Under the motto "Autokultur – From Hannover to Hannover," an unusual series of events is helping to keep the entertainment scene alive in northern Germany.
Every night, up to a thousand vehicles converge on Hannover's Schützenplatz fairground, where they tune their UHF radios, just like at a drive-in movie theater, to listen to stage performances ranging from concerts to comedy. It is a very welcome distraction after so many days of lockdown, and an optimistic ray of light at a time when typical live events have been canceled.
SKM 6000 with a special finish
Among the highlights of the early-summer concert series were two sold-out performances by German rapper Sido. The multitalented artist used a Sennheiser SKM 6000 to wow the crowds on May 11 and 12, 2020. With its striking glossy red, high-gloss finished handheld transmitter, it was the center of attention during the close-ups of the artist on the huge LED walls.
The Sennheiser Digital 6000 series handheld transmitter operated in the A1-A4 frequency range (470 to 558 MHz) and was fitted with an MD 9235 dynamic cardioid capsule. A black handheld transmitter of the same type was available as a spare.
The receiver was a Sennheiser EM 6000, which was placed in a rack bag along with an L 6000 charger at the monitor console next to the stage. A look at the high-contrast OLED displays showed that monitor engineer Thomas Hofer had chosen unmistakable designations (RED / BLACK) for the two receiving channels, ruling out any risk of confusion.
Perfect performance, high-quality sound
"The SKM 6000 handhelds have never let us down," said Thomas Hofer with great satisfaction. "The MD 9235 capsule harmonizes perfectly with Sido's voice, and this combination of transmitter and microphone capsule is robust enough to withstand the most energetic live performances or even rain during open-air concerts without any damage. In addition, the tendency toward feedback when the artist moves into critical areas, for example at the front edge of the stage, is extremely low."
Monitor engineer Thomas Hofer is absolutely delighted with the open sound image of the Sennheiser Digital 6000 system
Thomas Hofer is impressed by the sound of the Sennheiser Digital 6000 systems in every respect: "With analog transmission systems, you sometimes have to battle with sonic influences caused by the compander," the sound engineer explained. "Digital transmission, on the other hand, doesn't require traditional companding, which, combined with other features, results in a more open sound image. And when you use a high-quality signal chain, you can hear it immediately!"
Future-proof technology
Thomas Hofer greatly appreciates the impressive spectral efficiency and excellent signal stability of the Sennheiser Digital 6000 series: "The Federal Network Agency is selling off more and more segments of the frequency spectrum for financial reasons, which means less and less spectrum is available for events," the audio expert complained, summing up developments in recent years.
"With Sido, we are often involved in large events that use a hundred or even more transmission channels. But thanks to our Digital 6000 systems, we are fortunately on the safe side"
No risk of confusion
A glance at the high-contrast OLED displays shows the unmistakable designations (RED / BLACK) of the two receiving channels. Normally, setting up multichannel wireless systems requires an intermodulation calculation, and sound engineers have to work around these intermodulation frequencies when planning their system.
However, the Sennheiser Digital 6000 system generates no intermodulation at all, which means frequencies can simply be arranged in an equidistant grid (that is, at equal distances from each other). Therefore, not only does it make frequency planning very easy, it also allows more transmission channels to fit within a defined frequency window compared with competitors' systems on the market.
Thomas Hofer: "With the Digital 6000 systems, I simply put the transmission frequency in a free space, and everything works perfectly. I'm totally impressed with Sennheiser's digital wireless systems!"
A show at an open-air drive-in
"Honk your horn if you think I'm a legend!": Sido, whose real name is Paul Hartmut Würdig, certainly knew how to make the most of the unconventional situation of an open-air drive-in concert with his usual wit and creativity. Audience members watching from around a thousand cars were quick to show their appreciation by flashing their headlights and honking their horns.
Everyday worries were set aside during the two-hour show, and the multitalented rapper gave his fans two unforgettable nights, even though the setting was somewhat unusual.
Thomas Holz, Touring & Rental business specialist at Sennheiser, explained: "For many years, Sido used a 2000 series system with great success. Since 2019, our innovative Digital 6000 system has been his preferred choice, and I am very pleased that Germany's most popular rapper has chosen this innovative wireless solution from Sennheiser. At the artist's request, Sido's SKM 6000 handheld transmitter was given a striking glossy red finish at the Sennheiser factory in Wedemark, to match the artwork of his latest album."
Culture is systemically relevant
Even though large events in traditional formats are not allowed to take place in the current situation, fans don't have to go without the thrill of a live show. Under the motto "Autokultur – From Hannover to Hannover," Hannover Concerts and the act's agency have presented a series of events that include not only live concerts but also comedy acts and films since May 7, 2020, with the support of well-known sponsors.
The audience can watch the show from the comfort of their car while, of course, still observing all the rules on hygiene and social distancing: a relaxed evening in their "living room on wheels" is guaranteed.
"We created the Autokultur event series completely from scratch in just ten days. You can only do something like that if you have a great team," said Nico Röger, managing director of Hannover Concerts GmbH & Co. KG Operating. "Our goal is to organize events even in such difficult times and to make it absolutely clear that culture is systemically relevant!"
