The new Golden Hall of the Public Open University Ogulin is designed as a multi-functional hall that will be used as a theater, concert and cinema hall. In order to achieve such functionality, the client was looking for an integrated solution that could easily and quickly repurpose the hall for the desired function. Thus, by reviewing the project and the cost sheet, we offered devices from our distribution that met all the criteria with their characteristics. Procurement is divided by project into sound system, cinema system, internal communication system and stage lighting system. The hall of PUO Ogulin consists of a stage, an auditorium where the stage directing (audio-lighting) is located and a cinema operator cabin outside the hall with a cinema projector.

Cinema and sound system:

The sound system in the hall is designed as a two-part system consisting of the general sound system for the main space (for theater and concert use) and additional cinema surround sound system, which will be used in addition to the general sound system during cinema projections. For the general sound system, we implemented an RCF line array system consisting of 8 RCF HDL 26-A active line array modules, positioned in a hanging array, 4 left and 4 right next to the stage and 4 modules centrally behind the cinema projection screen on the stage, which are used during cinema projections. The line array system is completed with two RCF SUB 9006-AS bass reflex active subwoofers, specification of 2 x 18” woofers with a power of 3600 W RMS and 142 dB maximum SPL. The B sound plan, which is located on the stage behind the background curtain of the stage, consists of two RCF NX 32-A digital active DSP multipurpose speakers. RCF ART 932-A digital active FIR DSP professional speakers are intended for monitoring purposes on the stage, which will be used on the stage as floor monitors during concert use of the hall. Since HDL-26 A and SUB 9006-AS can be controlled via RDNet remote control, there is RDnet Control 2, a master unit that serves for monitoring and control.  The general sound system is controlled by an Allen&Heath SQ-7 48-channel digital audio mixer located in the stage directing, in the auditorium. For theater and concert use, Audix wireless, instrument and headset microphones were supplied. For wireless use we have deliver Audix AP62 OM5 (wireless microphone set with two handheld OM5 microphones), Audix AP62 BP (R62 base with two B60 bodypack transmitters) and Audix HT5 (headset omnidirectional condenser microphones in beige color). To sound the instruments and vocals we delivered Audix DP Elite 8 (eight-piece studio microphone set for drums), Audix I5 (multipurpose dynamic microphones), Audix OM3 (multipurpose vocal and instrumental dynamic vocal microphones), Audix ADX20IP (condenser clip-on instrumental microphone), Audix A131 (large diaphragm condenser microphones ideal for vocals, choir, piano, acoustic instruments and directing), Audix M1250B (miniature cardioid condenser microphone) and Audix MG15 (condenser miniature microphone on flexible neck). For easier connectivity, we implemented professional Radial Engineering DI boxes , J48 Stereo (active DI box with phantom power), JDI (passive DI box) and EXO-POD (passive broadcast splitter with 10 XLR and 4 3.5 mm outputs, which serves to transmit signals during television or conference transmissions). In addition to the aforementioned audio systems in the hall, the client also requested a portable audio system that will not be permanently installed and that can be used for outdoor use. For this purpose we chose RCF EVOX JMIX8, active two-way portable array system with built-in 8-channel mixer (8×2” satellite and 12” subwoofer) and RCF EVOX J8, which together form a portable stereo audio system. In order to be able to use even more channels on this portable system, a TASCAM Model 16 analog mixer with a multi-channel recorder was delivered, and for easier control and monitoring we chose Audix A150 studio reference headphones. For the purposes of reproducing music, an Omnitronic XDP-3002 double CD player was supplied.

The cinema cabin of the Open University of Ogulin is the heart of the cinema system and it houses the Christie CP2309-RGB laser cinema projector. Christie projector is equipped with RealLaser™ technology and CineLife™ electronics, which offers up to 9000 lumens of brightness and over 95% Rec. 2020 color range. With a contrast ratio of 2000:1, the projector provides a flawless image and vivid colors. With the projector we implemented Christie IMB-S3 media server together with a NAS network drive for movie storage. We placed the cinema projector on the Christie floor projector support, which is also a rack cabinet. In that rack cabinet there is a Xilica Solaro FR1 processor together with Xilica Xtouch 80 a wall-mounted LCD control panel, through which it is possible to easily change the operating mode of the sound system from general concert to cinema mode. For the needs of cinema surround sound, 16 LW 7501 surround sound passive boxes were implemented in the hall, and they are connected to four RCF IPS 2.K 2500 W class H amplifiers 2×1250 W RMS. The cinema surround sound system is “powered” by Dolby Cinema Processor CP950. This processor provides Dolby Surround sound in 5.1 and 7.1 format.

Internal communication system:

Intercom system desk is the main communication tool during theater performances and is the main part of the internal communication system. It enables a direct sound connection between stage manager and the technical operatives of the play (eg with the sound engineer or lighting technician) and is usually located next to the stage. This desk facilitates communication with the performers in the dressing rooms, allowing for announcements regarding their entrance onto the stage. It features a central unit that supports communication across multiple distinct channels. By selecting a specific channel, the stage manager can connect with a designated room, such as a dressing room or control room. Additionally, the desk is equipped to input audio and video signals, which are typically utilized to capture the play’s tone. This audio is then transmitted to the actors’ dressing rooms, enhancing their understanding of the on-stage action by providing them with direct sound from the performance.

For the needs of the POU Ogulin hall, we implemented an internal communication system, and the central part of system is the intercom system desk composed of Clear-Com MS-704 4 channel intercom device, Clear-Com GM-18 microphone, RCF UP 8504 installation amplifier and RCF PR 4093 preamplifiers. RCF amplifiers along with RCF DM61 wall-mounted sound boxes (which are located in the rehearsal hall) are used to communicate with the actors and Audix ADX40 miniature hanging microphone is enabling sound reproduction from the main hall. Communication between stage manager, stage directing and cinema booth of POU is realized with Clear-Com KB-702 remote intercom stations and Clear-Com RS-702 portable intercom audio interface, and to make communication even better, we delivered Clear-Com CC-400-X4 headphones with microphone. To facilitate the stage manager’s ability to monitor the activities on stage Lumens VC-BC601P 1080p IP Box Camera is directly linked to the intercom desk, providing a live-streamed view of the stage from the auditorium.

Stage lighting system:

POU Ogulin Golden hall has been imagined as a versatile hall intended for hosting a variety of events on stage. Consequently, the client sought a solution for stage lighting that would adequately cater to both theatrical performances and concert requirements. So we opted to implement traditional static theater lighting complemented by advanced intelligent moving lights. The stage lighting was installed on the specified lighting hoist located on the stage, as well as on the walk-through lighting bridge (portal bridge of the stage) and the lighting bridge above the auditorium.

On the inner part of the stage there are three lighting hoists that can be mechanically raised and lowered in height. On the last one, we implemented 12 CLF Hera LED lighting devices that serve as background lighting. The CLF Hera comes with 12 high output LEDs and outstandingly smooth mixing and dimming of RGBWAUV colors. It provides rich colors and subtle pastel tones through a beam angle of 30 degrees. The devices on the first and second lighting hoist, as well as the lighting on the portal bridge, are used as the main lighting on the stage. We implemented a combination of static Prolights EclProfile FS and Prolights EclFresnel TW, profile and fresnel reflectors with Robe LEDBeam 350 moving head devices.  Prolights EclProfile FS is an ellipsoidal full color LED lighting, designed to deliver a full range of pastel, saturated and white tones, source 91x3W RGB + lime LED. For the fresnel solution, we decided on the Prolights EclFresnel TW reflector LED 260W source, which offers mixing of 6 colors with high-precision reproduction of the white spectrum from 2800 to 10000 K with a high color rendering index. The motorized ROBE LEDBeam 350 is a WashBeam moving head device, with a 12x40W RGBW source and a zoom range from 3.8° to 60°. Since the device is extremely quiet, thanks to the advanced cooling system and super smooth zoom, it is ideal for theater use.  As a lighting front, on the lighting bridge above the auditorium, we implemented Prolights EclFresnel 2KTW and the previously described EclProfile FS profile reflector. Prolights EclFresnel 2KTW is the “bigger brother” of the previously described EclFresnel TW, and the difference is almost twice as strong source of 500W. In addition to lighting devices we delivered Look Solution Unique 2.1 haze generator, which is ideal for highlighting and supporting lighting effects.

In order to make the system complete and to be able to manage it, the MA Lighting grandMA3 onPC command wing XT digital lighting control console was delivered. With grandMA3 onPC, users can control as many as 4096 parameters through the same interface as found in the full-size grandMA3 consoles. To facilitate smoother connections and DMX signal transmission, DMX converters and splitters have also been integrated.

In conclusion

Following the swift delivery and setup, stage equipment was launched in operation, and we conduct training sessions on how to utilize the system effectively. The new stage systems of POU Ogulin enable the flexibility and quality of execution of various programs, from educations to cultural events, and the Public Open University Ogulin continues its mission as a leading center of lifelong learning and cultural events.