With the recent restoration, the main focus was to restore the room to its former glory, both acoustically and aesthetically. DV2 was commissioned to design, supply and integrate a new sound system and they found the solution in Tannoy's digitally steerable, multi-channel, column array loudspeaker system.
The technology within QFlex means the system is able to achieve even, full-range coverage and SPL which is maintained across the listening plane, and can create an asymmetrical pattern to allow similar SPLs in both the near and far field. It can steer focused beams of acoustic energy to frequencies beyond 12 kHz, which makes it suitable for full-range musical material as well as spoken word.
The modular nature of QFlex means that integrators can choose a specific size of array according to their needs, and after careful consideration and testing the team at DV2 settled on two QFlex 48s, mounted discretely on either side of the stage. These units blend with the elaborate white and golds of the stage surround, and with the steerable nature of the internal drive units, allowed DV2 and the staff of Comédie-Francaise to compensate for the challenging acoustics and reach each level of the steep incline of seating in the theatre.
Nicolas Faguet, sound and video manager for the venue, commented, "From the beginning, we knew we had limitations on what we could use to form the main sound system here, and when DV2 suggested QFlex from Tannoy, we were very interested to hear what it could do, and see it in place."
A small series of custom-painted Tannoy VX 5.2s were employed as side-fills to cover those seats right on the side of the stage at each balcony level, allowing for the same Tannoy sonic signature to be projected throughout. These are controlled by XTA processing, and amplified with Lab.gruppen C 20.8X amplifier, the most powerful eight-channel amplifier in the C Series family, delivering an impressive 8 × 250W at 4 ohms, 8 ohms, 16 ohms or 70 Vrms; 500 W at 100 Vrms is available in bridge mode.
A pair of Adamson 115 and a pair of sub Adamson 215 subwoofers, artfully integrated, provide additional power and punch for those occasions where a particular performance needs extra impact.
In summing up the use of Tannoy in Comédie-Francaise, Nicolas commented, "I have had some experience with beam steering before, but Tannoy is by far the best I have ever heard in terms of audio quality and intelligibility. From the time we reopened, it was clear that we had the perfect solution. Both the audiences who visit us daily and the guardians of the theatre have expressed their delight in what we have done, and QFlex is so discrete that I have heard people ask many times, 'where is the sound coming from?' - that to me is testament to their superior design, power and clarity."
(Jim Evans)
