Live Sound

Supported By

Royal Albert Hall Reopens Elgar Room With First Install Of Meyer Sound UP-4XP Loudspeakers

Sound By Design created a sound reinforcement system of four UP-4XP and four UPJ-1P loudspeakers

The new self-powered Meyer Sound ultracompact UP-4XP loudspeaker, which combines the installation advantages of a remote DC power supply and the high acoustic power output of a three-way self-powered system, recently made its debut at the Royal Albert Hall’s renovated Elgar Room.

With peak SPL of 121 dB at one meter, the UP-4XP has helped transform the Elgar Room into an intimate and atmospheric venue in which to appreciate live events and discover new artists, from late night gigs to after show parties, comedy nights, cabaret and theatre performances.

As part of a £1 million makeover, Sound By Design created a sound reinforcement system of four UP-4XP and four UPJ-1P loudspeakers for the diverse activities at the 350-capacity Elgar Room, with equipment supplied by Amber Sound.

“Our brief from the Royal Albert Hall was to create a flexible new performance space that would sound great,” says Griff Hewis of Sound By Design. “The UP-4XP fit perfectly for what I needed for the bar area, and allowed me to use an all-Meyer system to ensure high-quality sound for this space. It also provided logistical advantages as it can be powered from the rack-mounted power supply unit.”

As explained by Ollie Jeffery, senior technical manager at the Royal Albert Hall, the UP-4XP is the right match for the favored London landmark, which features a Meyer Sound M1D and M2D line array loudspeaker system in its main auditorium. “To have the first set of Meyer UP-4XPs in the UK was a priority for me when I considered the spec and I am more than happy with the way they sound,” says Jeffrey. “For the first time since the Hall’s opening in 1871 we have somewhere other that the main auditorium in which to host music and other events.”

The UP-4XP ensures a smooth high-frequency response with a single one-inch metal dome tweeter on a 100-degree conical horn. The three-channel amplifier package includes three class D amplifiers (500 W total), active crossover, and frequency and phase correction circuitry. The amplifiers are designed to store power in order to accommodate light-gauge wiring and long cable runs. In addition, very low heat emission allows trouble-free soffit mounting.

The MPS-488 48V external rack-mount power supply (sold separately) distributes power and audio to multiple UP-4XP loudspeakers. Other available options include weather protection, custom color finishes, and a U-bracket for wall and ceiling mounting.

The UP-4XP was originally conceived for LE RÊVE, the Franco Dragone production at the Wynn Las Vegas, and the prototypes are still in use.

Meyer Sound Website

Live Sound Top Stories