Series provided the breakthrough they needed. ‘The L Series provides superior vertical coverage control for the distinctive topography while allowing for rapid deployment and de-rigging – essential capabilities for this unique venue,’ Schad says.
The result is a versatile configuration comprising main LR arrays of one L2 over one L2D. The L2D, with its 60° of vertical control and progressive horizontal coverage from 110° to 140°, suited the needs of the steep audience areas. This is complemented by six groundstacked KS28 subwoofers, set three per side. Fourteen X12 loudspeakers are positioned four each side and six at the back of the tiered seating area to provide coverage throughout the entire seating area.
The most distinctive aspect of this installation is the custom-engineered steel arm construction designed specifically for this venue. ‘We designed a specialised rigging solution allowing the technical team to safely install and remove the main L2 arrays daily within a tight operational window,’ Session Pro Sales Manager Holger Kügelgen explains. ‘The L Series waterproof covering provides protection during performances, while its efficient rigging design facilitates quick turnaround – critical during the busy summer season.’
The new system has immediately enhanced the historic theatre’s capacity to attract high-calibre artists, which was a key aim for the investment. ‘We chose L-Acoustics because it delivers even, reliable sound coverage throughout the entire Harzer Bergtheater while remaining versatile enough for concerts, musicals and theatre performances for years to come,’ reports Harzer Bertheater event technician, Jerome Querfurth.
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