NCH Dublin installs Linex

Dublin, June 2007

For the third time in a row Dublin’s National Concert Hall (NCH) has opted for a Sound Projects sound reinforcement system. The new configuration, primarily Linex line array, gives the venue access possibilities to wider programming elements. It is the first such installation of its kind in Ireland or England and among the most advanced configurations in concert halls today.

Sound Projects entered the NCH in 1997 when the Dutch audio manufacturer built and supplied a custom made centre cluster, which was later replaced by eight Sound Projects SP-2 active cabinets.

When NCH’s management decided to replace the existing sound equipment, chief sound engineer Paul Kohlmann organised a ‘shoot out’ as part of a European tender bid. Alongside Sound Projects, four other major sound equipment manufacturers were invited for on-site comparative testing. “We went through a very thorough process,” says Kohlmann, “and asked independent audio consultant Peter Mapp to attend the testing; in particular to measure the STI values, the coverage and gauge the intelligibility of each system configuration.”

Audio International, Sound Projects distributor in the UK and Ireland, together with engineers from the Dutch manufacturer, planned the job well ahead when they were given a time-scale to install the system. The problem was that, because the Irish National Symphony Orchestra is rehearsing there every day, with different shows at night, the engineers had to work between 10.30pm and 8 in the morning which was quite tiring but very productive.

The installed configuration consists of a Sound Projects Linex clustered 10-cabinet Line Array facing forward, with 4 SP 4 Linex speakers facing the rear balcony and one facing each of the side balconies. Each of the Linex Carbon Fibre Composite cabinets contain, 2 x 12”LF, 4 x 6.5”MF and 2 x 3’HF transducers.

Stereo imaging is made possible by the addition of eight SP-2 and four X-Act active loudspeakers. A remotely controlled LCR configuration is also possible. The system is completed with 6 x Sound Projects Gluon front fills and 2 x Sound Projects SP-215 and 2 x SP-415 Active Bass Bins offering a total output of more than 32KW.

Paul Kohlmann: “Not only did Linex come out best with intelligibility, the streamlined design of the system was also very important, just like the compact size. The new system holds maximum flexibility for touring orchestras or bands, and reduces turnaround time drastically.” Consultant Peter Mapp is also very satisfied with the outcome: “The Linex installation fully matched our expectations and moreover our requirements.”

It was the Branford Marsalis jazz quartet who ‘inaugurated’ the National Concert Hall’s new Linex amplification system on March 1st – since then, productions at the NCH met with enthusiastic reactions to sound and acoustics from audience and media.

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