Case Study - Friedrichtstadtpalast

Modernisation of the electroacoustic systems in the Friedrichstadtpalast (2008)

The project: The Friedrichstadtpalast in Berlin is an unparalleled revue theatre - with its 3,000m² performance space, a visible stage of 2,144m², a 24m-wide proscenium arch and an auditorium that seats 1,895, it has the largest theatre stage in the world. Comprehensive structural improvements to the room acoustics and modernisation of the electroacoustic systems were scheduled in the course of a technical facelift for the building control systems. The job had to be completed in the summer of 2008 before the new season began.

The challenge: To come up with a new concept for the whole configuration of electroacoustic sound reinforcement in both the auditorium and the stage area that was up to date and delivered what the modern ear expects. Two particular factors that had to be taken into account were the different types of stage production, requiring a great deal of flexibility in the configuration of the loudspeaker systems, and the unusual geometry caused by the stage projecting well into the auditorium.

The solution: The first step was to modernise the electro-acoustic system based on the outcome of room acoustic measurements by Müller-BBM. Time and budgetary limitations meant that recommendations could only be considered if they delivered significant improvements. A particular focus was rows 1 to 7 in the proscenium area where the directional sound perception needed to be changed. Special near-field speakers have made a considerable improvement here.