Oslo’s Internasjonalen Club Upgrades with VUE Audiotechnik

VUE_Internasjonalen_EddieLien

Designer Eddie Lien with Internasjonalen’s new VUE h-Class system (click for full size)

Internasjonalen (The International) has risen to become one of Oslo’s most popular clubs. Since opening in late 2003, Internasjonalen has gained a loyal clientele who enjoy its open, two-story industrial décor, and unique combination of rare spirits, quality beers and musical talent representing a wide variety of genres.

With live music playing an increasingly important role, the club recently decided to update their aging audio system in an effort to improve sound quality while attracting additional high profile talent.

Designed and installed by the experts at Trondheim and Oslo-based avon, the centerpiece of Internasjonalen’s new state-of-the-art PA is a main stage loudspeaker system by VUE Audiotechnik.

“This venue hosts a variety of music types, including live performances and DJ’s, and the interior has numerous hard reflective surfaces,” explained Edgar Lien, avon owner and co-designer of Internasjonalen’s new system. “VUE loudspeakers offer exceptional pattern control and ample amounts of output for their size, so we immediately specified the VUE h- and a-Class, and then designed the rest of the system around those.”

Like so many clubs built inside historic buildings, Internasjonalen celebrates its deep cultural roots with a subtle industrial elegance that features clean European lines, and large open spaces with exposed infrastructure. The aesthetic required Lien’s team pay careful attention to visual impact, while also developing some creative installation techniques to avoid unwanted “rattles” from the older exposed structures.

VUE h-12's with VUE as-418 subwoofer visible in background (click for full size)

VUE h-12’s with VUE as-418 subwoofer visible in background (click for full size)

The final design includes a main system comprised of two VUE h-15w full-range powered loudspeakers with a single as-418 quad 18-inch isobaric subwoofer. To preserve floor space and site lines, all three cabinets are flown above the main stage with a custom-engineered rubber suspension system that eliminates unwanted vibrations in the vintage industrial ceiling structures. Careful alignment ensures ample coverage in the listening areas while reflective surfaces are easily avoided.

“We’re very happy with how smoothly the system came together,” said Lien. “Once we had the rubber suspension system designed, installing the VUE loudspeakers and dialing in the ideal coverage was incredibly easy.”

Lien continued, “The power of the as-418 is the prefect match for the clean and near limitless top end available from the h-15’s beryllium compression driver. This system can easily handle virtually anything the owners give it—from a subtle acoustic set to a dance DJ.”

Rounding out the main stage are four VUE a-12 passive two-way systems deployed as monitors. FFA amplifiers provide power for the as-418 subwoofer and the four a-12 wedges. A Yamaha CL3 console handles the mix, with system-wide control and routing handles by a Dante-equipped Dynacord P64 matrix mixer.

“The VUE a-Class speakers sound absolutely amazing and very versatile which makes them perfect for stage wedges,” concludes Lien. Plus they deliver extremely consistent voicing that blends perfectly with the h-Class mains.”

A selection of VUE i-Class surface-mount speakers complete the club-wide installation with distributed sound reinforcement throughout the lounge, bar and other ancillary areas.

“The customer couldn’t be happier with the results, and to us that’s the most important thing,” concluded Lien. “Word is getting out about the new system and that’s precisely what they hoped would happen.”

Featured Products

i-Class Surface Mount Systems
h-15w High Definition Full Range System
as-418 Quad 18-inch Isobaric Subwoofer