EAW Powers New Russian Culture Complex

As the ancient Russian city of Yaroslavl was celebrating its 1,000th anniversary, a new cultural entertainment complex called Hill Hall was opening in its midst.

Built on an area of 3,000 sq. m., it combines bars, a dance floor, five billiard tables, eight lanes of bowling, and the Gorka retro nightclub, all wrapped up in striking hi-tech urban architecture that blends into the landscape of the historic city centre.

Patrons can climb to the top of the pitched roof, which will be used as a hill slope for skiing in the winter -- hence the name -- and in summer as an amphitheatre for concerts.

EAW components have been used throughout the complex, as part of an installation carried out by EAW's Russia distributor, MS-Max.

Open seven days a week, much of the activity at Hill Hall takes place inside Gorka where the dance system has been constructed around eight EAW KF730 line array loudspeakers (hung in two arrays of four), with six ground-stacked BH760 subs. This is supported by JFL210 compact line array side fill hangs, six LA212 full-range speakers (for the chill-out area, bars, and general surround) and three JFX100s. In addition, three MicroSubs, and further JF60 and JF80s serve the various VIP areas. Finally, five black SMS1990 surface mount speakers provide ancillary coverage in the toilets and Jacuzzi.

A generous stage monitoring provision includes EAW's MicroWedge series -- and consists of four MW12 five MW15s and a further pair of LA212s, which were designed to double as stage wedges.

The system is powered by a variety of amplifiers, including EAW CAZ Series and takes advantage of EAW's sophisticated rack-mount UX8800 and DX1208 digital processors.

This forms part of a full stage and backline spec, including an industry-standard DJ set up, full video projection and mixing - and a stage lighting rig.

The Bowling, Sports Bar and Billiards areas contain further quantities of EAW SB120 compact 12in sub, SMS4990, SMS4s, FR159, and CIS300 compact 4" ceiling speakers. EAW CAZ series and DX1208 processing are again at the heart of the control.

Upstairs on the ground floor is a city café and European restaurant, while further up at roof level are the children's playground and ski hill. These areas are also well populated with EAW equipment in the form of CIS300, CIS400, SMS2990, SMS4 loudspeakers and CAZ and DX1208 control.

The construction company had been extremely cautious in the development stage as the new cultural and entertainment centre is located in the heart of the UNESCO protected area - however the architects guaranteed that none of the natural landscape would be sacrificed as a result.