Both halls in Heerlen have recently been equipped with new sound systems. A year earlier, the halls in Kerkrade were also equipped with L-Acoustics Kara-, A10- and Syva-systems.

At Parkstad Limburg Theatres, it is felt that keeping equipment up-to-date is crucial. Therefore, a depreciation process for all technical equipment is employed. Quality was the priority in choosing a new system. Perry Urlings (chief sound technician) explains: “That's why a clear desire was set down on the requirements that should be met as the minimum for a new system. Requirements like hall coverage, woofer diameter and number of subs. In addition, the listening test has been a big factor in counting points. After an initial screening was made on price and type of offers, two systems remained on which we then carried out listening tests. L-Acoustics KARA tested as best for the RABO Hall.”

A new system for the LIMBURG Hall was also selected, but without carrying out a listening test. Urlings: “L-Acoustics K2 already had a great advantage over other brands, so we didn't do an on site listening test. Although we hadn't set out to choose for one brand, we now have the convenience of a single brand in all our venues." Considerable improvements on the old system have been made in the RABO Hall. “The existing A10 centre cluster matches KARA perfectly. In addition, the front edge of the podium has been equipped with X4i and red-coloured X8 speakers have been placed under the balcony. The subs accompany them in a cardioid array which creates a very even distribution with the least time delay."

Multifunction is the main priority for the LIMBURG Hall. The new system had to function optimally with both pop and theatre performances. As well as L-Acoustics K2, A10 speakers have been placed under the balcony and A15 has been deployed as in and out fill. Whenever the theatre is used in a proscenium setup, the A15 system is used combined with the speakers under the balcony. Urlings: “This combination works very nicely. As for the sub, there are 3x KS28 in a cardioid array placed on each side. Just one KS28 is used when we use only A15. For the low tones we found the best places by trail-and-error. We experimented with a centre sub, air-born sub, sub on the ground and sub on stage. The latter proved to be the most efficient."

The whole process from acquisition to completed installation took one and half year. "We found this process very pleasant", added Urlings. "Together we determined the configuration of the system, but the transition and switch from ARCS to A10/15 also went very smoothly. During the installation, we could still make adjustments according to our wishes, and various suggestions by Fairlight on the layout for assembly, amplifier and processing (Dolby Lake) lead to a great result. Both we and the visiting companies are very pleased with the systems. All companies, from cabaret, musical to rock, go home satisfied.