Released just a few months ago, Fohhn's Focus Modular series has been specially developed to provide powerful coverage over very long distances in acoustically challenging venues. Remotely controllable with highly precise beam steering capabilities, the three low-mid and high frequency modules can be used in any combination to meet a range of different requirements.
At the abbey, two FM-400 low-mid modules (each with 32 x 4" long excursion drivers) combined with an FM-110 HF module (containing 16 x 1" compression drivers) are located to the right of the main entrance, covering a distance of 90 metres. Placed behind a special acoustic material, whose design matches that of the abbey brickwork, the modules are completely invisible to audiences and do not visually impair the building's impressive façade.
Further Focus Modular systems can be found to the left and right of the steps leading to the monastery forecourt, mounted on scaffolding. On each side an FM-400 / FM-110 combination is paired with a Fohhn 8500W, 21" PS-9 active subwoofer for additional low frequency reinforcement. Mounted to other scaffolding are four Linea Series LX-601 high performance line source systems, covering a distance of 25-40m.
Other Fohhn loudspeaker systems also have a range of different sound reinforcement functions at the production. Monitoring for performance areas is provided by eight slim, powerful Linea LX-150 line source systems. Two systems are each mounted on the scaffolding by the abbey and on the steps, while four LX-150 systems are used around the edges of the performance area at the bottom of the audience grandstand.
Twenty-eight XT-10 compact full-range loudspeakers mounted on masts, together with six XT-33 rear-mounted loudspeakers at the top of the grandstand, provide surround sound effect coverage for the 3000-capacity audience. Under the grandstand, six PS-9 subs are symmetrically positioned - these also function as low frequency sound effect speakers. Four XT-10 loudspeakers are used for coverage in the audience wheelchair area, while in the production area Fohhn EasyPort FP-Media systems function as control speakers.
Fohhn DSP-controlled Class D amplifiers are used to power all the passive loudspeakers, with 12 D-4.1200 4-channel systems and two D-2.1500 2-channel systems deployed in total. A Timax system ensures that audiences always experience the source of the sound in relation to the movements of the actors. All loudspeakers, including the Focus Modular systems, have been fitted with rain covers to protect against the effects of bad weather during the production's three-month run.
Welttheater features a cast of 600 local actors and runs until September. Fohhn's Swiss distributor, Sennheiser Schweiz AG, has supplied the loudspeaker systems for the production.
(Jim Evans)
