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Malmö Opera In Sweden Invests In TiMax Showcontrol Automation

TrackerD4 implemented to help ensure more precise audio localization of both moving performers and static microphone positions within the theatre’s immersive sound system.

Sweden’s Malmö Opera recently invested in an Out Board TiMax TrackerD4 (TTd4) stagetracking system via Out Board’s Swedish distributor, Electrosound AB, implemented to help ensure more precise audio localization of both moving performers and static microphone positions within the theatre’s immersive sound system, upgraded earlier in the year.

Malmö Opera sound engineer Svante Axbacke says, “TiMax TrackerD4 is very important to our sound system upgrade because previously we had not been able to program and chase all the audio objects through the show, so it saves both time and manpower.”

The purchase decision was reinforced by the specification of TiMax TrackerD4 by Autograph’s Avgoustos Psillas in his sound design for Funny Girl, which was Malmö Opera’s first production on re-opening in last fall. Swedish performer Sanna Nielsen took the lead role amongst the 30-strong singing and dancing cast in the musical.

A production on the Malmö Opera stage. Photo Credit: Malin Arnesson

The theatre took delivery of eight TTd4 Sensors and 30 TTd4 Tags, with Axbacke adding, “We plan on buying more Tags early this year for our next musical production.” Malmo opera’s 1511-capacity main auditorium boasts one of Europe’s largest stages, so while eight Sensors cover the large area from different angles, the multiple sensor viewpoints add redundancy as only two Sensors need to see a Tag for reliable 3D tracking to be achieved. The system’s dual-mode wideband RF scanning uses hybrid AOA and TDOA technology to help provided added flexibility and help mitigate slight tracking errors caused by reflections, body blocking and scenery obstruction.

Axbacke and his sound team evaluated other tracking systems on the market before opting for TiMax TrackerD4. “TiMax has a solid reputation and gives outstanding support both locally in Sweden and from the UK headquarters,” he explains, adding that it’s “the most scalable system and easy to maintain.”

Axbacke discovered the capability the Tags were when the costume department returned a Tag that had accidentally gone through the washing machine. He says, “We knew we were in safe hands because its ‘ON’ LED was still blinking and there was no damage at all to the Tag. It’s safe to say that there’ll be no issue from actors sweating which is usually a big problem for electronics.”

With TiMax TrackerD4 now in place controlling the new Soundscape system driving d&b audiotechnik A Series loudspeakers, Axbacke is looking forward to pandemic restrictions being lifted, “so we can fill our hall again and every audience member gets to hear the same thing: the correct sound coming from the correct place on stage.”

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