30/11/2015 » Axiom Solves Audio Problems at Culture Palace Kostanay
A Proel Axiom line array loudspeaker system has been installed in the Miras Auditorium at the Culture Palace of Kostanay, the capital city of Kazakhstan. Proel's distributor SAMAT Show Technics Ltd supplied the system consisting of AX2010A active line array elements and SW215A active subwoofers, and its engineering specialists also took care of all aspects of the installation process.
As part of a general refurbishment programme involving substantial building repairs, it was decided that the sound system in the Miras Auditorium was no longer able to cope with the multi-functional audio demands such as pop concerts, recitals, folk art, musicals, and theatrical performances, and so was also long overdue for replacement. SAMAT Show Technics was well acquainted with the Axiom line array's qualities, but until now had not had the opportunity to get involved in a major project. So after introductory visits, live demonstrations, and a series of EASE Focus 2 acoustic simulations, an active AX2010A system was selected on the basis of a very favourable performance to price ratio.
The brief from the client was that a new sound system should be compact, easily flown, and of demonstrably high quality for modern musical and cultural performances. Systems engineers Alexey Kuznetsov and Rinat Molotov specified eight flown AX2010 dual 10-inch line array elements each side as the main sound reinforcement system. Three SW215FA dual 15-inch subwoofers providing the lower frequency band are flown unobtrusively each side behind the mid/highs.
The powered AX2010A combines superior sound quality with onboard Class D amplification and specialised DSP that provides convenience of operation with its factory presets, as well as flexibility of use. Flying the SW215FA active subwoofers created a cohesive sound image, and provided an easily controlled networkable system via the PRONET remote control software.
"While the acoustics in the hall are generally sympathetic, with a nice ceiling shape and absorbant seating, we did have a problem with interaction of sound from the stage," commented Proel's technical sales engineer Daniele Massaccesi. "The speakers had to be positioned slightly behind the stage lip, but thanks to the AX2010's transmission back loading we were able to achieve a reduction in low-mid and low frequencies of almost 8 dB, as well as good pattern control from the first row of seats up to the very last row. Flying the subs in a long vertical line behind the line array instead of ground stacking them also helped to reduce stage interaction at very low frequencies. This system has a very linear response and plenty of power in reserve for a modestly sized theatre so that comfortable listening was easily achieved even in the front row."
"High sound pressure level, good clarity, and plenty of headroom have made the Axiom system the right solution for the Miras auditorium," said sound engineer Kuznetsov. "It provides the possibility to hold a wide variety of events here, which the client is very happy about. The installation was completed during the first week of September, just before the Kostanay Youth Community school year restart celebrations. Already we've had many appreciative comments on the sound quality, and I'm sure this showcase install will benefit us in the future."