Das Werk, an alternative art and culture initiative based in Vienna, Austria, upgraded its sound reinforcement with Alcons Audio pro-ribbon loudspeakers in a project under the direction of Vienna-based Pro Performance.
In 2018, Wolfgang Sauter of Vienna-based Pro Performance was asked to create an audio concept for Das Werk that fitted in with the neighboring venues, including The Grelle Forelle, FLEX, SASS Music Club and The Loft — all previously equipped with Alcons pro-ribbon loudspeakers as well.
“The customer needed a new, effective sound solution that was flexible enough for both live concerts and DJ events across a large variety of genres,” Sauter explains. “A particular problem was that the stage was in the corner of the room, presenting many acoustic challenges. We looked at all the available solutions and chose two arrays of three Alcons RR12 pro-ribbon point source array modules. They delivered highly precise, unified sound across the space, without producing unwanted sound on the stage.”
The project also utilizes a corner subwoofer, custom designed by Sauter, that utilizes a dozen 15-inch woofers in a vertical configuration. “It’s simply all about physics and there is no feedback on the microphones or turntables, despite the live bands and DJs situated in front of the bass array,” he notes. “With the resulting precise low frequency impulse, we have added the last two octaves of the audio spectrum to the RR12s.”
Pro Performance was also asked to install Alcons loudspeakers for DJ monitoring. Running hand-in-hand with further improvements to the venue’s acoustics, the company installed four VR5 monitors joined by two VR12 monitors. It’s a solution which immediately proved popular with Josef Sotriffer, a DJ, producer and Das Werk’s audio technician.
“I can honestly say that I don’t know any other stage monitors that reproduce every detail in the sound as accurately as the Alcons VR12s and VR5s. Even at high levels, they are very comfortable to listen to,” Sauter says. “What has surprised me the most is the intensity of the VR5s. Despite their small dimensions, they function spectacularly well as monitors for rock/pop or soul bands. The whole system is a lot of fun to work and play with.
“Alcons was the clear choice for the customer,” he continues. “The staff at Das Werk are extremely happy with the results. The monitoring is very practical and compact, perfect for the small stage, while the new and improved main floor has made performers and audiences alike very happy. The beast has been tamed, allowing the venue’s sound technicians to have optimal control and maximum flexibility of the Alcons system! In 2018, 2019 and 2020, Das Werk was voted the best club in Austria in a poll by FM4, the Austrian alternative music radio station. The results speak for themselves.”
Producer and DJ Aida Arko adds, “As an electronic music composer and DJ, the sound system plays a crucial role in communicating my agenda and message. The new sound improvements in Das Werk prove that correct sound and acoustic treatment take the listening experience to a whole new level.”
