MADRID — The Main Theater and the black-box Theater Configurable in the Teatros del Canal, a performing arts complex designed by Spanish architect Juan Navarro Baldeweg, was equipped with Meyer Sound’s self-powered M1D and M’elodie line array loudspeaker systems. Ramon Pérez of RPS Broadcasting, the consultant on audiovisual technologies for the project, noted that initial plans for all-Meyer Sound systems had been sketched before he was contracted — and that was fine by him.
“I’ve worked with Meyer systems in the past, and I’ve been impressed by the excellent size/weight-to-power ratio, the precise directivity, and the phase coherence between cabinets in an array.
“The architects wanted the main arrays hidden inside structures covered with acoustical foam,” Pérez added. “Meyer Sound Spain’s design services department found that M’elodies would fit the space. I looked at the predictions in MAPP Online Pro [acoustical prediction program] and knew that this approach would work.”
The Main Theater’s sound system includes 14 M’elodie line array loudspeakers, four floor-mounted 650-P subwoofers, a center cluster of eight M1D line array loudspeakers, and eight UPM-1P loudspeakers for front fill and under-balcony fill.
In the Theater Configurable, a Meyer Sound solution provides a number of design options for various events and seating arrangements.
“We have 32 M1D cabinets available, which can be configured as left-center-right front arrays if that is desired,” said Pérez, “or they can be broken into as many as eight mini-arrays for placing 360 degrees around the overhead catwalk.” Four M1D-Sub subwoofers reinforce the low end, while additional flexibility for music and effects is afforded by free placement of six UPJ-1P VariO and six UPM-1P loudspeakers.
Meyer Sound’s Galileo loudspeaker management system is used for drive and processing in both venues. Each control booth has its own pair of HD-1 studio monitors, and each stage is equipped with six UM-1P stage monitors. Final tuning was accomplished with a SIM 3 audio analyzer. Installation contractor for both systems was BGL S.L.
“The challenges for the electroacoustic system were among the most difficult I have seen because of the limitations on space, rigging points, and the requirement for complete enclosure of the arrays,” he said. “But we were able to solve these problems with the tools offered by Meyer Sound and with help from Meyer Sound Spain’s technical support. The result was a flat and uniform response, without colorations at any of the seats. That is a high quality sound!”
In addition to the two theaters, the Teatros del Canal complex also houses the Center for Dance, with 12 classrooms used for the development and performance of modern dance and classical ballet.
For more information, please visit www.meyersound.com.
