As a result of the progressive digital audio distribution backbone designed by integrators LydRommet, using the Harman HiQnet control and communications platform, this waterfront city in the south of Norway can now stage a wide variety of performances from theatre, classical orchestras and rock concerts to civic meetings.
LydRommet has devised an advanced, and economical audio transport system culminating at the new digital Soundcraft Vi6 console, incorporating a 64-channel Stagebox and local rack.
Owned by the Fredrikstad Kommune, the completely refurbished venue is divided between the large auditorium (Blå Grotte) and smaller studio space (Speilet).
At the stage end of the main auditorium, a 16-channel AKG WMS 4000 wireless system with antenna distribution is integrated into the comprehensive HiQnet environment via a HUB 4000 Q. The mic lines on stage are patched up to the Vi6, with 64 mic inputs, 24 analogue and eight digital AES/EBU outputs.
The AES/EBU signal then passes via a BSS Soundweb London BLU-80 and BLU 32 processor, to the inputs on the eight Crown I-Tech 4000, 6000 and 8000 amplifiers. These power the JBL VRX 932 and VRX 918 subs which form the main PA, and SRX712M and VRX928s which provide the front-fills. Six additional Crown XTI4000 amplifiers run the four JBL-VRX915M and four SRX712M monitors.
The big advantage, believes LydRommet's Flemming Bjerke, is the MADI interface. The Vi6's Stagebox connects to the local rack via Cat 5 cable, which carries the 64 inputs and 32 outputs via the MADI protocol, along with the control data. "Next to the mixer you have enough inputs and outputs in the local rack to connect external analogue or digital equipment as required."
Designed by LydRommet's Espen Andersen the project installation was overseen by Flemming. "Having won the tender, we decided to put in a HiQnet backbone for the benefit of the customer. The consultant's tender specified a digital board and a digital system controller but we chose to take it up a level."
Over in the second room (Speilet) a dbx DriveRack 4800 digital processor and Crown CT amplifiers drive a VRX 928 three-box hang per side, with all the processing parameters stored in the DriveRack.
Flemming Bjerke concludes: "The client is delighted with the quality of the install, and by using the Vi6 MADI link the cabling infrastructure is easy to install and it covers a lot of lines. We want to encourage Incoming productions to use the house system - and as a result of this installation they no longer need to carry their own mixing board and multicore."
(Jim Evans)Morten Melsom at the Vi6.
