Genelec Smart IP puts the Christmas sound in Santa Claus's village in Lapland

Santa's magical house and workshop in Finland now has the sound of Smart IP speakers from Genelec, with layered audio and precise equipment positioning, to guide visitors during their immersive Christmas tour.

Located in the northernmost region of Finland, Lapland has become the cultural capital of everything related to Christmas. A 180 Km. north of the Arctic Circle, is found Tonttula elf village, where the magic of the Christmas holidays comes to life.

In the heart of the town, Visitors are greeted with an immersive tour of Santa's home and workshop, located in the Santa Visitor Center, where a sound system Genelec Smart IP envelops visitors in the Christmas spirit.

How do you explain Henri Ulmanen, Genelec sales engineer, “Audio plays a crucial role in the sensory experience: guide visitors through every moment, so it had to be completely immersive to create an atmosphere of magic and wonder”.

This vision required a full background music coverage, along with sound effects located, dialogues and narrations when necessary, without overloading the Christmas visual spectacle.

Ulmanen designed a Genelec Smart IP system, brand that sells Audio-Technica, composed of several speaker models to ensure that the immersive experience reached its full potential.

“Different models were chosen for each area, adapted to space and audio needs. In the large cafe and gift shop, eighteen speakers 4430 provide extensive coverage and a cheerful musical background, keeping the center lively for shopping and dining”.

In the Santa Claus House and the Gift Lab, six discrete Smart IP speakers 4410 enhance the rustic setting with warm, upbeat music to reinforce the homely atmosphere. “Its compact size is perfect for this space, given that they are hidden and they don't bother, while offering clarity and coverage for background music.”.

In the so-called Great Hall audio plays a more central role in bringing the magic to life, where four Smart IP speakers 4420 are placed about projection screens. “This space relies heavily on sound effects and dialogue due to the talking tree, which is located in the center of the room, and comes to life with the sound of his rich and powerful voice, that envelops visitors in its exciting Christmas story”.

An impressive visual spectacle is projected on the screens that, along with the audio, captivates both children and adults. “Since the tree is the focal point of the room, The audio had to be clear and localized. To intensify the output, was placed a subwoofer Genelec 3440 behind the tree, which ensures that your voice is heard above all other elements”, points out.

The Finnish specialists in audiovisual systems ApplyLight Oy, who were already involved in the lighting and video of the project, were responsible for integrating the Genelec speakers into the overall system.

“The Great Hall, with your projections, layered lighting and sound, It was our main objective - he points out Tommi Park, de ApplyLight-. We use multitrack mixing to combine the audio effects with the narration of the talking tree, making the story more vibrant”.

To ensure smooth operation, ApplyLight designed a simple tablet interface for tour guides, allowing them to activate the technology through portable devices while visitors enjoyed the experience.

Technology is used to manage all audiovisual elements. Q-SYS that interoperates with Genelec Smart IP through the red Dante. “We also have the help of Smart IP Manager, that allowed us configure each speaker individually and sync accurately delays, configure multitracks and even control elements such as the dimming of the LED screens”, adds Puisto.

The audio, Power and control are transmitted through a single CAT6 cable, what makes the system efficient, profitable and future-proof, while remaining virtually invisible to visitors.

Since its installation, asegura Park, “There have been no problems with the sound and the speakers have guaranteed an atmosphere of joy and fun. Working with the Genelec Smart IP series has been easy and rewarding, since it has allowed us to offer a reliable system, flexible and truly magical for visitors”.