CODA system chosen for multi-purpose events venue in former industrial hall …
“The stone construction of this long and narrow venue made the installation challenging but we knew we could rely on CODA Audio. These compact systems have a very ‘natural’ sound characteristic, especially in the treble range, which is really clear and transparent. Customers are always amazed at how visually inconspicuous such a powerful system can be."
Halle 32 is a vibrant events centre in the German town of Gummersbach. Located in the historic production hall on the former site of the renowned L. & C. Steinmüller industrial company, it was opened in 2013 and has since established itself as the cultural anchor point for the region. With a capacity of between 1000 and 1500 depending on its configuration, the venue’s vibrant and diverse programme ranges from readings and theatre productions to orchestral concerts and heavy metal gigs. In order to better serve this wide performance bandwidth, Halle 32’s management recently invested in a new CODA Audio sound system.
As part of a manufacturer-neutral tender, audio specialist, Sascha Klein of Klein-Klang was engaged to investigate, simulate, and evaluate various system categories in advance – from point sources to line arrays. As well as the simulations, an extensive trial listening took place, subjecting the theoretical results to a practical test. Other facets like handling, flexibility and budget were also carefully considered alongside acoustic performance. He explains:
“Due to the spatial geometry of the room it was clear that not every sound concept could work equally well. The venue’s low ceiling height meant that it was important to choose a system which could offer sufficient headroom whilst transporting the sound energy in a controlled manner over the length of the hall.”
Following direct comparisons, several factors spoke in favour of a CODA Audio system – compact design with high performance, controlled direction over a long distance, and transparent, natural sound reproduction with a high dynamic reserve, all contributed to its selection. Its easy handling was also a factor, given that the hall deploys different stage positions and event formats. It was important that the array positions could be adapted quickly and easily to meet different production demands.
A CODA Audio ViRAY dual 8-inch, 3-way line array, complemented by CODA Audio SCP Dual 18-inch subwoofers setup in a cardioid configuration, was chosen as the heart of Halle 32’s new system. The system was completed with units from the CODA Audio HOPS (high output point source) range for near-field and delays.
A total of 9 x ViRAY per side were flown L/R as mains (6 at 80° and 3 at 120°) with the low frequencies taken care of by 6 x SCP subs in cardioid for controlled bass distribution. 4 x HOPS7-Pro were deployed for near-field reinforcement, with 2 x HOPS12i-Pro as delays. The system is powered by CODA Audio’s LINUS DSP amplification.
Markus Gorges, a member of the team who installed the system comments:
“The stone construction of this long and narrow venue made the installation challenging but we knew we could rely on CODA Audio. These compact systems have a very ‘natural’ sound characteristic, especially in the treble range, which is really clear and transparent. Customers are always amazed at how visually inconspicuous such a powerful system can be.
“There has already been a great response to the new system – one FOH technician on a musical production expressed surprise at how much low energy the array alone can produce even with the subs switched off, and the hall team are really enthusiastic about the CODA Audio rigging system which enables effortless and flexible setups.”
