Sala Apolo sets sail for new horizons with Soundscape and KSL on Subscription-Series.
Sala Apolo is one of Barcelona’s most emblematic venues, a vibrantly evolving world of live performance, art and entertainment. More than seventy five years since it first opened as a dance hall, it has adapted to the city and its times, to become a noted reference hub for music of all kinds. A concert and nightclub hotspot, Sala Apolo has earned itself the title: ‘club of clubs’, and with that, a following that extends throughout Barcelona and beyond.
As for many venues, quality of sound here is considered fundamental. For Sala Apolo it’s not just a question of listening quality but maximising its programming potential, to be as prepared as possible for all events. Now, with a Soundscape ready KSL line array system newly installed using d&b’s latest commercial tool - Subscription-Series - Sala Apolo has confidently put itself ahead of the game.
In a nutshell, Subscription-Series gives venues access to the complete d&b product range via a monthly fee. The agreement includes the design and installation of a tailored audio solution, plus a maintenance contract for servicing, and remote monitoring of the system.
With KSL installed the sound is now both remarkably clear and powerful, without the one affecting the other. The system’s cardioid design and constant directivity control across the entire frequency range have solved the venue’s two key issues: controlling the reverberant field, and reducing the sonic impact on the neighbourhood.
But the benefits don’t end with KSL. Guijarro’s vision for the venue included being the first Soundscape-ready room in Spain.
Adding Soundscape to their wish list was made easy with Subscription-Series. Alongside a monthly fee, venues have the option to add additional components as and when they need to, only paying for them when they’re actually put to use. This is the case in Sala Apolo’s big room; a Soundscape ‘pre-installation’ now exists, including all the necessary wiring and switches to incorporate extra boxes, and Soundscape’s central hardware, the DS100 Signal Matrix.
In keeping with its reputation, Sala Apolo’s audio renovation has left it ready for anything: high performance, rider-friendly sound and all the creative and technical manoeuvring you can imagine - in a physically and technologically long lasting package. “Add to that, our room technicians have confirmed that d&b is one of the best performance brands,” says Apolo’s Technical Director, Jordi Martin, “standing out for unique sound, and for meeting the highest quality expectations in the world.”
Seventy five years later and Sala Apolo is at the threshold of another history-defining moment, during what is arguably one of the most uncertain times for live performance venues globally.