Monash University installs first Constellation system in performing arts space

The Constellation system, installed in the Alexander Theater, consists of three elements: ambient acoustic detection, high-resolution digital processing using the patented VRAS acoustic algorithm and distribution of early reflections and reverberant signals with more than 150 speakers.

The Alexander Theater Monash University and Melbourne (Australia) has a system Meyer Sound Constellation that allows you to host all types of shows and events with the greatest acoustic efficiency.

Originally designed and built for spoken theater performances, With the new equipment this space is capable of offering concerts of both acoustic and amplified music, thanks also to the Leopard equipment that has been installed in addition.

This is the first Constellation system to be installed in a performing arts venue in Australia.

With a capacity for 561 seats and 50 years old, The Alexander Theater needed a complete renovation, which was promoted by Professor Paul Grabowsky, who, in addition to serving as executive director of the Academy of Performing Arts of the University, He is a renowned jazz pianist and film composer., television and opera.

The rehabilitation project faced the difficulty that the physical space did not have adequate acoustics for musical shows., so those responsible for the university hired the international consulting firm Arup to evaluate possible solutions.

“They gave us two options., one was to create a suitable acoustic environment for music through physical means; that is to say, through the use of materials and slightly reconfiguring the space. However, It didn't matter what could be done in this regard., could never be excellent acoustically due to existing limitations in the building structure. The other was to install an active acoustic system”, says Grabowski..

The Constellation system, installed in the Alexander Theater, consists of three elements: ambient acoustic detection, high-resolution digital processing using the patented VRAS acoustic algorithm and distribution of early reflections and reverberant signals with more than 150 speakers.

For environmental detection, 16 compact cardioid microphones on stage, 16 miniature in the auditorium and eight omnidirectional at the edge of the orchestra pit.

Processing is carried out using a D-Mitri digital audio platform with 18 input and output modules, core processing and creation of acoustic presets. The speaker system is complemented by 133 Meyer Sound full range systems (MM-4XP, UPM-1XP, UP-4XP y UPJunior-XP) along with 19 compact subwoofers (UMS-1XPSM y MM-10XP).

Like all Constellation speakers, they are self-powered and receive discrete, dedicated input signals from D-Mitri., The hardware component also provides a dynamic and immersive sound environment thanks to Meyer Sound's SpaceMap 3D panning software.

Using SpaceMap with Constellation infrastructure enables dynamic movement of multiple sounds in three dimensions throughout the auditorium.

In the first months since reopening, Alexander Theater has used Constellation to optimize acoustics for a wide range of events, including acoustic musical ensembles, musical theater and amplified concerts, as well as conferences and talks. Two notable events were a recital by famous pianist Stephen Hough and a recording session by jazz great, Branford Marsalis.

To offer amplified concerts, The theater has a reinforcement system composed of 12 Leopard line array cabinets along with six 900-LFC subwoofers and eight MM-4XP compact loudspeakers for frontfill.