Designed by architect Axel F Nystrom, Gamla Riksarkivet was the Swedish
government’s official archive, housing documents of great historical importance.
Once the tallest building in Stockholm, the premises is now run by
Stureplansgruppen – Sweden’s largest entertainment group. Located in
Riddarholmen, the Brick Romanesque structure is a unique example of a late 1800s
institution building, and one of the few remaining in Europe. Now repurposed to
offer tours as well as an array of party, event and conference spaces, Gamla
Riksarkivet lives on after its official closure as an archive in 1968.

Originally without electricity, the building incorporated vast windows into its design
in order to allow natural light to flood in during the day. Such was its importance;
the building was built on a base of cast iron to increase fire safety, with cast-iron
column supports, iron bookshelves, steel doors and sandstone frames and sills.
With this plethora of harsh reflective surfaces creating a tough audio environment,
the client sought a great-sounding retrofit installation with a small, unobtrusive
footprint so as not to detract from the building’s striking interior. Integrator Jouni
Niemi of 08audio was handed the challenging task of delivering an audio
installation, who chose Genelec’s 4000 series as part of the solution.

Genelec’s, Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW™) technology ensured crisp,
accurate sound both on and off axis, which proved ideal for the purposes of the
installation. Thanks to the powerful bass response of the Genelec speakers, there
was no need for any subwoofers in most areas, ensuring a more subtle installation
with a reduced footprint, as well as saving on outlay for additional subwoofers.
Volumes are able to be set individually in each speaker’s locality thanks to the
volume control function on the back of the speakers. As a result of this, the client is
able to decide in which areas the speakers should play louder, providing an
additional layer of customisation.

Audio transport and control is handled by a BiAmp Nexia DSP system. The internal
system design is completely user definable via PC software, and can be controlled
via dedicated software screens, RS-232 control systems, as well as with a variety
of optional remote control devices including an iOS App. Each room has its own
simple, intuitive interface for the staff and can be installed and configured to fit the
unique needs of a particular application. The device connects via standard CAT-
5/6/7 cabling and is powered over Ethernet. Power for the Genelec speakers was
taken from the three-circuit lighting track system in every room. Genelec’s
accessories were able to fit in the most challenging situations presented by the
building’s conservation areas, which helped to saved time, effort and ultimately
money spent on the installation. The overall outcome is an unobtrusive audio
solution fit for the building’s rich cultural heritage – delivering precise, crystal-clear
sound to be enjoyed for generations to come.

The kit list consisted of 24 Genelec 4030Bs, two Genelec 4040As, four Biamp Nexia
Processors and four Biamp Red-1 controllers.