After an extensive testphase and a final shootout between six brands, Nationaltheater Mannheim has decided for a system of Dutch manufacturer Alcons Audio.

Specified was a system with an excellent, natural sound response, with very little compression. The old system did not have a sufficient coverage on and below the balconies. The crucial hint Tonmeister Christian Stader received from his colleagues of the Thalia Theater in Hamburg, that also applied Alcons equipment with great success. “Following that, I contacted Carsten Albrecht of Alcons Germany and he performed a demo with VR8 system in our house”, so Stader. After this demo, Alcons was invited for the extensive comparative test.
Stader continues: “In the shootout, Alcons was for all involved in the decision, the clear overall winner. The system is in complete harmony with our room.” Apart from the natural sound reproduction, Alcons could also impress with crystal clear mid-highs and transparency of the total soundstage. Besides this, the gain-before-feedback was the real advantage.
Another important aspect for Stader is the support: “the cooperation is very personal and based on trust and Carsten is always available with advise. I rarely experienced a better support. One feels taken care of in the best way with Alcons!.“

The system installed in the 1156 seat „Vier-Sparten-Theater“opera house (with opera, ballet, operetta and musical) is predominantly used for orchestra and ballet performances, is suitable however, likewise for musical and rock ’n roll concerts.

Although the sound behavior of the opera house brings some challenges with it, since the area is nearly 100 per cent reflective „the system is a pleasure to work with “, thus Stader. In Mannheim twelve units LR14 and six units LR7 were installed, with two BF302 double 15“ subwoofers, as well as two VR8 compact monitors. The system is powered and controlled by four ALC2 amplified loudspeaker controllers and one ALC4 amplified loudspeaker controller. With a center cluster now also the before problematic positions under and on the balconies are sufficiently covered.

The new Alcons system is installed in a theatre with a long history: The Nationaltheater Mannheim was founded in 1777 by elector Carl Theodor. In 1839, it was subordinated under complete urban responsibility and is thereby today the oldest municipal theatre in the world. Among others, in 1782 the premiere of Friedrich Schillers „Die Räuber“ (“The Robbers”) took place. The opera house also houses one of the largest stages in Germany, with a width of 24 meters.

More information available on www.nationaltheater-mannheim.de