At the heart of the northern Icelandic music and performing arts scene, the Hof Cultural Centre is among Akureyri’ landmarks. Among its newest attractions is a new Martin Audio sound reinforcement system, recently installed in the main auditorium, by Reykjavik-based distributor, Atendi.
According to Atendi Project Manager, Gunnar Gunnarson his company bid successfully on a public tender put out in December 2023, and was duly awarded the contract in September this year. Gunnarson admits that the project presented challenges, largely due to limited space, since the stage is surrounded by equipment, on all sides.
The requirement was for a system to replace an earlier system, which had been in situ since the venue’s opening in 2010. It needed to provide even coverage for the curcular 509-seat auditorium and deliver 103dB(A) with 18dB headroom, and a differential in SPL not exceeding ±3dB at any seat from FOH. This has been achieved with Martin Audio’s scalable WPS line array. ‘We managed 104.6dB(A) a FOH without going to the limit of the system and +3dB/-0,7dB measured at the venue’s seats,’ Gunnarson reports.
The system also needed to be supremely versatile, not only providing reinforcement for concerts of all types, as well as conferences and theatre performances but also be mindful that the venue is home to the North Icelandic Symphony Orchestra, when it is then used for concerts with Icelandic artists ranging from classical concerts to dance music.
The system design was a cooperation between Atendi and Martin Audio, while Atendi undertook the installation, with assistance from local subcontractor and Martin Audio Product Support Engineer, Ben Tucker, who assisted with predictions, visualisation, programming and system tuning.
Tucker confirmed that the venue acoustics were perfect. ‘I always start by keeping the Hard Avoid on stage, and having a listen before moving it. After a walkaround and a bit of tuning, I found no reason to move it from the stage.’
The system comprises L/R hangs of ten WPS, with a pair of SXCF118 subs flown behind each main hang, which provided sub coverage throughout. Providing fill around the stage lip were eight FlexPoint FP4. The system is driven by three Martin Audio iKon iK81 multichannel, process-controlled amplifiers and an iK42.
‘The tender documents were quite demanding, and we had high expectations for this installation,’ says Akureyri Culture Company technician, Árni F Sigurðsson. ‘These were fulfilled as the new system is a game changer with regard to both headroom and sound coverage. I can confidently say that we have the most evenly distributed sound coverage of any of the bigger venues in Iceland and I’m looking forward to receiving feedback from guest engineers. We stage everything from opera, musical theatre, conference and corporate shows to rock, dance music and metal. Having sufficient headroom to present all of these genres will truly set a new standard for the venue.
‘First impressions are very promising and Ben Tucker, who designed and tuned the system did an incredible job. It’s amazing what Martin Audio was able to offer for the price.’
Aside from giving Martin Audio another prestigious installation of its Wavefront Precision series, it is also its northernmost location at less than 100km from the Arctic Circle.
