Sennheiser has been ensuring impeccable sound for 25 years at the iconic Paseo La Plaza and Teatro Metropolitan. Under the leadership of Pablo Abal, the head of sound, their technology has been essential for every performance. With the support of ARS Technologies, the official distributor in Argentina, Sennheiser continues to be a key player in the sound quality of these landmark venues on Avenida Corrientes.
In the heart of the iconic Corrientes Avenue, where the sound of Buenos Aires blends with the lights of the theaters, two icons of local culture stand: Paseo La Plaza and Teatro Metropolitan SURA.
These theaters, which have hosted numerous renowned artists and performances, are known for their highly committed technical teams, ensuring performances that leave a lasting impression on the audience. Ensuring flawless sound, the head of the department, Pablo Abal, plays a key role in ensuring every part of the system works perfectly.
With years of experience as a designer, operator, and technical sound producer, Abal is in charge of a task that, although often unnoticed by the public, is essential for ensuring that every word, note, and emotion conveyed from the stage reaches the last seat with clarity and power.
Paseo La Plaza, with its multiple rooms and a vibrant atmosphere that blends art and recreation, contrasts with the elegance and tradition of Teatro Metropolitan, and both present unique sound challenges, from the diversity of stage proposals to the acoustic characteristics of each space.
Pablo’s beginnings in the world of sound were also highly demanding. As a “plomo,” the stage assistant ensuring everything is in place, a curiosity was awakened in him that soon turned into passion. This led him to explore the artistic possibilities of sound in the theatrical realm, where he found a unique way to complement the stories brought to life on stage.
Thus, in 1990, he began as an operator at the amphitheater of Paseo La Plaza, where his dedication and talent positioned him as a reference within the technical team. By 1997, he was in charge of managing the human and technical sound resources for a wide range of special productions.
The programming that Pablo manages at the Paseo La Plaza and Teatro Metropolitan complexes is as varied as it is challenging. From traditional theater plays to large-scale musical performances, corporate events, and stand-up shows. “The room programming is complex, and the level of demand is very high. The variety of styles means that each requires a specific technical approach,” he explains.
But as in any profession, success is not solely based on the skill of the specialist, and live sound is no exception. The quality of the equipment used is key to ensuring excellence.
More than 20 years ago, both theaters began equipping themselves with Sennheiser technology, and that decision has been fundamental in enhancing the sound quality of their spaces and scaling their operations.
The choice of Sennheiser has become a testament to brand loyalty in the country, thanks to the positive response of the equipment at each event.
Pablo has no hesitation in explaining his preference: “We currently have 60 Sennheiser wireless systems strategically distributed across the different rooms. These systems not only provide us with the reliability and quality we need for each type of performance but also allow us to adapt to the specific demands of each setup, ensuring flawless and dependable sound at every performance. It’s ideal because it offers high flexibility, being operated both by highly trained technicians and beginners.”
The brand’s incorporation into the theaters has lasted more than two decades. “We’ve worked with Sennheiser since around 2000, and we still have some EW100 G2, G3, G4, G4D, and Series 3700 systems. There’s even an old EW100G1 system still around,” Abal proudly adds, “which speaks to the reliability of the systems over the years, still offering high-quality performance at every function.”
Undoubtedly, the day-to-day operations at Paseo La Plaza and Teatro Metropolitan depend on the reliable technology that ensures flawless sound at every show. “The main contribution is the trust one has as a sound engineer in the equipment, allowing us to focus on other aspects of production, knowing the sound will remain clear and stable throughout the performance.”
Over the years, the use of microphone systems in theater has constantly evolved. New technologies have allowed for greater control over sound and more flexibility in setup, which is essential to meet the growing demands of modern performances.
Sennheiser technology has not only improved sound quality but also transformed the technical and artistic experience with its wireless technology. “Without a doubt, it’s increasingly safe and reliable,” says Pablo, adding without hesitation, “Over the years, we’ve worked with MKE2 Gold capsules, adapting them to various operational needs, always with highly satisfactory results.”
Working with high-quality sound systems is not only crucial for technical production but also for the artists’ experience on stage. According to Pablo, feedback from technicians and actors regarding the Sennheiser systems has generally been positive, although he humorously admits, “Overall, the feedback is positive, though some artists aren’t too thrilled about us amplifying their voices.”
The relationship with the official local Sennheiser distributor, ARS Technologies, has been a cornerstone of the success of the sound systems at Paseo La Plaza and Teatro Metropolitan. As Pablo Abal explains, “We’ve had a close and very fluid relationship with ARS for many years. This has allowed the theaters to maintain their technical excellence, with constant support that goes beyond the mere sale of equipment. Any challenge we’ve faced, we’ve been able to solve with the technical staff at ARS satisfactorily.”
ARS Technologies has been the exclusive distributor of Sennheiser in Argentina for over 30 years. During this time, the relationship has evolved from the early G1 systems and Quad Pack to current technologies like ew-dx and Spectera.
Juan Manuel Casquero, Sales Manager of ARS’s Audio Pro Area, highlights the advantages Sennheiser offers for theaters like La Plaza and Metropolitan: “Sennheiser is synonymous with quality and RF stability. Its low battery consumption and high transmission power make it ideal for intensive applications like theater and broadcast, even under challenging conditions like hidden, covered, or painted transmitters and microphones, with variable antenna polarizations.”
He also underscores the presence and reputation of Sennheiser in the theater and broadcast industries: “The feedback speaks for itself. Most theaters nationwide have Sennheiser equipment, and it’s an undisputed leader in broadcast and theaters worldwide, given its stability and low failure rate.”
Post-sales support is another key aspect of this relationship. Pablo Abal makes this clear: “The ARS team has always handled any needs with the installed equipment in a smooth and efficient manner, ensuring that the systems remain in optimal condition during intensive use. They’ve also provided us with technical support or additional training for using the systems.”
Juan Manuel from ARS adds that this support “includes training on equipment use, RF environment updates, firmware upgrades, on-site repairs, or with the priority these places require, and frequency coordination for performances.”
Pablo understands the advantage of having a supplier who supports their sale in technical aspects and rates ARS’s support a 10/10: “Absolutely yes, they are always attentive to our requests.”
Beyond the present, there is also a vision for the future, with plans to continue investing in Sennheiser technology. “We have a plan for renewal and expansion, as I believe the need for wireless systems will keep growing. Without a doubt, Sennheiser will play a leading role in this technological update.”
The decision to choose Sennheiser is easy, thanks to its extensive catalog present across the theater complex. The sound chief highlights that some equipment has been functioning for over 20 years, stressing that this durability is key in such a demanding environment as theaters, where sound systems must endure constant use without losing performance.
Juan Manuel believes Sennheiser will continue to be a key option for theater complexes, especially with its digital transmission technology free from intermodulation, which allows managing a large number of simultaneous channels with 24-bit audio quality, making it one of the best alternatives for these environments.
And of course, renewals come with technological changes. Pablo has already had the chance to experiment with Sennheiser’s latest innovations, particularly in their high-end systems. “I was really surprised. And obviously, I see them as an expansion option. The challenge is almost always achieving natural sound, and for that, Sennheiser always contributes.”
For those technical managers still unsure about which brand to choose for their installations, Pablo leaves a clear message: “Consider Sennheiser. It’s without a doubt an ultra-reliable option with unbeatable audio quality, backed by excellent post-sales service from ARS.”
Over nearly 25 years of collaboration, the relationship between the theaters and Sennheiser has been a cornerstone in the technical evolution of these spaces. With a record number of wireless systems installed and a history marked by the quality and reliability of their equipment, the brand has been a witness and protagonist of countless theatrical productions.
Today, more than ever, its presence on stage ensures that each performance sounds perfect, and the plans to continue growing are already in place. Undoubtedly, an alliance that promises to continue elevating the quality of Argentine theater for many more years.
