Sony Center Berlin

 

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Year: 2004
Customer: Sony/Tishman Speyer  Sony/Tishman Speyer
Services: Planning, Simulation, Measurements of the whole audio system and fibre optical distribution network

The Sony Center Forum in Berlin is a popular public with cafes, apartments and offices.
In 2003, it was decided to install a large and bright LED screen to make the Forum yet more attractive.
It was unclear if a loudspeaker system would make sense at all; private apartments close to the screen required low sound immissions according to German law.
was involved to study the possibilities and, if possible, design a system which would allow sufficient levels throughout the Forum without disturbing the neighbours.

The possibilities were extensively studied with a CATT-Acoustic model.
The numerical results of the study did not allow a clear recommendation due to the subjective nature of listening; for this reason auralizations were computed and mixed with background noise recorded on site.
These sound files allowed the client to get a vivid and subjective impression of the legally allowed sound pressure levels in the Forum and led to a decision for a loudspeaker system.
was further involved to determine the final design including all audio processing and distribution.

To obtain maximum separation between the audience area and the critical neighbour window, the use of DSP-controlled line-arrays was absolutely necessary. Four Duran-Audio Intellivox loudspeakers were finally installed. The system is controlled by a digital mainframe controlling operation times and levels; signal distribution is via CobraNet and a fibre optical network.

Since the installation, the system is running daily and meeting the client's expectations. For special events with exempt permits for higher levels, the system has been used for classical music, watching soccer games and other sports for up to 3000 people and much more.