The Tívoli Theater, with its rich history and imposing architecture, presents an acoustics that, while rich in character, poses specific challenges due to its early 20th-century design.
The combination of construction materials, the shape of the auditorium, and the presence of detailed ornamentation can generate unwanted echoes and reverberations, affecting sound clarity.
The implementation of the ADAMSON sound system has been key to overcoming these obstacles, adapting modern technology to a space with such personality and ensuring that every note and word reaches attendees with maximum fidelity.
Javier Isequilla: a benchmark sound designer
Javier Isequilla approaches each project with a holistic approach, considering not only the technical needs of the space but also its artistic vision. His philosophy focuses on creating sound experiences that complement and enhance the narrative, working closely with the creative team to ensure that the sound design seamlessly integrates with the visual and performance elements. In Les Choristes, his meticulous use of the ADAMSON system reflects this philosophy, where every adjustment and configuration is made with the total spectator experience in mind.
We were in search of a sound system that met three essential criteria. Firstly, it was imperative to have an active system, a self-powered solution that would allow for easy implementation in various environments. Secondly, considering the scheduled tour across different theaters, it was crucial that the equipment be extremely lightweight and easy to transport. Finally, the most important aspect was the need for a sound system that guaranteed exceptional linearity, ensuring a flat and consistent frequency response throughout its coverage area, and providing us with the highest level of sound pressure level (SPL) possible, Javier Isequilla.
Javier's design stands out for incorporating, as main elements, two L+R clusters accompanied by a central cluster. This configuration is characteristic of his creations, providing us with a focused and balanced sound image. Additionally, this distribution is essential in projects like that of Les Choristes which lie in the intermediate zone between theater and musical, blending the best of both worlds for an unparalleled auditory experience.
ADAMSON Sound System: Technical Details
- Adamson CS10p (100x50 and 70x40): The CS10p models are part of Adamson's compact series of speaker line. With a dispersion of 100x50 degrees for short throw and 70x40 for long throw, these speakers are ideal for ensuring uniform coverage throughout the room. They are designed to provide exceptional performance in mid and high frequencies, with sound clarity and definition that enhances the listening experience for music and vocals.
- Adamson CS119: This subwoofer complements the CS10p by providing deep and powerful bass. Its design focuses on delivering extended and accurate low-frequency response, essential for musical moments that require impact and depth. The CS119 is optimized for seamless integration with the main speakers, ensuring a cohesive sound experience.
- Adamson CS7p (70x40): The CS7p delay boxes are speakers used to ensure that sound reaches the farthest areas of the theater with the same intensity and quality as in the areas closest to the stage. With a dispersion of 70x40 degrees, they are designed to complement the main system, ensuring no loss of fidelity or clarity in the distant areas.
- Adamson PC5: These front-fill and under-balcony boxes are designed to cover specific areas that require additional sound reinforcement, such as the front rows or under the balconies. The PC5s are compact speakers that provide detailed and precise coverage, ensuring that all details of the show are clearly audible, regardless of the viewer's location.
- Adamson Point 8: Point 8 spot fill boxes are designed for areas that require fine-tuning in sound coverage. They are ideal for filling gaps in the auditory experience, ensuring uniform and complete sound dispersion throughout the theater. Their compact design and versatility make them perfect for discreet integration into the architectural environment of the Tívoli Theater.
Attendee Experience
Thanks to a unique and specific configuration of the ADAMSON system at the Tívoli Theater, it has enabled an unprecedented auditory experience for the attendees of Les Choristes. The sound uniformity, clarity of voices, and richness of musical nuances have created a unique and highly-personalized atmosphere, where the audience not only hears the show but feels part of it. This emotional connection deepened by sound quality is what distinguishes this production and what attendees remember and value alongside flawless performance.
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This case study on Les Choristes and the ADAMSON system at the Tívoli Theater illustrates how technical innovation and artistic sensitivity can work together to overcome challenges and create memorable experiences for the audience, setting a new standard in sound design for musical theater.
The result of implementing the ADAMSON system has been extraordinary. The democratization of sound has allowed every viewer, regardless of their location, to enjoy a consistent auditory quality.
This democratic approach to sound design has been key in creating a total immersion experience, where music and voices intertwine harmoniously with the environment. Low reverberation and acoustic uniformity have completely immersed the audience in the musical narrative, thus fulfilling the ideal of total art pursued by the production.
Conclusions
The use of the ADAMSON system at the Tívoli Theater for Les Choristes, under the direction of Javier Isequilla, has not only overcome the inherent acoustic challenges of the space but has also established a new standard in live musical auditory experience. This case study demonstrates how technology and creativity can converge to revolutionize how the audience experiences musical theater, reaffirming the power of music as a tool for transformation and human connection.
