Without intelligibility, a presentation or a lecture cannot be understood – a lesson that has been well learned by Germany’s Aalen University of Applied Sciences, which has installed auditoria audio systems using technically advanced system design by Klartext-Gruppe.
Falling well within budget, these systems use Lab.gruppen’s new Lucia amplifiers. The two-channel Lucia (Localized Utility Compact Intelligent Amplification) is a compact and versatile Energy Star compliant class-D platform, designed for low-cost, low-hassle commercial installations such as boardrooms, retail outlets and classrooms – like the smaller-scale auditoria at Aalen University.
Combining low-impedance electronics and processing from high-end broadcast, the Lucia M model variants include ADLC (Automatic Dynamic Loudness Contouring) which provides a ‘fuller and more comfortable listening experience’ – especially at low perceived levels. Dynamic processing automatically ‘eases off’ at higher SPL so that the system maintains a consistent full-bandwidth. M models also have DSP functionality and 4 x 4 mix matrix, while the Energy Star qualification includes Auto On/Off, which presents an energy cost saving.
‘Lucia was chosen for a number of reasons,’ Klartext Manager Jörg Mitschele, explains: ‘It’s compact, but doesn’t compromise in sound quality, and the built-in DSP feature is a wonderful tool to have during set up. Since we didn’t need a lot of power, the Lucia 120/2M was ideal as it offers a robust 2×60W out of a small unit, its DSP possibilities providing equalisation as well. The small unit is mounted hidden behind a blind cover so the user cannot reach its controls (and does not need to).’
For staff at Aalen University, operation is also simple. Mic systems and audio sources are connected to the system by bespoke modular units called m-connect-s. These small pieces of hardware allow installers to tailor to the needs of the application, adding mic inputs (phantom powered), RCA and jack connectors for laptops, MP3 players or smartphones as they wish. Each line has a master module (volume and bass/treble controls), providing input signal for Lucia, which can be mounted out of sight and range of inexperienced or untrained users.
The sound is delivered by two Tannoy VX 5.2 loudspeakers, which are mounted at the top of the front wall. Since Lab.gruppen and Tannoy are part of the TC Group, it means that Lucia offers optimised performance for all Tannoy loudspeakers. Radio mic systems are from the Mipro range.
The Klartext team was able to replicate the successful system across the university’s classrooms and auditoria, with seven rooms using the same combination of equipment.
‘The combination of Lucia amplifiers and Tannoy loudspeakers is great, but in my opinion, the kind of foolproof operation demanded by the customer would not have been possible without m_connect_s audio input and mixing systems,’ Mitschele says. ‘It’s good Lucia is not designed as a multi-inputs unit but concentrates on delivering outstanding sound quality. On the other hand, m_connect_s links the utmost comfortable, flexible, expandable and easy-to-use input interface to Lucia - a more professional mixing system would become hard to use for non-technicians.’
