Funktion-One reflects on 2011

Audio Pro International takes a look back over an exciting 12 months for award-winning audio specialist Funktion-One.

2011 has certainly been an eventful year for Funktion-One, having seen a number of large-scale events and applications utilising the brand’s equipment. Furthermore, the past 12 months also saw the company receive the API Award for Best New Live Sound Product – PA for its PSM12 at the annual PLASA event at London’s Earls Court.

One particularly noteworthy installation took place this summer, when Funktion-One’s Res 4s were put to the test as part of an installation at animal attraction centre Marine Land in Antibes, France. With a venue that housed various different pools hosting attractions focussed upon a range of animals, the need for audio clarity surrounding each area was paramount.

Chris Hawkes, of Funktion-One representative Solution One, explained how a solution to this problem was achieved: “They were looking for a nice solution to even out the sound with something that wouldn’t have to be turned up too loud, and so our dealer in Antibes got in touch and we looked into several different solutions for it; notably, one using the hybrid array system that Funktion-One has used in big public spaces. We also suggested that a solution could be reached with three Res 4s, which would not take up much space and be quite an economical solution. So I went there with the system and within minutes they were convinced, as everybody got a fantastic sound.”

This year also saw Funktion-One upgrade Slovakia’s Steel Arena along with XTA. The ice hockey venue, which is also host to a multitude of other sporting and entertainment events, looked to the installation of a Funktion-One/XTA system to solve its acoustic challenges.

The specification and installation was carried out by Humenné-based Citylight, with the project entailing the removal of the existing audio installation and setting up the new one, as well as the addition of acoustic treatment to the walls and ceiling.
“I’ve worked in the arena as an front of house engineer several times and had real problems with the acoustics,” said Citylight’s Igor Horváth. “When I heard the Funktion-One AX88 for the first time in London, I knew that it was the solution for venues like the Steel Arena. And, of course, if you are use the best speakers in the world, you have to use the best equipment throughout the audio chain – and there is nobody better than XTA.”

The new system comprises 19 AX88 and 10 F118 subs flown in five clusters 23m above the floor along the hall’s centreline. Powered by three E45, four E25 and one E15 MC² Audio E Series amplifiers, all system control is via XTA DP448s.

Another key moment for the brand in 2011 appeared in the form of Soul II Soul’s performance at the Roundhouse, London. Based on an analogue-centric FOH setup, the system used at the Roundhouse featured dozens of Funktion-One’s Resolution-5 and 4D point-source loudspeakers and 12 F221A bass bins. Furthermore, monitor engineer, Ben Emisah provided wedge mixes for the band through a combination of Funktion-One’s RM18 wedges, Res-2 and 4s.

Audio engineer Brandon Knights, a veteran of the reggae and dub scene for the past 20 years, revealed that mixing for Soul II Soul is all about space: “Jazzy’s music has the same ambient space as reggae,” he explained, “so when you are working with someone like Funktion-One, it’s a dream come true because you can hear the transients. With this kind of music, the system really shines because it is not constrained by the compression-driven mid range typical in line array systems.”

So, with a hugely eventful 2011 now almost behind it, 2012 certainly looks set to be an exciting year for Funktion-One.