dampb brings harmony to National Theatre of China
Published: ASIA
CHINA: Hongzhi Han, the officer for the stage art centre in the National Theatre of China (NTC) in Beijing recently addressed the needs of the facility’s audio department by approving the use of d&b equipment for a permanent installation. The centre aims to bridge the gap between the heritage of Chinese theatre and the ‘nation's burgeoning modernism’.
Mr Han was tasked with marrying these two threads in what he described as 'a harmony of creativity’. With that in mind, the main theatre was equipped with a comprehensive d&b audiotechnik loudspeaker system. The proscenium stage now features Ci7 speakers and Ci-Subs installed left and right, with Ci90 cabinets and further Ci-Subs at the centre. The auditorium, which seats just over 1,000 people has a single balcony, and for this, Max12 monitors and Ci80 loudspeakers were used for effects and fills, with short throw front-fill delivered by E0 cabinets. Meanwhile, the centre’s Rehearsal Hall was equipped with E12 speakers and E15X subwoofers, whilst some ceiling effect coverage is provided by additional Ci80s.
The installed design was arranged by Chen Jianhua from the state administration of radio, film and television of China. ‘Though of course we assisted him in every way possible,’ said Minrui Dai, senior project manager for d&b China. ‘The acoustic properties of the room are excellent, and the RT is perfect for spoken drama thanks to the skills of leading acoustic design house Beichen Design and Research of Buildings for the Performing Arts,’ he added.
‘Mr Jianhua has had vast experience as a consultant working on many theatre projects throughout China, and that meant he was able to clearly define the desired coverage and levels for every seat in the house. We drew up an EASE model and had our calculations confirmed by our technical director Chiwai Chan assisted by Stefan Goertz from d&b application support back in Germany,’ he continued. ‘d&b loudspeaker systems are natural and neutral. This proved especially true when we compared them using typical miniature hairline microphones.
‘The nation has waited quite a long time for this new drama venue, so there was a clear directive from all sectors not to rush towards completion, but to take our time and make sure everything was done perfectly,’ concluded Mr Dai.
Besides the main theatre installation, NTC had previously invested in a mobile package for provincial tours by purchasing various J-Series, Q-Series and Max monitors from d&b.