Thalia Theater Hamburg goes Alcons

News

Andy Wood Apr 14 2008, 9:00am

Ribbon-driver line-source column system installed in prestigious German theatre

As both one of the oldest theatres in Germany, as well as the first theatre in Germany applying line-source columns in Germany; the Thalia Theater in Hamburg has chosen an Alcons QR36 system as its main sound reinforcement system.

After many tests and measurements, Florian Scheunemann, head of sound department and Tobias Wursthorn, planning assistant of the theatre, decided to go for QR36 pro-ribbon loudspeakers.

The QR36 is a line-source column, which combines the simple handling of a point-source system with the throw and coverage of a line-array.

The idea was to install a sound system for the coverage of the complete ground floor, that would have the features of a line-array, in order to be able to guarantee a smooth, coherent SPL coverage. On top of that, the system would have to be installed in the wall, virtually invisible.

In the summer of 2007, extensive evaluation took place with an Alcons QR36 line-source column as well as LR14 ultra-compact line-array.

"After the first tests it became clear what a remarkable resolution a pro-ribbon system has, as well as how exact the dispersion of the QR’s really is," stated Florian Scheunemann. "The refined architecture of the venue does not allow for every sound system design, as the ground floor seating needs to be covered without any interference. The QR’s seemed to be the perfect fit.

"Absolutely convincing, however, was the throw of the brilliant ribbon highs, that made a delay line obsolete. For a further system extension, we have also planned QR36 columns in the three balconies to obtain the same obstruction-free sound projection.”

The QR36 modular pro-ribbon line-source column consists of dual 18-inch pro-ribbon drivers, with all-natural cylindrical radiation, and six 6.5-inch woofers. The QR system offers, through an active frontal radiation of 94 per cent, a very precise projection control with maximum side-lobe suppression.

For the low-end extension, the system is supported by a pair of BF362 subwoofers (loaded with dual 2 x 18-inch woofers in a bass-reflex format); This deep-tuned subwoofer system with it’s realistic pressure-sub reproduction comes into play for music and effects. All Alcons systems are powered and controlled by the ALC Amplified Loudspeaker Controllers with Speaker Drive Processing circuit.

"With the decision of the Thalia Theater, with a rich history dating back as far as the year 1843, to use Alcons systems throughout, it is the first-ever theatre in Germany to apply the Q-series line-source columns," stated Carsten Albrecht of Alcons Audio Germany. "It’s further proof of the growing popularity of Alcons pro-ribbon systems in the theatre market in general and the quickly raising interest in the Q-series in specific.“

alconsaudio.com
proribbontechnology.com