One of Europe’s most desirable aprés-ski venues, L’Abarset, recently completed the installation of a d&b audiotechnik sound system, including a NoizCalc package, selected for its suitability for the locale – as the spectacular mountainside location’s strict residential noise regulations mean that off-site sound levels are taken very seriously.
Sitting in the mountain-ringed principality of Andorra, serving the clientele of the Pyrenees’ largest ski resort, Grandvalira, L’Abarset is known for fine-dining and parties. With a busy program of late-night DJs and live music throughout the ski season, it needs to balance its entertainment reputation with environmental responsibility.
Sound reinforcement was needed both inside the venue, in the restaurant area, and out on the terrace where revellers gather to enjoy the performances. Inside, d&b 8S point source and 18S compact subwoofers were installed. Outside, point sources again prove valuable with V Series and Y Series in combination, with B6 Subs hidden within space’s architecture. All are powered by 40D amplifiers and system control is via R1 remote control software and an R90 touchscreen.
Ibiza-based technical production company, Onlivelighting, led by Toni Prats and Toni Torres, headed up the project. “We chose d&b because it’s rider friendly and meets the DJ’s demands,” explained Prats. “We wanted to seamlessly integrate the loudspeakers into the unique architecture and to do so we used a distributed sound system for even sound coverage, where they will have less visual impact.”
At the same time, they had to be aware of how the sound would spread off-site, away from the partying punters. “We had to pay special attention to any potential effect on the natural environment,” said Prats. The answer was d&b’s unique NoizCalc package. “With the d&b NoizCalc software, we could ensure that the environmental noise pollution would be minimal.”
Torres added: “The NoizCalc analysis included all the areas adjacent to the space, including hotels and nearby residential areas. It showed us that we had the biggest problem in the area farthest away on the other side of the valley.”
The insights derived from NoizCalc allowed the Onlivelighting team to optimise the system accordingly. “It led to us adding point sources in order to reduce the pressure of the main system while achieving the same pressure in the listening area,” said Torres.
“Thanks to the great dispersion control of both the V and Y point source cabinets, we can optimise very effectively where we want to avoid noise,” he continued. “We also work actively with the R1 to correct the system according to the rather extreme weather conditions in L’Abarset.”
