The Žalgirio Arena in Kaunas, Lithuania, recently played host to a breathtaking ice production, "Stichijos 2: Pasadoblis," a masterful fusion of elite figure skating, intricate dance choreography, and cutting-edge visual design. To ensure a flawless auditory experience for the more than 20,000 attendees within the expansive 39,000-square-meter venue, a monumental deployment of over 100 HK Audio COSMO line array elements was orchestrated, providing comprehensive 360-degree coverage. This marked the largest application of HK Audio’s COSMO line arrays to date, underscoring the system’s capability in delivering high-fidelity sound for large-scale, immersive events.

The ambitious production, a testament to Lithuanian creative and technical prowess, was brought to life by local rental and production specialist Garsas LT. Their efforts were significantly bolstered by the expertise of HK Audio’s official distributor, Tamsta Profesionalas (UAB), and crucial support from regional partners, including Rock Distribution. The choice of Žalgirio Arena was strategic; renowned for its state-of-the-art technical infrastructure, exceptional acoustic design, and its distinction as the world’s first sports venue to achieve BREEAM In-Use certification, it provided the ideal canvas for a performance demanding both technical excellence and aesthetic grandeur.

A Sonic Landscape for a 360-Degree Spectacle

The core challenge of "Stichijos 2: Pasadoblis" lay in its 360-degree audience configuration, demanding consistent, high-quality sound delivery from the icy performance surface to the uppermost seating tiers. This necessitated a sophisticated audio system capable of overcoming the vastness of the arena and the inherent acoustic complexities of such a design. At the forefront of this technical undertaking was the HK Audio COSMO line array system, comprising an impressive 110 mid/high units, bringing the total loudspeaker count to approximately 149 across the entire deployment.

To achieve the precisely tailored coverage required, the system ingeniously integrated various COSMO modules, including the C 10, C 8, and C 6 variants. These were strategically configured across 10 distinct hangs, meticulously positioned to blanket the entire arena with uniform sound. This complex rigging and configuration process was a testament to the engineering expertise involved.

Vicente Rios Silvestre, an application support engineer at HK Audio, highlighted the scale of the undertaking. "This was no small project," he stated. "We were working with a wide, fully immersive space, with audiences both close to the stage and high up in the arena. Achieving consistent coverage across all of those areas was the key challenge." The ability of the COSMO system to adapt and integrate different module sizes was crucial in meeting this challenge, allowing for fine-tuning of dispersion patterns and sound pressure levels across the diverse seating areas.

Precision and Reliability Under Pressure

The logistical demands of preparing an event of this magnitude within Žalgirio Arena were immense. Elanas GasceviÄius, manager of Garsas LT, emphasized the critical nature of the setup phase. "We worked for two days without sleep to get everything ready," he recalled. "Once the ice is in place, there’s no going back – everything must be right the first time. With COSMO, it just works. You don’t need to bring it back down or make constant adjustments. In a project like this, that reliability is critical." This sentiment underscores the importance of robust and predictable audio solutions in high-stakes live event production, where time and precision are paramount. The seamless integration and stable performance of the COSMO system meant that the Garsas LT team could focus on other critical aspects of the production, confident in the audio infrastructure.

Beyond mere audience coverage, the sound system played an integral role in the performance itself, particularly for the figure skaters and dancers. Robertas Boimas, a system technician at Garsas LT, elaborated on this crucial aspect. "For the dancers, timing is everything," he explained. "If they hear multiple sources out of sync, it becomes impossible. They need to hear the rhythm clearly and consistently wherever they are on the ice." The precise timing and consistent audio delivery provided by the COSMO arrays ensured that performers could maintain their intricate routines with confidence, enhancing both their performance and the overall spectator experience. The ability of the system to deliver clear, intelligible audio across the entire performance space meant that subtle nuances in the music and sound effects were discernible to both the athletes and the audience, contributing to the immersive nature of the show.

Comprehensive Low-End Support and Acoustic Adaptability

The sonic fidelity of "Stichijos 2: Pasadoblis" was further enhanced by a meticulously designed low-frequency system. This involved a combination of flown and ground-stacked subwoofers, strategically positioned to deliver impactful bass reinforcement. In a clever solution to augment the low-end experience in specific areas, additional subwoofers were discreetly integrated beneath the bleacher seating, adding a palpable sense of depth and punch to the audience’s auditory perception.

Complementing the line arrays, CONTOUR CX 210 LT systems were deployed to meticulously cover the arena floor and the front seating areas. This strategic placement ensured a cohesive and consistent listening experience across all audience zones, bridging the gap between the main PA and the immediate performance space. "The flexibility of the system is a huge advantage," continued Boimas. "Being able to combine different elements within a single array helps solve a lot of challenges, particularly in terms of coverage and directivity – it was straightforward to make it work." This adaptability of the HK Audio system proved invaluable in addressing the unique acoustic profile of the Žalgirio Arena and the specific requirements of the ice production.

The production design itself presented a unique set of acoustic challenges, most notably the inclusion of large, suspended scenic elements. These visually striking, yet acoustically reflective, "large silver baubles" initially posed a hurdle. Aurimas Mitkus, the Front of House (FOH) engineer for the production, acknowledged this. "The large silver baubles didn’t help us acoustically at first, but we found the right positions and managed to make it work," he stated. "In the end, we achieved stable coverage so that everyone in the arena could enjoy the sound." Mitkus’s ability to navigate these complex acoustic interactions and achieve a uniform sound field speaks volumes about his expertise and the inherent configurability of the COSMO system. The ability to precisely steer sound and manage reflections was paramount in overcoming these environmental obstacles.

A Collaborative Triumph: Regional Partnerships Shine

The success of "Stichijos 2: Pasadoblis" was not solely a technical achievement; it was also a powerful demonstration of effective regional collaboration. The project brought together key players in the Baltic audio industry, fostering a synergy that ultimately benefited the production. Tamsta Profesionalas (UAB), the official HK Audio distributor in Lithuania, worked hand-in-hand with the integrator, Garsas LT, to ensure the seamless delivery of a high-quality and reliable sound solution.

Jonas SkerneviÄius, Managing Director at Tamsta Profesionalas (UAB), expressed his satisfaction. "We’re very happy to be part of the project at Žalgirio Arena alongside Garsas LT and HK Audio," he commented. "As the distributor, we worked closely with the integrator to deliver a reliable, high-quality sound solution – projects like this just show how strong partnerships help achieve great results." This sentiment highlights the critical role of distributors in not only supplying equipment but also in providing technical support and fostering collaborative relationships that are essential for complex event productions.

The involvement of Rock Distribution, a partner with reach into neighboring markets, further exemplifies this collaborative spirit. Alvis Ivanovs, project sales manager at Rock Distribution, underscored the capabilities of the HK Audio COSMO system on a large scale. "COSMO can absolutely deliver on a large arena scale," he affirmed. "The power, the coverage, and the sound quality are all at a very high level – but ultimately, it’s the collaboration between partners that brings the whole project to life." This statement emphasizes that while cutting-edge technology is a vital component, the human element of teamwork, expertise, and shared commitment is what truly transforms ambitious projects into resounding successes.

Implications for Large-Scale Event Production

The deployment of over 100 HK Audio COSMO line array elements at Žalgirio Arena for "Stichijos 2: Pasadoblis" serves as a significant case study in the capabilities of modern audio technology for large-scale, multi-disciplinary events. The event’s success underscores several key trends and implications for the live production industry:

• The Rise of Immersive Experiences: Productions that move beyond traditional proscenium stages to embrace 360-degree or in-the-round formats are becoming increasingly popular. These formats demand audio systems that can deliver consistent coverage and intelligibility to every seat, regardless of its orientation relative to the performance. The COSMO system’s flexibility in configuration and its ability to manage complex coverage patterns were instrumental in meeting this demand.
• The Importance of System Flexibility and Scalability: The ability to integrate different modules (C 10, C 8, C 6) within a single system highlights the growing need for audio solutions that can be precisely tailored to the unique acoustic environment and audience geometry of any venue. This flexibility reduces the need for compromises and allows engineers to optimize performance for specific applications.
• Technological Advancement in Line Array Design: The sustained success of systems like COSMO in demanding large-scale deployments indicates continued advancements in line array technology, particularly in areas such as beamforming, intelligibility, and power handling. The ability to deliver high SPL while maintaining clarity and minimizing distortion is crucial for events that combine amplified music with spoken word or intricate sound design.
• The Value of Strategic Partnerships: As demonstrated by the collaboration between Garsas LT, Tamsta Profesionalas (UAB), and Rock Distribution, strong partnerships between manufacturers, distributors, and rental companies are essential for executing complex projects. These collaborations ensure access to the right technology, technical expertise, and logistical support, ultimately leading to successful outcomes.
• Sustainability and Certification in Venues: The mention of Žalgirio Arena’s BREEAM In-Use certification points to a growing emphasis on sustainability and operational efficiency in major event venues. This can influence the choice of technology and production methods, favoring solutions that are both high-performing and environmentally conscious.

The successful execution of "Stichijos 2: Pasadoblis" at Žalgirio Arena, powered by the extensive HK Audio COSMO line array system, not only provided an unforgettable experience for its audience but also set a new benchmark for the technical capabilities required to bring ambitious artistic visions to life in large-scale venues. The project stands as a testament to the power of advanced audio engineering when combined with meticulous planning and robust collaborative efforts.