The loudspeakers for the new Yoyo space are not the first to be installed in the Palais de Tokyo. In early 2013, the installation company Nanolink fitted a Geo S8 compact line array into the übercool Monsieur Bleu restaurant and bar. With its 7m height, the venue was able to accommodate Nexo CD12 subbass cabinets in the ceiling. GEO S12 cabinets were installed outside on the famous terrace, with its enviable view of the Eiffel Tower.
Yoyo has a very different functionality, hosting anything from a private party to a private view by John Galliano. Live performers have included Robin Thicke and MIA, and the space is proving very popular with DJs.
Sound system designers Alain Roy and Jean Michel of Nanolink chose a main PA comprising left and right arrays of four Geo S12 cabinets, flown with two LS18 subbass and NXAMP processor/amplifiers. Additional subbass is provided by three groundstacked Nexo STM S118 subs. Nexo PS10 full-range cabinets are positioned around the space - 4 on each side wall - with two Geo S12 modules under the balcony. This provides an impressive surround-sound system when the auditorium is used as a cinema. Additional Geo S12 cabinets, together with another LS18 sub, service the balcony.
"The system gives us great dispersion," says Jean Michel. "Our biggest challenge was to get the phasing correct throughout the room. Now it is like bathing in sound - you can have very high SPL but the quality and coverage remain the same everywhere in the room."
The Nexo sound reinforcement system is run over a Dante network, chosen because it allows the maximum flexibility in positioning the mixing console for all the different types of events. The system is truly plug-and-play, says Jean Michel, so all the positions are programmable, for example, the fashion show clients using the surround sound system.
(Jim Evans)
