Meyer Sound Constellation acoustic system was recently deployed at the Bank of Communications NEW BUND 31 Performing Arts Center (BOCOM NEW BUND 31 Performing Arts Center) in Shanghai, China.
Intended to be used as a space to host events of any type, from business conferences to concerts and plays, the 2,500-seat grand theatre sees the usage of Spacemap Go spatial sound design and mixing tool.
Initially, the theatre was designed solely for hosting musicals, Chinese opera, dance, and rock/pop concerts — all requiring amplification. However, at a later point, the brief was changed to also include orchestral music, and this presented a challenge to the acoustical consultant, London-based Theater Projects.
Lead acoustic consultant, Fabrizio Filippi, commented: “The auditorium’s geometry was fixed and impossible to change. Fortunately, the active acoustic system offered a crucial advantage, allowing the provision of significant early reflections at all audience seats without altering the internal structure of the auditorium.”
To counter these challenges, Meyer Sound Constellation system was proposed. Filippi details the choice: “The room acoustic provides a blank canvas that enables Constellation to work to its full potential, minimising any interference or sound coloration. In some instances, however, the physical acoustics provide useful support from surfaces that are sound reflective, such as elements in the ceiling.”
The system installed includes 320 self-powered, full-range loudspeakers distributed laterally and overhead throughout the hall from the UPM-1XP™ and ULTRA-X20XP range.
The system is also unique in that it is the first to integrate loudspeakers for Constellation’s active stage shell into the LED video wall.
For amplified performances, the hall has installed a permanent reinforcement system comprising Meyer Sound Lyon, Leopard and Lina line array loudspeakers with deep bass support from 1100-LFC low-frequency control elements.
The centre also has a black box performance space with a capacity of 400 patrons. The sound system in the black box utilises Meyer Sound Lina compact linear line array loudspeakers and ULTRA-X42 compact loudspeakers with deep bass from 750-LFC and 900-LFC low-frequency control elements.