Sovico’s Crowning Glory

Korea:

With its origins dating back to the Korean War, Kyung Hee University (KHU) is home to approximately 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students on three campuses. The original main campus located in the Dongdaemun District of Seoul extends over 990,000m² and includes the Crown Concert Hall within the College of Music. Following a successful tender process, Sovico System was commissioned to design, supply and install an extensive QSC loudspeaker system into the multipurpose venue as part of an overall upgrade.

From the creation of cable conduits to final commissioning in June 2020, Easyworks project manager Cha Min Suk and Sovico System manager Lee Seung Mok led a team of applications engineers within the 7.4m-height room. Used for both university and private hire functions, the Crown Music Hall can seat 720 patrons.

“Following demonstrations, the QSC AP series was selected by virtue of its high-power SPLs and even dispersion pattern,” explained Lee. “By offering a QSC Ecosystem of compatible products, we could offer system compatibility with added benefits.”

The ceiling-mounted FOH loudspeaker system comprises QSC AcousticPerformance two-way loudspeakers in an L-C-R configuration. The left and right 15-inch AP-5152 models producing a stereo image are balanced by a central 12-inch AP-5122 cabinet. An axisymmetric waveguide incorporated into the AP-5152 and AP-5122 designs provides accurate coverage over respective 75° and 90° angles, ensuring that the loudspeakers focus their energies on the audience seats rather than the lateral walls.

With a sensitivity rating of 96dB (1W@1m), the 31m x 24.5m venue requires no extra fill speakers, although the addition of two under-stage E218sw dual 18-inch subwoofers extend the lower frequencies down to 77Hz (–6dB) when required. “Although we added six AD-6 speakers into the wall as a surround effect, EASE modelling analysis concluded that the AP-5152 and AP-5122 models could comfortably provide even dispersion throughout the space. The client was happy with the cost saving involved.”

Performers and speakers benefit from a Shure QLXD4 wireless microphone system including Beta 87a handheld models. For monitoring the performances, a pair of QSC E-110 10-inch speakers are connected to stage input boxes. Ideal for smaller and crowded stages, the 300W-rated speaker is angled up at 55°, allowing it to be placed nearer the performing artist.

The entire passive loudspeaker system is powered by single 8K8 eight-channel and 4K8 four-channel CX-Q amplifiers. “Providing more than ample headroom with a total of 16,000W, just two CX-Q series of amplifiers saved us a lot of rack space,” furthered Lee. “Their inherent networking capabilities extend the control and monitoring capabilities of the Q-SYS Ecosystem.” The CX-Q 8K8 is capable of delivering customised power output loading and a total maximum power of up to 8,000W. Low-Z, 70V or 100V direct drive are available on all channels. These new models incorporate FlexAmp and FAST (Flexible Amplifier Summing Technology), which combine to provide flexible and efficient channel power distribution.

At the heart of the operations, Sovico Systems manager Chang Kyu Kim was tasked with programming the Q-Sys Core 110f software. “The client was enlightened to learn that in addition to providing the venue’s DSP, Q-Sys also extends to being a control platform,” commented Chang. “It’s flexible, cost-effective and simple to programme. In addition to providing all the DSP functionality such as EQ and delays, the Q-Sys Core 110f processor can route any input to any output.

Following installation, Sovico Systems briefed the client with regards to these added benefits. Consequently, the venue is routing the existing video projector, motorised screen and lighting controls through the Q-Sys Core processor and can add further screens or inputs in future should they be required.

Located in the rear control room, a compact QSC TouchMix-30 Pro audio mixer loaded with v2.0 software completes the QSC Ecosystem. With 32 input channels and 16 outputs, the touch-and-turn interface of TouchMix provides ease-of-use control over fader and mixer parameters from either a 10-inch multitouch touchscreen or traditional hardware. Mixer functions and displays are duplicated on an iOS iPad touchscreen over Wi-Fi, providing portable, wireless connectivity as well as additional control surfaces of mixer functionality. As the university hires out the hall for private parties from time to time, parameters can be locked, ensuring that the hirer cannot readjust the set parameters.

Now upgraded with a fully networkable QSC audio and control system, the Crown Concert Hall is looking to bask in glory for many years to come.