Located in Sydney, City Recital Hall, a performance venue offering a program of contemporary music performances, recently underwent an audio revamp.
In light of the venue’s expansion, Justin Boschetti, CEO and Stuart Rogers, director of programming, identified the need for a state-of-the-art sound system to be deployed.
For this project, Rogers partnered with Richard Fenton, technical manager of City Recital Hall, to engage with d&b and their partner NAS with the aim of expanding the creative programming potential of the venue.
The project involved close collaboration between NAS, HME, and City Recital Hall's own technical staff. NAS provided design consultation and supplied the PA equipment and processing, while HME updated the infrastructure by installing new rigging points and cabling. Fenton handled programming, patching, final system design, networking and initial tuning of the new d&b Soundscape system.
The d&b XSL loudspeaker system, was delivered in an LCR configuration consisting of four flown XSLi subwoofers and 6 d&b 21s subs under the stage. Moreover, compact d&b custom solutions – delivered in white to blend in with the surrounding architecture – provided a 360-degree sound possibility on all three levels of the venue. These solutions include d&b Vi7P point source speakers, E8 loudspeakers and 44S subwoofers. Yi7P arrays were flown as delay speakers or used as fills for the side boxes.
At the centrepiece of the installation is the d&b Soundscape system, which is natively integrated with the R1 control software. With the d&b Soundscape system, the hall was able to embody its campaign message: "Sounds Better".
Boschetti commented: "We chose d&b audiotechnik Soundscape so that we are seen as the best in the field for contemporary artists and to ensure our amplified shows achieve as much acclaim as our acoustic shows.”
He continued: “The system not only gives us amazing front-facing sound but also makes City Recital Hall the only venue in Sydney with 360-degree spatial audio.”
Rogers remarked: “The Soundscape system is a game changer because it supports creative intelligence, enabling artists to “play the room.”"
He concluded: “I’m excited that musical experiences at City Recital Hall are being changed from a system to relay music to one where artists can create unique content in a communal integration of art form and audience.”