Maxim Gorki Theatre relies on Lawo
- Details
In autumn 2019, the Maxim Gorki Theatre (MGT) adopted a new audio infrastructure. Central to this is a Lawo mc²96 production console as FOH console in the main hall, and a Lawo mc²56 console that serves as a backup and a remote console for the preparation of new projects. The mc²56 is also used as a recording console for the venue’s in-house recording studio.
A Nova73 compact serves as the setup’s central router with five Dallis units available as stageboxes, two of which can be used mobile in combination with the mc²56, or on stage. Further Dallis units are located where most of the inputs and outputs are needed, in the orchestra pit and in the basement (Amp-City). The ‘local inputs and outputs’ at the rear of the two consoles are also used both in the FOH area and in the recording studio. Unusually, the theatre’s recording studio and a small studio stage are located in the neighbouring building complex.
Head of sound and video department, Christopher von Nathusius, was responsible for the modernisation of the theatre’s audio technology, together with his team and planning support from Gunter Lühder of Avissplan. Elektroakustik Neuenhagen carried out the project work.
For Christopher von Nathusius, reliability was the most important consideration when choosing the new system - and, in this respect, mixing consoles which run reliably in 24/7 radio operation for years have a competitive advantage. The system installed in the Gorki is also highly redundant - covering the power supply, the availability of at least two units per card type, and comprehensive console compatibility.
“A decisive advantage of the Lawo system for us is that, in the event of a failure of the FOH console in the hall, the backup console can take over relatively quickly,” notes von Nathusius. The system's high-end technology provides for a best-before date of well over a decade, so that it can play up front until the next call for tenders. Maximum flexibility means that the wishes of the artistic director and the directors, as well as future requirement profiles for theatre technology, can be met in the long-term.
In addition to these reasons, the decision to go with Lawo was based primarily on the extensive customisation options for respective users. A single push of a button is all it takes to change the entire rights management between the mc²96, the router and the mc²56 as required. In this way, the FOH console (mc²96) can, for example, enable the studio console (mc²56) to control the trim levels of the microphone inputs used in the hall.
(Jim Evans)
