Outdoor Classical Music Festival Features Martin Audio Sound Equipment
At the recently concluded NDR Klassik Open Air classical music festival in Maschpark, Hanover, 20,000 opera fans were treated to an exceptional audio experience, courtesy of Martin Audio's MLA (Multicellular Loudspeaker Array) systems.
The festival, held in July, saw the performance of Puccini's La Boheme, with the MLA systems playing a crucial role in ensuring good sound quality without disturbing the NDR live TV broadcast. The MLA systems were not used for advertisement purposes but for sound design, working in harmony with the orchestra to deliver a seamless acoustic integration.
The MLA setup at the festival consisted of six MLA modules and one MLD downfill module per system. These were supplemented with two Martin Audio MLX Subs placed at the foot of each rig, a DiGiCo SD7 console for front of house, and a DiGiCo SD10 live digital console for the stage. Six Martin Audio W8LMD downfills were also used for close-in sound.
The MLA systems were adjusted to a height of 7.5m to aid control and integration with the orchestra. This adjustment allowed sound engineer Hentschel to have control over the mix and avoid echo effects, ensuring a clear and balanced sound for the audience. The back-sound was almost completely eliminated, leaving the stage free from interference.
The benefits of Martin Audio MLA systems, renowned for their consistency, flexibility, scalability, environmental considerations, durability, and reliability, were evident at the festival. The systems provided a uniform audio experience across the large area, minimizing unwanted reflections, and maintaining a clear and balanced sound.
The flexibility of the MLA systems allowed them to accommodate a wide range of sound levels and musical genres, making them suitable for the diverse repertoire of the classical music festival. Moreover, their ability to minimize off-site noise pollution helped in complying with noise regulations and maintaining good relations with surrounding communities.
The robust design of the Martin Audio equipment ensured that the systems remained reliable and functional throughout the event, providing consistent performance even in the outdoor setting. The integration of the MLA systems with other Martin Audio products allowed for seamless transitions between different sound zones, ensuring a cohesive audio experience.
The excellent sound quality was praised by the organizers and the singers themselves, making the NDR Klassik Open Air festival a resounding success. The event serves as a testament to the capabilities of Martin Audio MLA systems in delivering high-quality sound experiences at outdoor classical music concerts.
At the festival, the MLA systems were used not only for sound design during Puccini's La Boheme performance, but also for a seamless integration with the orchestra, providing an exceptional audio experience for the 20,000 opera fans in attendance. Moreover, the MLA systems played a crucial role in ensuring a uniform and clear sound, even in the large Maschpark, while minimizing unwanted reflections and off-site noise pollution, making the event suitable for the diverse repertoire of classical music and compliant with noise regulations.
