To equip the 1,500-seat theatre with an audio system on par with its architecture, Athens-based audio firm Omikron Control enlisted a complete overhaul of the existing system. Sound designer Vangelis Petridis reports, "The space is mainly used for theatrical performances and musicals, but they also do plenty of classical music presentations, a little jazz, some cinema, and corporate events and ceremonies, making it a truly multipurpose venue. This required an easily adjustable system, but they also wanted us to install the system out of the audience's view."
Petridis decided on flown left and right arrays each consisting of nine self-powered M'elodie loudspeakers, concealed within the proscenium, while three 600-HP subwoofers are mounted on top of each array. Stage monitoring is handled by one USM-1P stage monitor, one CQ-1 loudspeaker, and one UPA-1P loudspeaker per side, with a Galileo loudspeaker management system controlling all processing. "The Galileo was an easy choice, as it provides so many different abilities, including the different sound levels for the balcony and other areas," says Petridis.
For the theatre's cinematic presentations, a 5.1 surround sound system was later added. "The theatre managers loved the new main system," says Petridis. "They didn't even discuss any alternative options when it came time for the surround system. It just had to be Meyer Sound."
As a result, one more array of nine M'elodie loudspeakers was installed as a centre cluster, with rear left and right arrays of 10 UPJ-1P loudspeakers each. An additional independent Galileo controls the extra zones.
(Jim Evans)
