When Cologne's iconic dialectal rock band, Brings, teamed up with the prestigious Beethoven Orchestra to deliver a Rock-meets-Classic show, they needed an audio system befitting the grandeur of their performance and the venue: Cologne Cathedral.
Ensuring optimal acoustics for such an extraordinary show was no easy task. DAS Audio's LARA series not only met the demanding acoustic requirements but exceeded them, leaving artists, sound engineers, and the audience equally amazed.
The Key Players
- Brings: A rock band with over 30 years of experience, famous for their Kölsch dialect music.
- Beethoven Orchestra: A first-class symphony orchestra hailing from Beethoven's hometown, Bonn.
- Peter Brings: Brings' frontman.
- Martin J. Nötzel: The Bonn promoter who orchestrated the collaboration.
- TSL Production: The company responsible for supplying DAS Audio systems.
- Michael Häck: Known for his role at the Lanxess Arena and his Smaart seminars, he managed FOH mixing for the orchestra.
- Georg Gansser: FOH for Brings.
- Frank Schmitz: Owner of TSL Production.
- Miguel Augusto: Application Support at DAS Audio GmbH, delivered the fully calibrated and performance-ready system to the two FOH personnel.
The Challenge
The challenge of providing flawless acoustic experiences at Cologne Cathedral was multifaceted and complex. On one hand, various musical elements had to be considered:
Brings, a rock band requiring a robust sound profile, and the Beethoven Orchestra, in need of audio full of nuances to capture classical instrument subtleties. The technical aspect involved coordinating a series of highly sensitive microphones for the orchestra, each requiring precise tuning and balancing. On the other hand, the event's location added its own set of complexities. Situated in front of Cologne's iconic cathedral and surrounded by various architectural structures at Roncalliplatz, the setting required a sound system capable of achieving exceptional sound dispersion to manage potential sound reflections.
To these challenges were added Cologne city's strict sound level restrictions, demanding a delicate balance between power and compliance with these restrictions. Moreover, the event, hosting 5,000 guests each night for two evenings, was to be recorded by WDR television for later broadcast, increasing the need for impeccable audio quality. All these elements combined to create a stage where only a versatile, top-of-the-line sound system would suffice, raising demands for both the artists and the technical team involved.
List of Systems Used
- 2 x 14 LARA
- 1 x 6 LARA SUB
- 16 x SARA SUB
- 25 x SARA (front fill and delay)
The Solution
After a thorough evaluation process, the team of experts chose DAS Audio's LARA system as the most suitable for the multifaceted audio challenges posed by the event. The LARA system stood out for its cardioid technology, offering the perfect balance between robustness and delicacy necessary to accommodate both the rock band Brings and the Beethoven Orchestra. Additionally, its exceptional dispersion capabilities were considered crucial to address the acoustic difficulties of Roncalliplatz, as well as to comply with the sound level limitations imposed by the city of Cologne.
The calibration and preparation of the sound system were other essential factors that contributed to the event's success. Miguel Augusto, Application Support at DAS Audio GmbH, took on the role of system engineer. He ensured that the LARA system was perfectly calibrated and ready for the performance, a step that allowed the Front-of-House (FOH) mixers, Michael Häck and Georg Gansser, to focus solely on their mixing tasks.
The system's unquestionable performance provided the necessary confidence to deliver an exceptional audio experience, satisfying both the live audience and future viewers.
On one hand, the stage remained very silent, down to 60 Hz, without disturbing the orchestra. On the other hand, I would have been constantly tied down and would never have been able to reach the final volume without the cardioid. Along with the cardioid subwoofers and the two delay positions, we were able to cover Roncalliplatz very evenly and directionally, commented Michael Häck, FOH mix for the orchestra.
The Result
Michael Häck summed up the success of the acoustic setup: "The production and I are very pleased with the acoustic results of the concerts. The LARA system was undoubtedly the right choice." The system's capabilities ensured that the unique acoustic challenges of the venue and the diversity of musical talents were overcome.
Frank Schmitz, owner of TSL Production, also expressed great satisfaction: The promoter had initially planned a different sound system, but all sound authorities agreed that a cardioid sound system would compensate for the overall sound reinforcement quality, taking into account the orchestra and the local conditions. So, I felt confident in my decision to opt for DAS Audio's ARA systems. In a short amount of time, we completed a small tour of Germany's largest halls, in addition to these two shows with our new LARA system, and in both productions, directional coverage was decisive. On this occasion, it was overwhelming in terms of sound to enjoy this band with this orchestra in front of the cathedral.
In summary, DAS Audio's LARA system proved to be an optimal choice for an acoustically challenging yet highly rewarding environment. It showcased its versatility, precision, and reliability, turning this historic event into an unforgettable experience for all participants.
