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Alcons Cinema System Helps 70mm Cinema Go Back To The Future | Read more at in70mm.com The 70mm Newsletter
| Written by: Shauburg / Alcons press | Date:
12.12.2010 + 17.09.2011 |
Schauburg's
new speakers. Image by Herbert Born
Click the image to see large format version
One of Germany’s most famous cinemas, Schauburg Kino & Theater
in Karlsruhe, at the foot of the Black Forest, is one of the few cinemas
left in the world which can show 70mm films. As well as being able to
accommodate earlier technology it also features the most modern
developments, the latest of which is an Alcons Audio system.
Opened in 1927, the cinema’s decor has remained essentially the same
since a major refurbishment in
1968, which saw a large, curved screen
installed and the capability of showing 70mm ‘Todd-AO’ format films. As
a format that has become a cult favourite amongst cinema enthusiasts,
this has ensured that the venue continues to be extremely popular.
But this is not the only reason for its fame. Behind the evocative
chandeliers and velvet curtains, an ongoing programme of technical
modernisation has seen the latest formats running alongside
70mm screenings. For instance, it was the first cinema in the city to install
Digital 2k projection and the ability to show 3-D movies.
And it
is not just the visuals that are cutting edge - a recent upgrade to its
audio system has seen five Alcons CR4 cinema front systems, tri-amped
with ALC2 amplified loudspeaker controllers and SDP processing,
installed. | More in 70mm reading:
Alcons Cinema System verhilft 70-mm-Cinerama
Filmpalast zurück in die Zukunft
Schauburg, Karlsruhe, Germany
Schauburg Audio Nominated 2011
Internet link:
Alocons Audio
schauburg.de
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Mr.
Herbert Born, manager of the Schauburg Kino. Image by Thomas Hauerslev
“The previous system was installed in 1992 and was one
of the more advanced speaker systems of its time. However, by modern
standards the system lacked the proper punch in the upper bass frequency
range. The horn reached its limit at higher reproduction levels,
resulting in increased distortion and harshness,” says Herbert Born, the
venue’s managing director.
“Both became a problem with demanding
newer mixes in uncompressed audio, but also with magnetic 70mm sound
tracks when played loudly.”
The Schauburg technical team examined
a range of options but, being highly satisfied with an Alcons CR1 system
installed in the venue’s smaller screen, they were 100% confident that
the CR4 system would deliver a major improvement in sound to the main
house.
Working closely with Alcons’ managing director,
Tom Back, the system was specified by Gunter Oehme of contractors
Filmton und Kinotechnik. It is a unique installation, with the system
mounted in bespoke movable towers.
The house has a huge stage
which, with the screen removed, is also used for live performances.
Because of this, the loudspeakers are mounted in towers that can easily
be moved into different positions. This allows them to be used for both
cinema showings and live productions.
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Audiences
are enjoying the evocative
chandeliers and velvet curtains when they enter the
Schauburg. Image by Thomas Hauerslev
“As it doesn’t have a
baffle wall, the stage can cause acoustic problems like excessive reverb
if it is excited too much. The Alcons system works very well without a
baffle wall and has also made a significant difference to evening out
the SPL differences between the front and rear of the theatre,” says
Herbert.
The versatility of the Alcons system has been clearly
demonstrated by the improvement in sound for both film screenings and
live productions. Cinema enthusiasts are renowned for their high
expectations and the new system has met with universal approval.
“The sound improvement is obvious,” Herbert continues. “Overall the
sound is much more natural, music really sounds purer on such a high-end
system.
“Colouring of the sound and distortion, which are typical
for many cinema sound systems - for example when violins are playing -
are completely gone. And with high sound levels, it just gets loud, not
distorted.
“The sound localization has also greatly improved, due
to improved time alignment and better coverage of the auditorium. We are
very happy with it.” | |
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28-07-24 | |
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