Down to the smallest detail, world-renowned star acoustician Yasuhisa Toyota has designed the Isarphilharmonie to optimise the sound of classical music ensembles and orchestras throughout the auditorium. No need for microphones, amplifiers and speakers.
But for genres like rock, pop and jazz as well as narration and readings, electronic amplification is a must. Because PA (public address) technology is constantly evolving, a new sound system has now been installed in the Isarphilharmonie.
“The new system consists of close to 50 individual speakers, each of which is aligned with millimetre precision to optimise the sound distribution in the auditorium,” explains Sebastian Gattner, the Gasteig’s head of sound engineering. Another advantage is the speakers’ cardioid design: “This means that much less sound is emitted to the rear.”
And that is extremely important for a hall like the Isarphilharmonie, says Gattner. “It prevents sound from being reflected off the rear wall and back onto the stage and even into the auditorium with a delay.”
The system chosen is from d&b Audiotechnik in Backnang near Stuttgart, with the main speakers being of their XSL series. “This system is from one of the world’s currently best PA series,” says Sebastian Gattner. “Taylor Swift went on world tour with the next largest version.”
The installation and technical set-up together with Thomann Audio Professionell took just under four weeks. It’s not just a question of hanging up a few speakers: large spring-driven cable reels had to be installed in the ceiling and around two kilometres of cable were laid on the fly loft and under the stage. To keep things sustainable, the Gasteig HP8 will repurpose some of the old speaker elements for use in Hall X and the outdoor spaces.
The new PA has already proved its worth at the non-classical concerts in the first few months of the new season. “This makes the Isarphilharmonie even more attractive for event organisers. Audiences can perceive every subtle sound, every nuance, regardless of where they sit and what kind of music is being played,” says Stephanie Jenke, Managing Director of Gasteig München GmbH. “The aim is to provide the best possible listening experience at the Isarphilharmonie – at any time and regardless of the occasion.”
Technical Facts of the PA
PA System: d&b XSL12
Main: 14 x d&b XSL12 pro Seite
Center: 3 x d&b AL90
Subs: 2 x d&b SL-Sub
Fills (Balkon und Rang): d&b AL60, d&b AL90
In- and Nearfills: d&b Y10P, d&b V10P
Amping: d&b 40D and d&b D90
Prozessor: Direct Out Prodigy.MP für SCR und Dante/AVB Milan-Umsetzung
