Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall chooses d&b Audiotechnik Y-Series
The Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall (SMVRCH), an initiative of the Madras Seva Sadan now boasts
a state-of-the-art audio architecture from global pro audio brand d&b Audiotechnik, designed and
installed by Ansata who are the official distributors of d&b Audiotechnik in India. The d&b
Audiotechnik Y-Series provides bespoke aural reproduction for live concerts, theatrical productions
and lecture style presentations. SMVRCH is one of Chennai’s revered live performance spaces that
promotes, preserves and propagates all forms of art and culture- both Indian and international.
The concert hall is also equipped with state-of-the-art theatrical microphone systems from global
leaders DPA, mainly comprising multiple models from the d:fine series of headset microphones and
the d:screet series of miniature omnidirectional microphones; all of which were also provided by
Ansata.
SMVRCH now features a total of 12 units of the Yi8line array elements along with 4 units of the
larger format Yi10line array elements, together reproducing the mid and high frequencies, while a
total of 4 units of the actively driven Yi-Sub deliver the low frequency impact that brings the
performances to life. The entire loudspeaker setup is powered through 3 units of the sublime D80
power amplifiers.
Located in Chennai, the SMVRCH complex consists of a comfortable two level air-conditioned theatre
that boasts a lavish 1920 sq.ft. stage, an intriguing art school, a gallery/lounge in the basement
and a coffee shop for patrons to relax. Krish Kumar, a key member of the managing committee of SMVRCH,
commented on the quality and performance of the new d&b Audiotechnik rig and said, “The d&b
Audiotechnik Y-Series offers a really smooth and clean sound, plus the power to really impress
when required.”
“We were quite pleased with the performance of the audio system that was previously installed here.
We realized that integrating the space with d&b Audiotechnik would be far more beneficial to us,
not just because of the technological superiority of its products, but mainly because of its stellar
representation and service here through Leslie and his team at Ansata. Working closely with Ansata
has been extremely important on this project and having direct access to their product specific
expertise and onsite support has ensured a smooth and timely system rollout to the complete
satisfaction of everyone at the SMVRCH,” he further commented.
Leslie Lean, director of Ansata commented, “We would like to thank Krish and all of the committee
at Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall for choosing to entrust Ansata with the responsibility
of commissioning the concert hall with the kind of effective, powerful and high quality audio
system that it so richly deserves, and has finally found in the d&b Audiotechnik Y-Series. The
leadership is extremely dynamic with reference to the advanced technology, with a clear realization
of how using world class technology can only result in positive outcomes, and we’re grateful for all
the help and support that our team received from them during the entire process of commissioning.
I believe that is why the end result is such a magnificent sounding hall. It has been an honour for
us at team Ansata to have been of service to the SMVRCH and while we look forward to being of
service to them soon, we’re confident that their new d&b Y-Series system along with the DPA microphone
inventory will live up to every expectation.”
The luxuriously furnished concert hall has hosted some of the most elegant events in various forms
of art encompassing music, dance, recital, playwriting and more - from solo performances, to street
plays, to philharmonic orchestra ensembles including events hosted by the U.S. Consulate, Alliance
Francaise, Russian Cultural Center, in addition to gigs like the Hindu International Music Festival,
the KongMyong, ICCR, and the Ultimate Elton John and the Rockets tribute band performance in recent
times.