CODA Audio’s ViRAY line array is the centrepiece of a new sound system at Halle 32, a multi-purpose events venue housed in a former industrial hall in the German town of Gummersbach. The venue hosts a programme ranging from theatre productions and orchestral concerts to heavy metal gigs, and required a system capable of serving that full performance bandwidth.
Nine ViRAY dual 8in three-way line array cabinets are flown per side as mains – six at 80° and three at 120° – with six SCP dual 18in subwoofers configured in a cardioid arrangement for controlled bass distribution. Four HOPS7-Pro units handle near-field reinforcement, with two HOPS12i-Pro deployed as delays. The entire system is powered by CODA Audio’s LINUS DSP amplification.
The installation followed a manufacturer-neutral tender in which audio specialist Sascha Klein of Klein-Klang evaluated options across multiple system categories – from point sources to line arrays – using both acoustic simulation and live listening trials. The venue’s low ceiling height and long, narrow stone construction were identified as key spatial constraints.
Klein said: “Due to the spatial geometry of the room it was clear that not every sound concept could work equally well. The venue’s low ceiling height meant it was important to choose a system which could offer sufficient headroom whilst transporting the sound energy in a controlled manner over the length of the hall.”
Compact dimensions, controlled directivity over distance and flexible rigging were among the factors cited in CODA Audio’s favour, given that Halle 32 operates across different stage positions and event formats requiring rapid system reconfiguration.
Markus Gorges, a member of the installation team, added: “The stone construction of this long and narrow venue made the installation challenging, but these compact systems have a very natural sound characteristic, especially in the treble range, which is really clear and transparent. Customers are always amazed at how visually inconspicuous such a powerful system can be.”
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