Administered by the Royal Danish Theatre, the main stage of the Opera House features five satellite stages for set preparation and training purposes, as well as such conveniences as stage lifts and movable ballet floors. In total there are over 1000 rooms within the building, yet only around 1500 seats in the auditorium to ensure acoustic perfection for audiences.
However, one problem that became apparent for operatic performers was that the onstage sound is very dry. To solve this, audio systems specialists Moto Audio Sales devised a solution using a Yamaha DME24N, installed and programmed by Løkken Productions.
"The DME24N is running a sort of 'first reflection' system, working as microphone pre-amp and distribution matrix," says Henrik Bonné, technical sales manager.
"On the inside of the proscenium, pointing backwards, is a 'vertical horseshoe' of small loudspeakers. These are fed, through the DME, by two Microtech Array microphones which are pointed at singers who are located inside of the proscenium arch. This compensates for the very dry stage acoustic and makes the singers much more comfortable."
He continues: "We chose the DME24N because of its total reliability and it provided a very cost effective combination of inputs, outputs and audio processing functions. Control of the system is also very straightforward via the use of presets. It is literally 'set and forget'."
Various Yamaha digital mixing consoles are also used at Operaen. A DM1000 is used in the main auditorium as a 'utility' mixer, for monitoring, audio and distribution and basic sound reinforcement tasks, with further DM1000s in the main control room and another as part of a mobile recording system. Meanwhile, a DM2000 is installed in the building's main recording studio.
(Jim Evans)
