Modernity and tradition merge for British Acoustics project

The Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, headquartered in Belur, West Bengal, India, are twin organisations that form a significant part of the modern Hindu Renaissance movement. They were set up by Swami Vivekananda, a chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The organisations work towards both spiritual and practical goals, such as education, healthcare and rural management, among others. The Belur Math, located on the west bank of the Hooghly River, is not only the headquarters but also a significant religious and tourist destination. It's known for its architecture that fuses Hindu, Christian and Islamic motifs as a symbol of unity among all religions.

The client sought an audio installation that could deliver an auditory experience across a diverse programme line-up without compromising the architectural ethos of the venue. VMT was given the task of navigating the acoustical intricacies within a space engaged for varied events, while preserving the rich architectural details. The auditory requisites for spiritual discourses, musical renditions and educational seminars demanded a versatile sound system.

The British Acoustics suite was selected to address the unique acoustical demands of the Ramakrishna Math Auditorium. The Alpha 428 LA and Alpha Sub 428 S were utilised, as were the Radial 206 TW and Radial 208 TW. The VX 110TW and XP 12H offered a spectrum of sound options, while the Delta 48 provided loudspeaker control, facilitating real-time adjustments, while amplification was provided by 2XL and 2XM amplifiers.

"British Acoustics delivered an acoustical masterpiece at Ramakrishna Math Auditorium. Ingeniously navigating architectural challenges, the team ensured immersive, rich sound across events, masterfully integrating technology with the venue's spiritual ambiance. A standout execution in spatial acoustics and technological integration,” said Anup Kumar Biswas, the project’s system integrator, Satelite Electronics.

"British Acoustics' installation at Ramakrishna Math Auditorium showcased a stellar blend of powerful, clear sound and versatile application, overcoming diverse acoustical challenges with ease and precision,” said Kamal Bhunia, regional sales manager, VMT Enterprise.