Track sound on the Bregenz floating stage with Follow-Me

There is still something new to report, because since June 2023 there has been fully automatic tracking of audio signals on the lake stage by integrating the Track-iT system Follow me to benefit. The application once again confirms the versatility and performance of these tracking solutions, which are not limited to light but can also automatically control audio and video signals.

Christian “RocketCriss” Glathorwhich has been in high demand as a tracking systems specialist since 2018, has been selected by Bregenz Festival He was brought into the team as an independent consultant to plan and execute complex productions with high venue requirements in terms of tracking on a very large stage and its various levels. He performed numerous on-site demonstrations and tests and provided advice on the systems demonstrated.

Already in 2021 he was with him LMP lighting technologyFollow-me's distributor in Germany and Austria, held an initial demo of the remote system 3D six was implemented, demonstrating that local conditions can be easily met using a manual tracking solution. With the support of the Follow-me technical team, a demo of what was just introduced in 2022 was presented Track IT system.

As an extension of the proven 3D-Six system, Track-iT allows users to seamlessly switch between manual and automatic tracking. Since Track-IT also transmits and receives OSC, it can also provide precise location data to any public address system. After extensive testing of different systems, automatic tracking using one of the systems was eventually chosen Track IT system. The installation, which was extremely complicated due to local conditions, took place in June 2023.

Audio tracking

Anyone who has ever considered Follow-me as a remote follow-up point or as an automatic light-tracking solution might be surprised by Bregenz's use case. “That's right, the Follow-me system has a direct integrated interface for controlling the headlights,” explains Chris Glatthauer. “But you can also have a PSN or, in newer systems, an OSC signal output from the targets in question so in addition to the 'audio,' we can also control Video signals, for example. In order to be able to control the sound systems with Follow-me, we use the interface developed by the Fraunhofer Institute on the Lake Stage.”

The sound situation on the lake stage is complex. The very large grandstand offers 6,659 seats and is divided into several sound signal zones. However, the specially developed Fraunhofer system is able to adjust position and pointing in such a way that allows viewers to feel where the performers are currently located on stage, even at a distance of 50 metres.

Tracking audio with Follow-me is just the beginning, adds Chris: “The production of Madame Butterfly does not use follow-points, so there was no urgent need for light tracking. Next year, for the production of Der Freischütz, however, the tracking of follow-points is automated.” also.”

Advanced outdoor installation

Installing the tracking system was relatively complicated. On the one hand, it is a completely unprotected outdoor environment in the immediate vicinity of the water, as the receiving masts themselves stand directly in the water. On the other hand, the planning challenge was to cover a very large area reliably, which brought with it many challenges in terms of comprehension and thinking.

The dimensions of the stage are 30 x 30 x 28 meters (width x depth x height). The tracking field is much wider. To ensure the units are protected from the weather, Chris Glatthauer designed a special casing. The entire installation, including cables, is weatherproof. The signs are packaged and protected by the specialist departments in Bregenz in such a way that even if the actor jumps into the water, they cannot be damaged. Follow-me was the only manufacturer that was able to master these special backup requirements by being able to rely on the always-available manual operation option in every situation.