Designed on the principle of an isolatable stage space, Le Grand T is unique in that it offers a minimum distance between the back row and the stage, to the delight of actors and audience alike. To perfect this proximity, Le Grand T recently undertook to renew its entire façade system. Sonowest, the project integrator, opted for APG, a French manufacturer of high-quality professional loudspeakers, and its new Uniline Compact range, which effectively met the various technical challenges of the specifications.
Patrick Morilleau, Deputy Technical Director of Le Grand T, explains:
"Apart from its advanced age and the differences in timbre between loudspeakers, the main fault of the previous diffusion system was that it did not provide homogeneous coverage of the audience, causing a sensation of hot spots at high acoustic pressure, a lack of diffusion at the nose of the stage resulting in a large void in the centre of the pit, and a drop in pressure in the back rows and the control room.
The challenge of this renovation was therefore to obtain uniform acoustic pressure throughout the audience, a more sensitive sound image, and a system capable of managing different modes of use. As Le Grand T mainly hosts theatrical performances, the challenge was to find a solution that would preserve the stage setting and minimise the visual impact of the loudspeakers, which are often regarded by directors, choreographers and set designers as cumbersome elements that interfere with the artistic approach. The effective integration of a long-lasting front-fill system was therefore essential for the audience in the front rows, as well as for those in the following rows who would benefit from a sound image that
"goes down.
To meet these specific requirements, Le Grand T contacted several loudspeaker manufacturers to evaluate the different solutions and techniques employed. An initial selection was made on the basis of a technical brief coupled with a cost study, enabling four integrators with as many technical solutions to stand out. A four-day on-site listening phase then enabled the shortlisted brands to demonstrate their systems. These days were rigorously organised and timed so as to produce a written analysis providing a comprehensive basis for comparison. In addition, acoustic pressure measurements were taken at several points in the audience each day, in order to obtain objective data.
Patrick Morilleau, Deputy Technical Director of Le Grand T, explains:
"Apart from its advanced age and the differences in timbre between loudspeakers, the main fault of the previous diffusion system was that it did not provide homogeneous coverage of the audience, causing a sensation of hot spots at high acoustic pressure, a lack of diffusion at the nose of the stage resulting in a large void in the centre of the pit, and a drop in pressure in the back rows and the control room.
The challenge of this renovation was therefore to obtain uniform acoustic pressure throughout the audience, a more sensitive sound image, and a system capable of managing different modes of use. As Le Grand T mainly hosts theatrical performances, the challenge was to find a solution that would preserve the stage setting and minimise the visual impact of the loudspeakers, which are often regarded by directors, choreographers and set designers as cumbersome elements that interfere with the artistic approach. The effective integration of a long-lasting front-fill system was therefore essential for the audience in the front rows, as well as for those in the following rows who would benefit from a sound image that
"goes down.
To meet these specific requirements, Le Grand T contacted several loudspeaker manufacturers to evaluate the different solutions and techniques employed. An initial selection was made on the basis of a technical brief coupled with a cost study, enabling four integrators with as many technical solutions to stand out. A four-day on-site listening phase then enabled the shortlisted brands to demonstrate their systems. These days were rigorously organised and timed so as to produce a written analysis providing a comprehensive basis for comparison. In addition, acoustic pressure measurements were taken at several points in the audience each day, in order to obtain objective data.
