MCR – For ultimate acoustic versatility
The XLNT Multiple Channel Reverberation (MCR) acoustical enhancement system is designed to improve the acoustics of a hall for classical musical performances.
An MCR system subtly amplifies the existing reverberant field in a concert hall, in a precisely controllable amount. The key feature that distinguishes XLNT MCR from other systems is that it uses the hall’s own reverberant field to create a unique, natural sound.
A comparative study by acoustical specialist Peutz in 2005 selected the XLNT MCR system as the most natural sounding solution.
Unlike older systems based on analogue technologies, the new XLNT MCR system is fully digital. Special software was developed by Event Acoustics for a highly automated tuning process, increasing its accuracy in comparison to older analogue systems.
This co-ordinates all the necessary routing, delay and equalisation functions from a networked laptop PC and makes reconfiguration of the sound system modes fast and straightforward. Kursaal Oostende wanted a flexible sound system enabling, not only MCR and surround sound, but also a Public Address and voice evacuation system.
At the heart of Kursaal Oostende is a brand new auditorium sporting the highly innovative audio system that incorporates the unique XLNT MCR system, allowing instantly variable acoustics.
The XLNT MCR system works magic with unamplified performers such as orchestra’s, choirs and theatre groups. The sound emanating from the matrix of small loudspeakers spread across the walls and ceiling is diffuse and undetectable by an audience.
Each channel is separate and consists of an in-ceiling microphone, equalisation, amplification and a single wall or ceiling mounted with Renkus-Heinz TRC62/9 loudspeakers. By amplifying the reverberant sound, the reverberation time increases and the Clarity C80 decreases. It functions like ‘anti-absorption’, and no artificial reverberation processing is added to the signal. This creates natural, variable acoustics using electro-acoustic means. In the auditorium, the reverberation time can be varied in eight equidistant steps from approximately 1.5 seconds to approximately 2.1 seconds in the mid frequencies. The system is designed so that, by aiming the loudspeakers sideways, the lateral sound is increased to create spaciousness.
XLNT MCR’s eight “steps” (plus “off”) allow a house engineer to set the room’s reverberation level to suit an individual music performance. The XLNT MCR system allows the correct acoustic to be created to suit any size or form of production, whether it’s a small theatre group, a jazz band or a full symphony orchestra.
European Installation Award for Technical Excellence
One of the greatest advantages of the XLNT MCR enhancement system is the short setup and tuning time, eliminating a stressful design process when creating multi-purpose halls.
After only 2 months of hard work, Kursaal Oostende was transformed to a state of the art, versatile, acoustic heaven. In 2006 Event Acoustics was awarded with the Installation Europe Award for Excellence in Entertainment.
Shortly afterward, Event Acoustics was contracted for the acoustic enhancement of various highly respected classical performance spaces such as the Tonhalle in Düsseldorf, Germany and the Centrum Muziek XXI in Utrecht , The Netherlands. Here Event Acoustics took development to its next level with XLNT VAP : a unique system that simulates the acoustics of larger venues in smaller settings.
“The teams put a lot of thought and hard work into designing our audio systems, but the results more than justify it as our auditorium is now one of the most versatile in Europe.” – Freddy Lodewyk, Chief Technician at Kursaal Oostende.
