Market Hall, Basel, Switzerland

Linea Focus LFI-450 systems reinforce newly converted Market Hall in Basel.

In the course of its recent conversion, the Market Hall in Basel has been equipped with a new sound system. Dating from 1929, the landmark building with its magnificent cupola (the third largest of its type in the world) has been a symbol of the city for over 80 years. The two and a half year renovation project has resulted in the development of a whole new complex including shops, offices, restaurants, event space and apartments.

The structure of the Market Hall, with its huge domed ceiling, has also brought acoustic challenges. Lack of clarity, reflections from the ceiling, long reverb times and echo effects are just some of the issues that cause difficulties for regular loudspeaker systems, which often spread the sound beam’s vertical axis too wide to deliver effective results in this kind of space. When Fohhn Linea Series loudspeakers were previously used at an event, people noticed an immediate improvement in the sound quality. Therefore, with a wide range of frequencies to control, a long column speaker proved the obvious choice for the new fixed installation. Two Linea Focus LFI-450 loudspeakers have been mounted on walls near the base of the ceiling dome, supplied in a special colour to blend with the surroundings. Used primarily for public address and background music, the speakers are electronically steered via an FR-10 controller with various pre-programmed presets. Two stand-mounted LX-601 loudspeakers are additionally used for events, powered by a D-2.1500 DSP amplifier.

We congratulate Habegger AG, Regensdorf, for their successful planning and implementation of this project. Thanks also to our Swiss distributor Bleuel Electronic AG.