The Ko Shan Theatre in Hong Kong, China has installed MINA line array loudspeakers to upgrade its long-standing Meyer Sound system. Used to discreetly support a schedule of Cantonese opera productions, the compact MINA system was chosen for the 1,031-seat theatre due to its low profile, as it was important to theatre management that the system had zero visibility.
“The MINA system has been more than just a technology upgrade – it has truly transformed our entire audio operation and system workflow,” said Yeung Tsz Yung, the theatre’s resident deputy technical manager. “We are very impressed, and truly appreciate the support Meyer Sound provided before, during, and after the installation.”
Aesthetics proved to be one of the project’s most significant challenges. “The MINA arrays are hung within cave-like concrete compartments, and concealed behind black mesh cloth – the same fabric that Meyer Sound uses on its cinema surround loudspeakers,” explained Brian Chow of Audio Dynamic, Meyer Sound’s Hong Kong dealer. “The compartments are small, narrow, and an odd, asymmetrical shape. The arrays are small enough to fit, and yet they still provide enough power to compete with the exceptionally loud Cantonese opera percussion.”
The MINA system replaces a system of CQ Series loudspeakers. “The previous Meyer Sound system sounded very good, so we were confident that the new system would meet our expectations,” said Chow. “Now with MINA, we have incredible accuracy, definition, and headroom – it has totally changed our way of mixing. We are constantly discovering new ways to improve the audio in our shows.”
Chow pointed to the new system’s self-powered design as another benefit. “With the building’s new construction, we were left with very little space, and very tight spaces to run conduit for speaker cables,” he said. “Because MINA is self-powered, it enabled us to save space and not have to worry about an amplifier rack and cabling.”
The LCR configuration comprises hidden left and right arrays of six MINA loudspeakers each, a centre array of eight M1D line array loudspeakers, and two 700-HP subwoofers concealed in the ceiling rigging. Six MM-4XP self-powered loudspeakers provide front fill, and three UPA-1P loudspeakers cover the balcony. A Galileo Callisto loudspeaker management system with two Galileo Callisto 616 array processors provides drive and alignment.
The Ko Shan Theatre opened in 1983 as a 3,000-seat, semi-open-air venue. After several years of struggling with weather and noise issues, the theatre was completely redesigned, reopening in 1996 as an indoor venue.
