How to Train Your Dragon arrives in China with L-Acoustics
Published: ASIA
CHINA: L-Acoustics sound reinforcement formed the audio backbone for the recent Beijing run of the How to Train Your Dragon Live Spectacular, a theatre production based on the hit movie from DreamWorks Animation. The tour arrived in China in a newly-constructed theatre on the grounds of the Beijing National Stadium (also known as the Bird’s Nest). In charge of the audio side of the production were Rightway Audio Consultants and sound supplier Dadong Huahan.
Having already successfully toured Australia and New Zealand as well as North America, the How to Train Your Dragon Live Spectacular is produced by DreamWorks Animation and Global Creatures. The show features more than a dozen animatronic dragons with wingspans of more than 12m, all of whom were brought to life in Beijing by the audio system, which comprised Kara and Kudo enclosures with SB28 subwoofers for low-end extension. In addition, the speakers also had to serve the show’s human stars whilst delivering pristine coverage within a venue that was full of reflective surfaces and configured for in-the-round performances.
According to Vincent Zhou, Rightway Audio Consultants’ technical manager, the solution comprised ‘54 Kara in nine groups of six, installed for the three sides. In using Kara and Kudo, we were able to achieve perfect clarity, intelligibility, and precision, as well as a wide dynamic range. We especially appreciated Kudo’s customised horizontal directivity, which enabled us to offer a superb audience experience, with crystal clear sound that was free of reflections. Also, since both Kara and Kudo offer extended vertical coverage, the arrays provided even sound distribution.’
To assist in the design process, Rightway used L-Acoustics’ Soundvision simulation software. ‘Using Soundvision, we were able to design each of our 11 hangs to perfectly cover our in-the-round configuration,’ explained Mr Zhou. ‘We used a distributed sub system, with an end-fire array configuration in the corners to guarantee even low frequency coverage throughout the venue, while reducing excitement from the room and the seating blocks.’
Power for the system was delivered via LA8 amplifiers which were flown using the manufacturer’s L-Case protection system. ‘L-Case allowed us to place our LA8s directly above the Karas, so we could avoid lengthy cables,’ explained He Biao, chief of Dadong Huahan. ‘We then used LA Network Manager to monitor and control the entire sound system in real time. It allowed us to make balancing adjustments, and to inspect all enclosures rapidly.’
The result pleased Alex Bryson, head of audio and communications within the How To Drain Your Dragon performance team. ‘We were very satisfied with the system,’ he commented. ‘There was considerable and constant pressure placed on the audio system to reproduce the various audio performance levels. Crystal clear live vocal reinforcement, engaging music, playback and credible SFX needed to be delivered to every single seat in the arena, without forgetting the voices of the dragons. The L-Acoustics system handled all these tasks simultaneously with ease.’