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Soundweb London Networks Stuttgart's Top Congress Centre
The Liederhalle is a substantial culture and congress centre which has five different-sized halls, the largest of which is capable of accommodating 2200 people. Stuttgart sound company ACS Medientechnik was asked to implement an innovative replacement solution for an old analogue audio matrix that was not working effectively, and to deliver increased flexibility at an affordable cost.
The design chosen for the Liederhalle features a BSS Soundweb London integrated programmable DSP system, the first large-scale installation of its kind in Germany. The first part of the network has been implemented in the Hegelsaal, a heptagonal hall at the very centre of the Liederhalle.
The BSS solution features 7x BLU-80, 1x BLU-32 and 2x BLU-10 units in a network which uses fibre optic routing to feed several loudspeaker systems in the hall, and offers complete redundancy. Stefan Beck of Audio Pro describes the project as “a good example of how Soundweb London can be integrated into an existing system without too much fuss; the handling for the sound engineers hasn’t changed radically, but the system now offers many more possibilities.”
Soundweb London represents the cornerstone for digital signal processing and distribution in the Liederhalle. The central input node is the FOH in the Hegelsaal, where the analogue audio mixing console is used as the central control, maintaining a familiar interface for visiting engineers even though the London Architect software available on Soundweb London allows the creation of custom control panels. On the input section, therefore, Soundweb London is acting primarily as signal distributor.
Matrix outputs of the console, used to control outside areas such as foyer and restrooms, are connected to a BLU-32. Master outputs of the console are connected to a BLU-80, which supports the Master EQ. Fast access to the levels of different loudspeaker groups, and the option of switching off loudspeakers in unused areas, is provided by a BLU-10 at FOH. There is no need for a computer, and the BLU-10 is the only new element seen by external engineers, who don't have to deal directly with the audio network.
There are two BLU-80s to feed the loudspeakers for the main stage, and another BLU-80 under the stage for sidefills, nearfills and an optional sub bass. The SW London signal processing is used to adapt the signal propagation delays, presets for different fixed speaker postions, compressors and limiters to protect the loudspeakers. With the graphic and parametric EQs it is now possible to optimise the different loudspeaker systems (previously there was only the analogue Master EQ).
Another BLU-80 is situated in the adjacent Schillersaal, a smaller hall for 460 persons, which is used to expand the capacity of Hegelsaal for conferences, or for separate use. The ability to route signals from Hegelsaal to Schillersaal was one of the requirements on the audio network.
From the Schillersaal, the analogue outputs of the BLU-80 can deliver eight channels to the recording studio, where another BLU-80 allows them to be used for recording, or forwarding them via a patchbay to an Outside Broadcast Van. A BLU-80 in the studio is used to control the loudspeakers for the gallery and outside areas
30th August 2005
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