Amadeus has started shipping a new horn-loaded point source speaker series, initially engineered for the Paris-based Théâtre National de Chaillot and unveiled at Prolight+Sound this year. Designed by Amadeus, the new C Series is a high-definition series of point source speaker systems combining Amadeus’ deepest innovation and technology.
Initially designed and manufactured specifically for the Paris-based Théâtre National de Chaillot (Chaillot National Theater), which houses the most prestigious dance and theater companies from Europe and throughout the world, the C Series (‘C’ is a tribute to Chaillot) is Amadeus’ latest speaker innovation. The new speaker series started shipping in May 2018.
The Firmin Gémier Hall. Visible on the stage, a C15 atop his sub. © Yoann Fitoussi.
The C Series comprises two different models, with plans for other models in a near future.
– The C12 is based on a 2-way point source transducer featuring a 12-inch woofer, and a 1.75-inch driver.
– The C15 is based on a 3-way point source transducer featuring a 15-inch woofer. The C 15 also features two neodymium diaphragm compression HF drivers, coaxially mounted with a single acoustical output, and coupled to an individual waveguide.
Both models include a unique diffraction horn, each is specific and optimized to get a vertical dispersion of 60° and a horizontal dispersion of 90°, which can be inverted by rotating the system 90-degrees. This type of load ensures a perfectly uniform coverage and an excellent spectral quality throughout the whole listening area.
The C15 showing his BMS triaxial transducer whose mid/high section is a pure joy.
Facing the fountains of Trocadéro, the Tour Eiffel, and the Champs de Mars, the Théâtre National de Chaillot is a masterpiece of Art Deco architecture. Dreamed up by Jean Vilar, created by Georges Wilson in 1967 and named in homage to Firmin Gémier who created the Théâtre National Populaire, (People’s National Theater), the Firmin Gémier Hall has re-opened after 4-years of construction and renovations.
Completely remodeled with a vast 180-square-meter floor space, a 390-seat retractable bench, and state-of-the-art technical equipment – featuring a dozen of the new specifically-created Amadeus C15 Series speakers among many other high-tech sound breakthroughs – Firmin Gémier Hall has become a flexible space, ideal for artistic creation, with an abundance of possibilities and inventiveness.
“Given the very specific acoustical characteristics of the Firmin Gémier Hall, installing a conventional point-source system was not an option. We tried testing several two-way ‘coaxial’ systems, most notably the PMX 15 speakers, already used in the Jean Vilar Hall.
The BMS triaxial transducer found by chance in a PL+S hall.
They also were not what we needed, due to their wide conical (H80° x V80°) directivity and the expansion shape of their waveguide,” explains Marc Piera, Sound Department Manager at Théâtre National de Chaillot.
“Indeed, the very diverse types of events staged in the venue, the near-systematic use of multiple sources, sometimes immersive, coupled to a high level of natural hall reverberation meant it was necessary to resort to a system offering controlled directivity over a wide spectral band.
Also, the top of tier position of the last row of seats, fifteen meters away from the tip of the stage and nearly twenty-five meters away from the faraway back of the stage, rendered the use of a stereo ‘line source’ system irrelevant, even if more directive, given the associated heavy losses on the spatial aspect of sound program material.”
From left to right Michel Deluc, the head of Amadeus’ R&D, Gaëtan Byk, the Marketing manager and Thierry Coduys, a real specialist in new audio technologies, non-conventional PA systems but also musician. He can speak about the Holophonix new audio processor like nobody else.
Piera continues, “As already mentioned, a traditional line source system, with constant or variable curvature, placed in a classical configuration, would inevitably have affected the sources’ localization, according to Haas’ effect.
In the 1940s, this German scientist established that a source’s localization is given by the direction of the first sound reaching the ear (direct sound). If the difference between the spectator’s position, the primary source and the secondary source grows, this effect becomes stronger.”
“Which is why we participated to the development of a new type of speakers designed by Amadeus, that features a tri-axial transducer (three ways mounted on the same axis), including two compression drivers inherited from the MHF section of the DIVA M2 array system,” adds Piera.
The specific cabinet shape due to the deep magnet of the BMS triple transducer. Small volume often means less bass extension except in this case, the C15 can reach 65 Hz at -3 dB.
Michel Deluc, Amadeus’ Director of Research & Development, says, “The tweeter in the new C15 features a unique combination of extended frequency response, high efficiency, and wide dispersion pattern.
The driver is a 2-way system, employing two concentric annular ring diaphragms. Each driver covers a smaller frequency range for increased power handling, high dynamic, and extremely low distortion. The larger annular midrange diaphragm, featuring a 3.5-inch (90mm) voice coil, covers the frequency range between 800 and 6 500 Hz with a smooth, linear response.
The ultra-light annular diaphragm for the high range, featuring a 1,75-inch (45 mm) voice coil, offers exceptional transient response with very high efficiency from 6,000 to 22,000 Hz.” “The wide diffraction horn, optimized for a horizontal dispersion of 90° and a vertical dispersion of 60° allows for a control over directivity that extends to 800 Hz, a very high signal to noise ratio, and an optimized ‘reach’, compared to ordinary coaxial systems,” continues Deluc.
“I fully believe this technology will find uses in the many theater venues presenting similar acoustical challenges, and also in cases where directivity control over a wide spectral band is necessary, without adverse effects on spatial information,” concludes Piera.
For more information on the new “C Series” speakers, please contact Amadeus: [email protected] or visit the Amadeus website
Text: Amadeus - Photos : Ludovic Monchat, Amadeus, Théâtre de Chaillot
