An array of technology from K-array, including slim-profile loudspeakers and amplifiers, upgraded the audio at the Bucharest National Opera House, a cornerstone of Romania’s cultural heritage. The project focused on enhancing performance whilst preserving the venue’s historic interiors.
Previously, the venue relied largely on rented live sound systems. Oftentimes bulky and not suitable as a permanent solution, these systems risked detracting from the old-world grandeur of the space and distracting audiences. The opera house team collaborated with local distributor and integrator, Senia, to implement a permanent K-array solution.
The main PA system features twelve Kayman KY102X loudspeakers, with six units per side, designed to give even sound distribution. K-array says that, to provide deep, resonant bass, four Thunder KS3P I subwoofers were suspended from the ceiling, with four more units available on dollies for flexible positioning based on the performance and event requirements.
Audio coverage at the balcony level is achieved with six additional Kayman KY102X loudspeakers. Front-fill is provided by the Anakonda KAN200+ loudspeakers, which are discreetly mounted to the front of the stage, delivering audio to those sitting closest to the action.
The entire system is powered by Kommander KA208 and KA104 amplifiers, allowing the venue’s technicians to control and monitor system performance through the K-Framework 3 software.
Custom RAL-coloured finishes were applied to the wall-mounted Kayman loudspeakers, blending them into the opera house’s interior design. Senia added a separate Pinnacle system in the lobby for smaller-scale events and gatherings.
To address the acoustic challenges of multiple balconies and highly reverberant surfaces, K-array and Senia’s team opted for a cardioid-suspended subwoofer configuration, which is designed to allow for better control over low-frequency dispersion whilst minimising unwanted low-frequency energy on stage.
Ionut Mavrichi, marketing director, at Senia, said: “One of the key challenges we faced at the opera house was balancing the requirements for a high-performance audio system with the need to maintain the original architecture and features of the venueK-array’s slim-profile loudspeakers were carefully selected for their ability to blend seamlessly into the environment.”
