Serving the entire Vorarlberg region, the Austria’s Kulturhaus Dornbirn has recently completed a refurbishment of its audio systems. After extensive planning and implementation undertaken in 2013 by Tonplan, the final stage of the process was the installation of an Alcons sound system in the main hall.
Under the direction of Thomas Bischofberger, the venue’s sound department installed four Alcons QR24 line-source columns (with two 12-inch pro-ribbon tweeters and four 6.5-inch woofers), and four Alcons LR7 micro line-array (4-inch pro-ribbon tweeter, 6.5-inch woofer) as the main system, with an VR12 (6-inch pro-ribbon tweeter, 12-inch woofer) as centre fill and four VR8 (4-inch pro-ribbon tweeter, 8-inch woofer) as side-fills – two of which are specifically for the gallery. Four Alcons SR9 (4-inch pro-ribbon tweeter, two and 5-inch woofers) provide lip fill in front of the stage.
The systems are driven by an Alcons Sentinel S10 and two Sentinel S3 amplified loudspeaker controllers. The signal is distributed via a Xilica Neutrino A1616ND and Xilica Rio R1616N Audio Matrix with Dante connection to Yamaha CL5/CL3 consoles. The Sentinel amplifiers are used with the factory presets for the various speakers, and have a remote IP connection for viewing and editing the status of each individual output stage via ALControl.
‘Decisive for our choice were the pro-ribbon transducers of the Alcons systems,’ says the venue’s sound engineer, Thomas Jochum. ‘These have a superior sound characteristic in the high frequencies, which is very beneficial for us, as many events are very speech-orientated.
‘The pro-ribbon components enable us to get control over the difficult acoustic conditions in the hall, with the QR24 line-source columns,’ he continues. ‘From the first listening tests, the system gave optimal coverage without audible level differences, an excellent sound stage – even at high volumes – and excellent combinability between different speaker types. All-in-all, a no-compromise solution for our requirements.’
The installation and calibration was carried out with the support of Pro Performance Wolfgang Sauter, which is an established distribution partner for Alcons in Austria.
The Kulturhaus Dornbirn offers a wide range of cultural events – in addition to orchestral and jazz concerts, it hosts theatrical and dance performances and cabaret, conferences and dances. The Alcons sound system meets the demands of all aspect of this diverse programme.
More: www.alconsaudio.com
