For 30 years French theme park Futuroscope has been thrilling visitors with its
multimedia experiences and unique, dynamic rides. To mark the start of its fourth
decade, a new €11m state-of-the-art audio visual experience has opened, with an
Alcons Audio system delivering the soundtrack.
Originally opened in 1992 under the name of The Magic Carpet, the multi-million
Euro update of Futuroscope’s IMAX cinema has seen it reinvented as L’Extraordinaire
Voyage (The Extraordinary Journey). 84 spectators sit in a triple row of seats on a
platform which turns vertical (so the rows are now sitting above each other) and
whisks them off on a dynamic ten minute “flight’ around the world, accompanied by
an orchestral soundtrack and sound effects, plus smells and wind.
Complementing the 600m2 hemispherical screen is a 12+1 Alcons Audio pro-ribbon
system, supplied by the company’s French distributor Audiolead and installed by
Poitiers-based Tedelec Audiovisuel.
“We needed a system that would match the drama of the visual experience, playing
the soundtrack at a comparatively high volume, but with no compromise on quality.
The system also had to be mounted so that the sound from the surround
loudspeakers could match the directional subtlety of the video,’ says Yannis
Marchet, technical manager for the Futuroscope attractions.
An added complication for Tedelec was that the audience platform physically moves
up and down during the presentation, to give a more convincing feeling of “flying’.
This meant that the surround system had to also have a vertical dimension, to
seamlessly cover all of the audience whatever position the platform is in.
A number of different systems were listened to, with an Alcons C-series surround
system proving the best solution. The multi-channel 12+1 system is installed behind
the screen and comprises five CRS12GT/90 large-format, high-output 12′ reference
surround units for the five main LL, L, C, R, RR front channels, five CCS12 large-
format 12′ surround units for the “higher’ and two more for the “lower’ height
dimension and four CB362 high-output double 18′ full-size subwoofer systems for
the bass frequencies.
The system is powered and controlled by three Sentinel3 and one Sentinel10, four
channel amplified loudspeaker controllers. Six CMRS-SR reference pro-ribbon
surround units are soon to be added to give even greater depth to the sound
effects.
“The acoustics presented a real challenge for Tedelec, because it is a large space
without any damping,’ says Audiolead’s Bruno Ghidionesco. “The Alcons pro-ribbon
drivers can fire through the screen, without any of the problems of reflections off
the back of it from horn-loaded loudspeakers, and their perfectly-controlled
directivity means that the coverage and clarity is exceptional for such a dynamic
audience experience.’
“The quality of the pro-ribbon drivers were a key reason for choosing Alcons,’ adds
Yannis. “The system delivers very high quality sound, without distortion or sounding
overly aggressive. Together with the seamless coverage, it means L’Extraordinaire
Voyage audiences enjoy an experience that perfectly matches the consistently high
standards of Futuroscope.’
More information on: www.futuroscope.com, www.alconsaudio.com and www.audiolead.fr.
