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Concert hall equipment
Equipping a concert hall involves installing a whole set of audio-visual equipment systems.
High requirements are imposed both to the equipment itself and to the technical solution.
It is necessary to take into account the acoustics of the hall, to build a simple and effective management of the entire complex of various multimedia systems.
High requirements are imposed both to the equipment itself and to the technical solution.
It is necessary to take into account the acoustics of the hall, to build a simple and effective management of the entire complex of various multimedia systems.
hall equipment
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Sound equipment
The sound reproduction system of a concert hall consists of three main subsystems:
- sound sources (vocal and instrumental microphones, speaker and orchestra microphones, etc.)
- Sound processing devices (amplifiers, equalizers, mixers)
- devices for sound reproduction (line arrays and loudspeakers, subwoofers and stage monitors)
Lighting equipment
Soffits
In today's halls, mostly controlled lighting equipment is used. These range from spotlights and floodlights, which create the main color tone, to curtain and backdrop lights, as well as special devices that create special effects.
Directly above the main space of the stage there are rods with lighting devices, called soffites (from the Italian soffite - ceiling). The number of spotlights is directly proportional to the depth of the stage. It is they who "flood" it with light.
Directly above the main space of the stage there are rods with lighting devices, called soffites (from the Italian soffite - ceiling). The number of spotlights is directly proportional to the depth of the stage. It is they who "flood" it with light.
In addition, soffits are also called devices that are attached to the ceiling of the auditorium and shine from the front and from above. Otherwise they are called "counterprofits. They allow you to lighten the face and human figure, highlighting the shadows which inevitably gives directed, albeit at an angle, but still the top light of the main soffit.
The role of soffits are both individual spotlights and rows of LEDs, which provide the most even light.
The role of soffits are both individual spotlights and rows of LEDs, which provide the most even light.
Backlighting devices
A separate block of lights illuminates the backdrop of the stage. This can be either individual sources or LED strips that provide even light. Ideally, the backdrop, as well as the front stage, should be illuminated from above and below.
Light Guns
One, two, or three light "cannons" are often located against the wall opposite the stage, sending bright beams of light onto the stage to highlight what the audience's attention is drawn to. Traditionally, the "cannon" is not part of the overall controlled source system. Its beam is aimed "manually," but in modern lighting systems, controlled light cannons can be incorporated into a boom with both soffits and counter soffits, giving the lighting artist additional options.
Light Guns
One, two, or three light "cannons" are often located against the wall opposite the stage, sending bright beams of light onto the stage to highlight what the audience's attention is drawn to. Traditionally, the "cannon" is not part of the overall controlled source system. Its beam is aimed "manually," but in modern lighting systems, controlled light cannons can be incorporated into a boom with both soffits and counter soffits, giving the lighting artist additional options.
Secondary lights
Devices that create special effects
Scanners are devices capable of reaching any point in the hall with their beams. Quite fast movement of the light beam is achieved by rotating a small mirror, while the source itself remains in place.
Starry sky type devices project laser beams scattered in space, which spread throughout the entire space of the hall.
Gobo projectors are projectors that throw multiple beams and project dynamic patterns.
Almost all stage lighting can be built on "rotating heads", but because of the cost, they are usually used as secondary special devices. A rotating head can change color (within 256 shades) and, like a scanner, can go around the entire space with its beams, but, unlike a scanner, its rotation angle is much wider.
Light control
Electronic light control panels with mixing functions are used to control light fixtures and create unique light paintings. With these devices, thanks to the color and brightness change functions, the operator can get different colors and shades. Thanks to digital palette coding and DMX control, the lighting console can recall preset shades of color in a matter of moments.
The color mixer can be either hardware or software. With built-in dimmers (continuously variable controls), the operator changes the brightness of both individual fixtures and groups of fixtures. In addition, the illuminator has the ability to adjust both the speed and the trajectory of the beams of devices such as, for example, starry sky.
The color mixer can be either hardware or software. With built-in dimmers (continuously variable controls), the operator changes the brightness of both individual fixtures and groups of fixtures. In addition, the illuminator has the ability to adjust both the speed and the trajectory of the beams of devices such as, for example, starry sky.
Smoke machines
Smoke machines are used in concert halls so that rays of light can be seen and the color "fill" is more saturated. These small devices have become an integral part of modern concert hall stage equipment. There are three types of smoke machines:
- with heated steam: to create rising streams of "smoke";
- with cooled steam: to create the effect of dense flowing layers at the bottom of the stage;
- "Fog - machines": these devices create a uniform haze, allowing you to maximize the visual effects of a strobe or laser projector.
Scene mechanics
This group of equipment systems includes all movable parts of the stage itself. On the stage of a modern concert hall there can be quite a lot of them: it is a turntable with a ring, located in the center of the stage and allowing a quick change of decorations, and various lifting platforms, which allow creating special niches (orchestra pit or choir).
Basic stage mechanics
Not all concert halls need self-moving platforms under the orchestra pit and turntable. Not everywhere an orchestra plays or a choir sings. As a basic set of mechanical aids, equipment is usually installed to move the intermission curtain. This minimum usually also includes stanchion lifts on which both scenery and backstage are suspended.
Basic stage mechanics
Not all concert halls need self-moving platforms under the orchestra pit and turntable. Not everywhere an orchestra plays or a choir sings. As a basic set of mechanical aids, equipment is usually installed to move the intermission curtain. This minimum usually also includes stanchion lifts on which both scenery and backstage are suspended.
Advanced mechanical equipment
Usually this equipment is used in cinema and concert halls of regional or federal importance. It includes:
These mechanisms are located on the main space of the stage and are designed mainly for the rapid change of scenery. However, in addition to their main purely technical function, they also perform artistic tasks. For example, with the help of these mechanisms the movement in space is symbolically imitated.
Rising and lowering platforms are designed to organize the stage space for different types of events. For example, for a chorus performance, the front platform is lowered and the platform at the backstage is raised.
Mechanism for stage moving in a horizontal plane
This mechanism allows you to simulate the movement of massive objects in the direction of the audience. For example, a "ship" or "train" can be driven onto the stage.
Mechanism for stage moving in a horizontal plane
This mechanism allows you to simulate the movement of massive objects in the direction of the audience. For example, a "ship" or "train" can be driven onto the stage.
This motorized technique, under the control of electric motors, performs the work of moving the barbell hoists, scenery, rotating parts of the stage, opening the curtain. By means of the control system, the central controller and the peripheral control devices, the operator of the hall is able not only to switch on/off the motors by means of relays, but also to influence the speed of the moving parts of the stage.
Video display system
The main types of concert hall video equipment:
- Central video display screen
- Auxiliary video screens
- Technical means of video display
At least three monitors are required for proper operation of the concert hall operator:
- control interface monitor
- monitor of the preview of the previously prepared content
- monitor of the state of the duplicate screens
Technology TV
The main task of technological television is online video broadcasting of what is happening in the auditorium. It also helps the audience in the back rows to see all the details of the action taking place on stage.
The set of equipment systems includes video cameras and auxiliary equipment (screens, suspensions, platforms for operators). If the director's desk is connected, it is possible to broadcast and film the event.
The set of equipment systems includes video cameras and auxiliary equipment (screens, suspensions, platforms for operators). If the director's desk is connected, it is possible to broadcast and film the event.
Audio/video recording system
Special digital devices (recorders) make it possible both to document what is happening on stage and to professionally record the sound and video stream for further processing and playback. This recording technology is particularly often used when recording choirs or orchestras, where it is very difficult to record each track separately and then bring them all together.
Switching system
The concert hall switching system is responsible for transmitting signals from sources to video and audio devices. The switching system is based on a video signal switcher. For concert halls, the most functional, matrix switches are used, which allow to manage the signals of many sources, transmitting them to the necessary display devices for the event.
The simplest example of switch operation is switching during the show the pre-mounted video sequences to the image of technological TV cameras, which allow to see in detail what is happening on the stage.
Concert halls typically use what are known as "blackout-free switchers." They do not leave a "black field" on the screen when switching source signals.
The simplest example of switch operation is switching during the show the pre-mounted video sequences to the image of technological TV cameras, which allow to see in detail what is happening on the stage.
Concert halls typically use what are known as "blackout-free switchers." They do not leave a "black field" on the screen when switching source signals.
Control system
The control system allows the operator to control the equipment of the concert hall through a control interface, which can be both stationary and mobile (from laptops, touch tablets). The control system integrates the entire complex set of various audio-visual equipment systems into a single whole.
A modern control system also allows you to optimize maintenance costs and eliminate the need for additional control modules.
A modern control system also allows you to optimize maintenance costs and eliminate the need for additional control modules.
Radio communications
A process radio system allows performance participants and technicians to communicate with the director.
The voice communication signal is usually sent to the earpiece in the same channel as the overall mixed signal from the stage.
Radio headphones can also act as reduced stage monitors, allowing performance participants to hear themselves.
The voice communication signal is usually sent to the earpiece in the same channel as the overall mixed signal from the stage.
Radio headphones can also act as reduced stage monitors, allowing performance participants to hear themselves.
Camera room
The equipment systems of large concert halls are managed by several technicians:
light mixer
- sound engineer
- lighting equipment operator
- director of broadcasting
- event director
light mixer
- audio mixer
- video switcher with graphical interface
- director's board
- video conferencing control interface
- content preview monitors
- multimedia player
Concert hall design
We offer complete solutions for the equipping of concert halls. Our in-house design department develops solutions in accordance with all current requirements, based on our vast experience in both standard and complex concert hall projects. We approach each request individually, taking into account all customer needs and budget possibilities as much as possible.
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