Poland - Late last year, Atlas Arena in Łódź hosted an extraordinary live event, Jimek & Guests: Subclassics, Poland’s first-ever symphonic spectacle in a 360-degree format. The orchestra was sited in the round, which provided the audience with a unique perspective.
The audio system was built around the power of the DiGiCo Quantum series, with two Quantum 338s, with Pulse upgrade, at the front-of-house position and Quantum 852 and SD12-96 consoles at the monitor position.
Radzimir Dębski, professionally known as Jimek, is a composer and conductor, well known for blending classical sounds with modern music genres. His Subclassics concert was a blend of symphonic compositions and iconic hip-hop tracks featuring many guest artists.
“There’s no adventure if you know what to expect. Only uncertainty leads to fulfilment,” Jimek expands. “I’m not interested in concerts where we press play on something you can just as easily hear in your headphones. I crave the musician’s presence, freestyling, and serendipitous moments.”
The sound system for this ambitious project was designed by Remigiusz Kasztelnik, CEO of the Brawlers. The company also supplied and installed the sound system for the event, with the consoles being supplied by Polish DiGiCo distributors, Polsound.
"Such projects are always a challenge, but also a great satisfaction,” Kasztelnik explains. “Thanks to precise planning and the work of the entire team, we created a sound space that emphasised both the delicacy of the orchestra and the strong, rhythmic style of hip-hop.”
The front-of-house mix was shared between two engineers, each utilising a Quantum 338 Pulse.
Krzysztof Podsiadło and Piotr Szreder split responsibility for the orchestra, with one engineer concentrating on dynamics and spatial details, while the other focused on percussion and soloists. This ensured they could maintain clarity during the high-energy moments.
"For Jimek's concert, we pay special attention to detail – each instrument had to be heard in perfect balance, but also keep dynamics and energy," says Podsiadło.
The vast dynamic range of the Quantum series ensures that the tone and quality of a symphonic sound remains. The engineers also had the flexibility and control to convey the nuances of the acoustic instruments alongside the electronic beats of hip-hop music.
Monitor mixes for such a dynamic event also require space and clarity. The orchestra featured strings, brass, drums and a rotating line-up of guest vocalists. The mixes were split between the Quantum 852 and the SD12-96, operated by Iwo Biały and Piotr Gozdek. Every member of the orchestra received their own mix, a personal touch that ensured every performer heard exactly what they needed to.
“The key was achieving clarity in the mix, especially with so many sound sources,” Biały explains. “Working with such an extraordinary group of musicians is demanding but immensely rewarding. The orchestra requires a precise balance of strings and brass, while hip-hop soloists need distinct beats and vocals.”
The concert holds a special place in the hearts of the Polsound team, as Daniel Wojtala concludes.
“The concert Jimek & Guests: Subclassics, produced by Note the Note at Atlas Arena, was not only a musical feast, but also proof of how classical symphonic music can combine with modern sounds, creating new qualities,” he says. “Thanks to Jimek's vision and the professionalism of the Brawlers’ team, the audience had the opportunity to participate in a truly unique event that will remain in their memory for a long time.”
