In the large open space close to Porto's City Hall, two towers each with 12 PT-9 line array speakers were positioned approximately 30m from the sides of the main stage, providing coverage for between 60,000 and 80,000 people. In front of the stage, two Linea Focus LF-220 electronically controlled column speakers provided direct sound for approximately 1000 VIP guests. Such were the crowds that in neighbouring side streets additional loudspeakers were used to relay the mass to those unable to reach the main area.
Uli Haug, Fohhn Audio AG's director of sales and marketing and project engineer Frank Strohmer were in Portugal working alongside Fohhn's Portuguese distributor Filfogo to ensure that the systems were perfectly tuned to deliver the best possible sound quality.
"The quality of sound from the organ, musicians and singers was widely commented on," said Uli Haug. "What's more, the spoken parts of the liturgy delivered by the Pope and other priests were crystal clear, with perfect intelligibility up to 200m from the main stage. It was extremely gratifying to receive such positive feedback from the participants, Vatican representatives and the congregation itself."
(Jim Evans)
