DB Audio Technology links up with 'Fiddler on the Roof' musical production

The sound system for the recent production of "Fiddler on the Roof" at the Barbican Theatre was a collaboration between Nick Lidster and d&b audiotechnik. While the specific individual responsible for the sound system solution wasn't explicitly named, the involvement of d&b audiotechnik indicates their technology and expertise played a key role in the production.

Nick Lidster, an experienced sound designer, had a positive experience with d&b's XSL cardioid system in the past. For "Fiddler on the Roof", he chose d&b's CCL (Compact Cardioid Line Array) system, a system suitable for a wider range of smaller, more intimate applications.

The CCL system offered practical advantages, including flying and mounting accessories, and carts, as part of d&b's 'system reality' approach. The production also included d&b Y7P and Y10P point source cabinets for the gallery truss system and side-fills.

The level and clarity differences between the two types of microphone systems is, to an extent, equalized by the CCL system. Lidster employed a mix of miniature boom and lavalier microphones for the 27 cast members, and the rear rejection from the PA helped to even out the difference between them.

The two main arrays, each of 16 CCL8 cabinets and 4 CCL12s, were complemented by a centre cluster of 4 CCL12s for down-fill and 6 CCL Subs for LF reinforcement. The two main hangs were powered by just two of d&b's 4-channel D40 amplifiers per side, one channel per pair of cabinets.

The CCL system provides directivity control and low-frequency cardioid performance, similar to the SL-Series, but in a more compact, lightweight, and efficient system. Lidster was confident that the CCL system would deliver clear and consistent sound coverage throughout the auditorium.

The Autograph team, an experienced, long-term customer of d&b, required little support from the manufacturer. They reached out to d&b to obtain a 3D CAD file of the Barbican Theatre via d&b's ArrayCalc software. The production sound engineer, Larry Golland, found the CCLs to be nice and easy to rig and fly.

In summary, the choice of d&b's CCL system for "Fiddler on the Roof" at the Barbican Theatre was a strategic decision that offered practical advantages, equalized level and clarity differences, and delivered clear and consistent sound coverage throughout the auditorium.