KV2 Audio completes the transformation of a former cinema into a striking new theatre in Slovakia

When defining the audio requirements for Divadlo Poprad, the objectives were clear: exceptional speech intelligibility, accurate musical reproduction, and even coverage throughout the entire venue. The theatre comprises three performance areas, including the 180-seat Main Auditorium, the 90-capacity Studio, and an outdoor Summer Stage with 100-seat capacity. “The theatre has a huge production programme throughout the year, as well as cultural events and club-style events hosted in the Studio,” says Eduard Fertáľ, Technical Director at the theatre. “When it came to the sound system, we knew it needed to be able to accommodate a variety of events and performances while ensuring every seat in the house would share the same quality of experience.”

“I have had the opportunity to use KV2 Audio systems in many different applications, and they have never disappointed me,” reveals Fertáľ. KV2 Audio’s portfolio of point-source systems is designed to handle wide dynamic ranges while delivering precise coverage and reliability, making them suitable for demanding theatre and live performance venues. “Ever since my first experience with KV2, I have considered it a solution that can handle virtually any environment. Perhaps the most unusual test was using their EX10 system to reinforce a live rock band in the courtyard of Kežmarok Castle. The impressive number of installations and references around the world has only reinforced my conviction.”

These proven credentials led to the Czech manufacturer being chosen to provide Divadlo Poprad with the sound system it was looking for. Slovak distributor, Audio Production s.r.o., helped identify the most suitable solution for each performance space, resulting in a tailored system combining KV2’s EX, ESR, ESD, and VHD series to meet the varied acoustic and operational requirements of the theatre. “These systems are designed to deliver high-quality music playback during live performances, making them ideal for theatres of this size,” says Alex Molcanov, Owner of Audio Production s.r.o. “We supported the system design and specification, while the physical installation was carried out by Art Lighting Production s.r.o.”

In the Main Auditorium, the primary system comprises two ESR215MkII three-way full-range loudspeakers positioned either side of the stage and powered by an ESR3000D amplifier. Their wide horizontal dispersion provides consistent coverage across the entire seating area, ensuring audiences experience the same clarity regardless of their position. Four VHD4.18 subwoofer enclosures, driven by a VHD3200D amplifier, extend the system’s low-frequency performance by providing the power and impact required for musical performances and theatrical effects. Their compact footprint allows them to optimise space, with all four cabinets able to be stacked together.

To complement the main system, three EX26 systems are positioned at the front of the stage, providing additional vocal reinforcement and focused coverage, particularly for concerts and larger productions. Two ultra-compact EX6 loudspeakers are used as near-field monitors in the control booth, allowing the technical team to accurately monitor the performance. Supporting the overall coverage, two ESD10 passive 2-way loudspeakers are used as side fills, powered by an ESP2000D amplifier to maintain consistency.

The Studio, used for club-style concerts and cultural events, features two EX12 active loudspeaker systems as the main left and right outputs, delivering balanced and accurate sound in a compact format. “An outdoor Summer Stage follows the same setup, with two EX12 loudspeakers permanently installed, as well as two EX1.8 active subwoofers to add low-frequency impact for live music events,” adds Molcanov. “The EX1.8s are portable, allowing them to be moved between the Studio and the outdoor stage depending on where productions are taking place so they can adapt the systems for different events.”

Shared across all stages are eight compact EX10 full-range loudspeaker systems, which provide a flexible solution that can be deployed as stage monitors, fills, or additional coverage as needed. “Their compact size makes them easily portable, giving the theatre the ability to scale each zone up or down to the requirements of each show,” Molcanov reveals. Throughout the theatre, eight of KV2’s JK Series DI Boxes – four JK1s, two JK2s, and two JKAs – are used by the engineers to provide clean signal management with high headroom and low output impedance, helping maintain signal quality throughout the venue.

Paired with stunning architecture and a talented troupe of actors and crew, the KV2 sound system adds the final layer to Divadlo Poprad. “The result has been remarkable,” states Fertáľ. “The sound is precise and articulate, with every instrument clearly defined, vocals sitting right up at the forefront, and excellent dynamics throughout the performance.”

During the theatre’s opening gala, the acclaimed Polish MozART Group, an internationally recognised performance group, was the first to use the system. “The sound engineers specifically thanked us for the sound quality and told us how pleasantly surprised they were by its clarity and performance,” Fertáľ says. “One of the most satisfying things for me is watching the people around the theatre discover, with their own ears, that there is something truly special about the way the system sounds. I would say KV2 has not simply met my expectations – it has exceeded them by a considerable margin.”

KV2 system setup:

• 2× ESR215MkII
• 1× ESR3000D
• 4× VHD4.18
• 1× VHD3200D
• 3× EX26
• 2× EX6
• 2× ESD10
• 1× ESP2000D
• 4× EX12
• 2× EX1.8
• 8× EX10
• 8× JK Series DI boxes (4× JK1, 2× JK2, 2× JKA)

Distribution:

• Audio Production s.r.o., Slovakia

Installation and integration:

• Art Lighting Production s.r.o.

Architects:

• Ateliér zerozero