Database tech company D&B audiotechnik aligns with 'Fiddler on the Roof', facilitating its stage production.
In a recent production of Fiddler on the Roof at the Barbican Theatre, the sound team opted for the D&B CCL system, a compact, efficient, and lightweight solution that offers directivity control and low-frequency cardioid performance, similar to the SL-Series.
The two main hangs, each consisting of 12 CCL8 cabinets (80-degree dispersion) and 4 CCL12s (120-degree dispersion), were complemented by a centre cluster of 4 CCL12s for down-fill and 6 CCL Subs for LF reinforcement. This configuration provided a balanced and consistent sound coverage throughout the auditorium.
The CCL system's cardioid performance was particularly beneficial, helping to even out the differences between microphone systems used for the 27 cast members. The rear rejection of the CCL system also played a role in equalizing the level and clarity differences between miniature boom and lavalier microphones.
Sound designer Nick Lidster, who had a positive experience with the XSL cardioid system, was happy to try the CCL system for this production. He was confident that it would deliver clear and consistent sound coverage. The production sound engineer, Larry Golland, found the CCLs to be nice and easy to rig and fly.
The CCL system is suitable for a wider range of smaller, more intimate applications, making it an ideal choice for the Barbican Theatre. The practical advantages of the CCL system include flying and mounting accessories, and carts, which further enhanced its suitability for the production.
Each of the two main hangs was powered by just two of D&B's 4-channel D40 amplifiers per side, one channel per pair of cabinets, demonstrating the system's efficiency. The Autograph team, as an experienced, long-term customer of D&B, required little support from the manufacturer.
A selection of d&b Y7P and Y10P point source cabinets were used for the gallery truss system and side-fills, providing additional sound reinforcement. The team obtained a 3D CAD file of the Barbican Theatre via D&B's ArrayCalc software, ensuring a precise and optimal system design.
The CCLs looked very neat and the right scale in the Barbican Theatre, contributing to the overall success of the production's sound design. The D&B CCL system proved to be a versatile and effective solution for delivering clear and consistent sound in the Barbican Theatre, demonstrating its potential for future productions.
