CONCIERTO CATEDRAL COLONIA

DATE
04 · 09 · 2023

Products used

Introduction

When the iconic Cologne dialect rock band, Brings, partnered with the prestigious Beethoven Orchestra to perform a “Rock-meets-Classic” show, they needed a sound system that could match the grandiosity of their performance and the setting—the Cologne Cathedral. Ensuring optimal acoustics for such an extraordinary show was no small feat. Enter DAS Audio’s LARA system, which not only met but exceeded the demanding acoustic requirements, leaving artists, sound engineers, and audiences alike awestruck.

Players

Brings: A rock band with over 30 years of experience, celebrated for their Kölsch dialect music.
Beethoven Orchestra: A top-class symphony orchestra hailing from Beethoven’s birthplace, Bonn.
Peter Brings: Frontman of Brings.
Martin J. Nötzel: The promoter from Bonn who orchestrated the collaboration.
TSL Production: The company responsible for supplying the DAS audio system.
Michael Häck: Renowned for his role at the Lanxess Arena and his Smaart seminars, he handled the FOH mix for the orchestra.
Georg Gansser: FOH for Brings.
Frank Schmitz: Owner of TSL Production.
Miguel Augusto: Application Support of DAS Audio GmbH, posed by the venue and the diversity of musical talent were met.

Challenge

The challenge of delivering a flawless acoustic experience at the Cologne Cathedral was layered and intricate. On one hand, there were diverse musical elements to consider: Brings, a rock band requiring a robust sound profile, and the Beethoven Orchestra, needing nuanced audio to capture the subtleties of classical instruments. The technical aspect involved coordinating a range of highly sensitive microphones for the orchestra, each requiring precise tuning and balance. On the other hand, the event’s location added its own set of complexities. Staged in front of the iconic Cologne Cathedral and surrounded by various architectural structures at Roncalliplatz, the environment necessitated a sound system capable of exceptional dispersion to manage potential sound reflections.

Adding to these challenges were the city of Cologne’s strict sound level restrictions, requiring a delicate balance between power and compliance. Furthermore, the event, which hosted 5000 guests each evening over a two-night run, was to be recorded by WDR Television for future broadcast, elevating the need for impeccable audio quality. All these elements combined to create a scenario where only a top-of-the-line, versatile sound system would suffice, raising the stakes for both the performers and the technical team involved.

” On the one hand, the stage remained very evenly quiet, down to 60Hz, without disturbing the orchestra. On the other hand, my hands would have been constantly
tied and I would never have been able to reach the final volume without the Cardioid. Together with the cardioid subwoofers and the two delay positions, we were
able to cover the Roncalliplatz very evenly and directionally.”

Michael Häck
FOH mix for the orchestra

Solution

After an exhaustive evaluation process, the expert team chose DAS Audio’s LARA system as the best fit for the multifaceted audio challenges presented by the event. The LARA system stood out for its specialized cardioid concept, offering the perfect balance of robustness and finesse needed to accommodate both the rock band, Brings, and the Beethoven Orchestra. Additionally, its exceptional dispersion capabilities were deemed crucial for contending with the acoustically challenging location of Roncalliplatz, as well as for adhering to the sound level limitations imposed by thecity of Cologne.

Calibration and readiness of the sound system were other essential factors contributing to the success of the event. Miguel Augusto, the Application Support from DAS Audio GmbH, took on the role of system engineer. He ensured that the LARA system was finely calibrated and fully ready for the performance, a step that allowed the Front-of-House (FOH) mixers, Michael Häck and Georg Gansser, to focus solely on their mixing tasks. Their ability to rely on the system’s capabilities provided them with the confidence needed to deliver an exceptional audio experience, satisfying both the live audience and the future television viewers.

Conclusion

Michael Häck summarized the success of the acoustic setup: “The production and I are very happy with the acoustic result of the concerts. The LARA system was exactly the right choice.” The system’s capabilities ensured that the unique acoustic challenges posed by the venue and the diversity of musical talent were met.

Frank Schmitz, owner of TSL Production, was also very satisfied: “The promotor had originally planned a different, widely used PA system, but all the people responsible for the sound agreed that a cardioid PA would pay off in terms of the overall quality of the sound reinforcement, considering the orchestra and the local conditions. So I feel vindicated in my decision to go with DAS Audio’s ARA systems. Within a short period of time, we have now completed a small tour through the largest halls in Germany and these two shows with our new LARA system, and in both productions the directional coverage was decisive. Furthermore, it was overwhelming musically and also in terms of sound to experience this band with this orchestra in front of the cathedral.”

In summary, DAS Audio’s LARA system proved to be an optimal choice for an acoustically challenging but highly rewarding environment. It underscored its versatility, precision, and reliability, making this landmark event an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.