Impressive Echo Quality Achieved with Fohhn Beam Steering Audio Equipment
In the heart of western Germany, the Balve Cave, known for its unique acoustic properties, recently hosted an episode of "Deutschland sucht den Superstar" (DSDS), Germany's version of Pop Idol. The sound system setup for this extraordinary event was a testament to the power of innovative technology and precision engineering.
Ralf Freudenberg, a sound engineer from Fohhn, found the setup in the Balve Cave to be a challenging yet enjoyable experience. The cave's natural structure presented a complex acoustic environment, but the Fohhn Beam Steering Technology was up to the task.
This distinctive sound engineering solution allows precise control over sound dispersion in complex acoustic environments. Operators can adjust and steer the sound beam electronically, most notably using a mouse wheel interface, without physically repositioning the loudspeakers. This capability is particularly useful in challenging venues where acoustic reflections, diffractions, and irregular spatial configurations can complicate sound coverage and clarity.
In the Balve Cave, the Fohhn Beam Steering Technology effectively adapted the sound projection to the space’s unique acoustic properties. By steering the sound beam electronically, the system could optimize audio delivery in real-time, ensuring clear and intelligible sound throughout the venue while minimizing unwanted echoes and reverberations.
The sound system was designed to maintain the cave's unique ambience without interfering with microphones. To achieve this, no conventional speakers were used to prevent sound from bouncing off the stone ceiling and walls. Instead, Linea Focus LF-220s were used on free-standing mounts for the two side arms, and additional LF-120s were set up as delays at intervals of 6 to 8 meters.
The main stand in the Balve Cave was equipped with Focus modular systems. The speakers' placement and technology ensured that sound was directed only where it was needed. The Fohhn Beam Steering Technology was employed to avoid interference with the atmosphere mikes among the audience.
The speakers' sound output was managed from a laptop in real-time, allowing for precise control over the soundscape. Christian Orth of K+O+K Büro für Audioplanung expressed satisfaction with the Fohhn speakers' response to the acoustically complex environment of the Balve Cave.
The Balve Cave gained public prominence through Die Fantastischen Vier's MTV Unplugged concert in 2000. Its unique acoustics make it an ideal location for live performances, and the Fohhn Beam Steering Technology has proven to be a valuable tool in overcoming the challenges posed by such environments. This approach represents a significant advancement in live sound and installed sound design, especially in spaces where conventional acoustics pose major challenges.
[1] Fohhn Beam Steering Technology: https://www.fohhn.com/en/technology/beam-steering [2] Linea Focus LF-220: https://www.fohhn.com/en/products/linea-focus-lf-220 [3] LF-120: https://www.fohhn.com/en/products/lf-120 [4] Focus Modular Systems: https://www.fohhn.com/en/products/focus-modular-systems [5] Dante PoE+: https://www.audinate.com/dante/dante-poe
- The Fohhn Beam Steering Technology, a remarkable solution in sound engineering, proved to be up to the challenge posed by the Balve Cave's complex acoustic environment, offering electronic control over sound dispersion and minimizing unwanted echoes and reverberations.
- Innovative technology, such as the Linea Focus LF-220s, LF-120s, Focus Modular Systems, and Dante PoE+, were employed in the sound system setup at the Balve Cave, ensuring clear and intelligible sound while maintaining the cave's unique ambience for live performances.
