Let's talk about the sound system at the Turmbühne & Tanzwüste: solution to bring Funktion One back

[flameijer]

Hi Fusionista's,

as an audiophile I deeply care about the sound experience at one of the biggest loves of my life: Fusion Festival. This is my letter to the Fusion Festival organizers in order to start a conversation about the sound system of their two largest dance floors: the famous and infamous Turmbühne and Tanzwüste. I decided to post this letter on this forum because I am very interested in your opinion and would like to start a conversation with you.

Here is the letter and I'm very looking forward to your reply:)

"To:
Martin Eulenhaupt
Kulturkosmos Müritz e.V.
Am Flugplatz 17248, Lärz, DEUTSCHLAND

Subject: Let’s talk about the sound system at Turmbühne & Tanzwüste


Dear Kulturkosmos, dear Martin, dear Eule,

Finally, after three years of unfulfilled desire to party, create and connect, the Fusion rocket has launched again. It’s hard to describe my feelings about the Fusion Festival of this year but if I could summarize it in one word then that would be mesmerizing. I would like to thank you and Kulturkosmos for organizing the Fusion again and putting all the love and effort into in. All the Kulturkosmos crew members and Fusion volunteers are a true inspiration.

Along with my words of gratitude, I'd like to bring something to your and the festival's attention. Therefore, I'd like to return to 2015, to my first Fusion Festival.

I remember it like it was yesterday. For the first time in my life, all five of my senses were intensely stimulated at the same time. My eyes were treated to the most insane stages, decoration, and art installations; I tasted the best vegetarian food; my nose enjoyed the smell of burning wood in the open fireplaces; my ears were treated to the best Berlin melodic techno; and my touch was intensely stimulated by the Funktion One sound system's bass. In this letter, I'd like to elaborate on the last one, which I believe has been deteriorating over the last two Fusions.

Like mentioned before, in 2015, I was astounded and impressed as I had never been before after hearing and feeling the first bass sound on the Turmbühne. I've been to many top-notch festivals, but nowhere else have I heard such audio pornography as at the Turmbühne (and later the Tanzwüste). Every single vein and cell in my body vibrated and the Funktion One sound system reminded me that my body is made up of 80% water.

A good quality sound system, in my opinion, combines two things: you must hear every detail of the music while also physically feeling it. Funktion One perfectly combines these two elements: crystal clear hearing and intense bass sensation. It is, in my opinion (maybe together with L’Acoustics), the only sound system that can hypnotize an entire dance floor of thousands of people and truly make them one with the music, rather than just the people in front of the speakers. The Funktion One sound system makes you feel and touch the music, vibrating and touching every cell in your body for the ultimate party experience. For this reason, the bass must fuck.

Unfortunately, I must conclude that the sound level at Fusion has become less intense since 2019 and that there is a significant lack of intense bass feeling around the dance floor when compared to the Funktion One sound system that I heard in 2015, 2016, and 2018. The D&B line array combined with the 32 Prior Sounds Single 18 subwoofers on the Tanzwüste this year sounded amazing, but it simply did not come close to the sound I heard on the Tankwüste in 2018 with the Funktion One 12x F221 8-ohm bass wall. But my main concern is with the Turmbühne because you can't feel the bass and can hear people's conversations even when standing in the sweet spot. The new dance arena with the tribunes looks amazing, but there was never a truly intense party going on, so I became curious as to why Fusion changed a winning team.

In order to obtain some answers, I started doing some research and learned that a different and less intense sound system/set-up was chosen at the Turmbühne and Tanzwüste to protect the Lärz neighbors and those camping near the stages. As a result, a Lambda Labs end fire cardiod subwoofer array was chosen this year at the Turmbühne. I understand the arguments for using such a system due to the noise pollution, but it is simply too quiet to hypnotize a full dance floor and lacks the bass feeling that I experienced with the Funktion One sound system set-up. The audio sweet spot on this system's set-up is simply too small, resulting in a less intense and crazy party on the dance floor where people go completely bananas. It just doesn't stimulate my touch sense as well as the Funktion One set-up, which I believe is required to achieve perfect harmony with all the other four senses that are superbly stimulated. It's that little difference from making the party from amazing to mesmerizing and then it's all about the little details. That eye for the smallest details for me makes Fusion Fusion.

With a heavy audiophile heart, I have to say that Fusion's position as Europe's best audio experience festival is in jeopardy as a result of this new sound approach. But I'd like to propose a solution in which it's safe and responsible to return to the Funktion One sound system. And that is to advise all Fusionista’s to wear ear protection while dancing and sleeping, and that Kulturkosmos should make it easy to purchase such ear protection throughout the venue.

Since I started going to Fusion, I've always worn earplugs while dancing and sleeping. I wear dB filter earplugs with a 15 to 25 decibels sound filter during dancing and while sleeping, I wear an Orophax earplug, which completely blocks out my hearing. I'm sure the Lambda Lab sound system at the Turmbühne sounds better without earplugs, but I think it's extremely irresponsible not to wear earplugs at Fusion Festival in general. Please see the following table of decibels versus the amount of time it takes to cause irreversible hearing damage if you do not wear ear protection:

92 dB: after 30 minutes hear damage
95 dB: after 15 minutes hear damage
100 dB: after 5 minutes hear damage
110 dB: direct hear damage
120 dB: direct hear damage

For reference, a heavy truck passing by is approximately 89 dB. The decibels level at music festivals in the Netherlands is allowed to go up to 103 dB. The Dutch government assumed hearing protection when developing this 103 dB standard. Because the Netherlands is so densely populated, noise pollution is common. Anything above 110 dB is therefore illegal. That is why, unlike Fusion, no Dutch festivals really generate that audio experience. As a result, I always travel to less densely populated countries, such as Germany, to attend techno festivals where decibel levels can reach 120-130 dB.

My estimation is that the level at Fusion is around 110 dB. As a result, people should protect their hearing by wearing ear protection. Surprisingly, I see a lot of people at Fusion Festival wearing no earplugs at all, and I wonder if these people are aware that this can cause irreversible damage to their ears, and that as they get older, their hearing will deteriorate dramatically, potentially leading to deafness. I believe it is the organization's responsibility to inform the public of the risks to their ears' health. Nowhere on Fusion Festival can you get dB filter earplugs; the only option is some kind of Orophax earplugs, but those earplugs severely muffle the sound, making it impossible to fully enjoy and appreciate the music.

I'd also like to point out that high frequency tones, not low frequency tones, are primarily responsible for hearing damage. Reducing the number of bass in the sound system has little effect on ear protection.

So, to summarize, this is what I propose. Fusion reconsiders the end fire cardiod subwoofer arrays and returns to the Funktion One sound system at the Turmbühne plus the Tanzwüste 2018 set-up and advise people to wear dB filter earplugs when dancing and Orophax earplugs when sleeping. Kulturkosmos should ensure that dB filter earplugs and Orophax earplugs are sold at all stages, while also informing attendees about the dangers of not wearing earplugs. And everyone in Lärz and the surrounding areas should get free Orophax. They really work.

Of course, I'd like to hear your thoughts on this and start a conversation. I am aware that, in addition to the protection argument, there could be several other reasons for this sound system & set-up & change (regulations, government policy, maybe even money). But I’d be delighted to hear them. I'm willing to come to Lärz to persuade you of my ideas and brainstorm awareness campaigns with you because the Fusion sound experience is very important to me. As an audiophile, I'm convinced that a stunning and intense sound and bass experience is inextricably linked to the connection of people on the dance floor, and that it's the most important factor in creating a mesmerizing overall party and festival experience.

With love and looking very much forward to your reply,



Frank Lameijer
Amsterdam, The Netherlands"

[rattentatten]

I'd also like to point out that high frequency tones, not low frequency tones, are primarily responsible for hearing damage. Reducing the number of bass in the sound system has little effect on ear protection.

I have to say I did not really like the highs at Turmbühne and Panne Eichel, especially in certain sets the sounded "klirrend".

Fine with the bass for the Turmbühne, way better than 2019, and I would be extremely interested in the effect of the two shifted lines of bass elements. Did you set them up this way to cancel the spread? If yes, how successful was it? How did you calculate it?

[Vercetti]

No offense and with all due respect: What youre pointing out here is very high end and nitpicky criticism that frankly doesnt even matter to more than 90% of the festival guests. You are talking about getting the last 10% out of the sound quality, a difference not noticeable to most people, one that also takes some effort and quite some money to achieve. Im sorry to say this, but I seriously doubt that the festival can cater to the wishes of the very few audiophiles who care enough about differences that arent that big or meaningful to most of the guests.
I mean, come on, youre talking about getting rid of Lamba Labs speakers and getting Funktion Ones. Thats like saying "a high end luxury car for 150.000€ just doesnt do anymore, we need one for 200.000€."
The Kulturkosmos is already pretty tight on money and youre talking about luxuries here. Complaining about sound on such a high level seems a little spoiled in this context.

I am an audiophile myself, and I had no serious complaints about the sound this year. Except for too much treble at some points.
Maybe Im not as experienced as you are and my ears dont hear as well as yours do. But you have to keep in mind: Your ears are yours and you cant expect everyone to care for sound as much as you do, since we dont hear like you do and dont have the same standards.

And the ear plugs: Eclipse, just a few steps away from Turmbühne provides ear plugs for free. The festival cannot force people to wear them and its their choice. And Ive seen enough people who dont like wearing them for one reason or another. A shame, but their decision in the end.

[Drilling]

I don't know how reliable the Apple Watch Series 7 is, but I looked at how loud it was a lot this time and was never above a 102db (in the middle of the dance floor). Most of the time somewhere between 90 and 98 db. I wear earplugs permanently on the floor, so looking it up was just out of interest.

[holterdipolter]

Turmbühne sound was amazing this year

[NDN]

Turmbühne sound was absolutely amazing, I loved it. There is nothing that I hate more than wearing earplugs, and it is great that there was no need for those sticky little shitters at Turmbühne. Dear fusion festival, please ignore that crappy letter. Lambda Labs was a great decision!

[Cosmo030]

Turmbühne Sounds incredible good. I am an sound enthusiast as well.

F1 is just so boring in the mids. Heavy low mid bass lines are no joy because of the slight scoop.

[flameijer]

No offense and with all due respect: What youre pointing out here is very high end and nitpicky criticism that frankly doesnt even matter to more than 90% of the festival guests. You are talking about getting the last 10% out of the sound quality, a difference not noticeable to most people, one that also takes some effort and quite some money to achieve. Im sorry to say this, but I seriously doubt that the festival can cater to the wishes of the very few audiophiles who care enough about differences that arent that big or meaningful to most of the guests.
I mean, come on, youre talking about getting rid of Lamba Labs speakers and getting Funktion Ones. Thats like saying "a high end luxury car for 150.000€ just doesnt do anymore, we need one for 200.000€."
The Kulturkosmos is already pretty tight on money and youre talking about luxuries here. Complaining about sound on such a high level seems a little spoiled in this context.

I am an audiophile myself, and I had no serious complaints about the sound this year. Except for too much treble at some points.
Maybe Im not as experienced as you are and my ears dont hear as well as yours do. But you have to keep in mind: Your ears are yours and you cant expect everyone to care for sound as much as you do, since we dont hear like you do and dont have the same standards.

And the ear plugs: Eclipse, just a few steps away from Turmbühne provides ear plugs for free. The festival cannot force people to wear them and its their choice. And Ive seen enough people who dont like wearing them for one reason or another. A shame, but their decision in the end.

Dear Vercetti, thank you very much for your response; I appreciate and understand your criticism on my message. I'm well aware that I represent only a small percentage of festival attendees, but I just wanted to share my thoughts on it and start a conversation with the Fusion Festival organization, which I think consists of some audiophiles too:) It may appear spoiled in this context, but that is not how I want people to perceive me and it's not my intention to criticize all the effort and love which has been put in this new audio set-up. As I stated in my letter, I am aware of the other arguments for changing the sound systems and I am most grateful that we were able to enjoy such a fantastic Fusion this year. Meanwhile I believe that positive constructive feedback contributes to the Festival's evolution, which is why I shared my thoughts. And I'm also just curious about a response of Kulturkosmos on this matter because I never read anything about it in their newsletter.

And regarding the earplugs at Eclipse: those are 'normal' earplugs. I'm talking about earplugs with a dB filter in it. Those are two different kind of earplugs: the one you are taking about is for sleeping and one I'm taling about is for ear protection while dancing. As far as I know, nowhere on Fusion festival you can purchase the filter earplugs. Here in Amsterdam you can buy them everywhere, also in clubs in vendor machines for 2 euro's. You simply and safely enjoy the music better with those dB filter earplugs.

[flameijer]

Turmbühne sound was absolutely amazing, I loved it. There is nothing that I hate more than wearing earplugs, and it is great that there was no need for those sticky little shitters at Turmbühne. Dear fusion festival, please ignore that crappy letter. Lambda Labs was a great decision!

Hi NDN,

It's nice to hear to you enjoyed the Lamda Labs sound system and I agree with you: it's an amazing system indeed. What I want to make clear is that even without earplugs I didn't had that intense bass feeling, which i think is an extremely important element to blow up a dance arena and to create to collective music and audio hypnosis. I think without earplugs it sounds better indeed but then again you are exposed to 100 dB or so which is very damaging for your hearing if you don't wear earplugs with filter.

But you know, It's OK to disagree and in Dutch we say: over smaak valt niet te twisten (there is no arguing about taste).

Please understand that I only have positive feelings around the Fusion and that I did put some effort in my letter because I'm an involved Fusionist who supports the festival and I care about the festival very much. Calling my letter crappy I find a little bit unfair but I also understand that audio is an emotional thing:)

[mrnice83]

Turmbühne sound was indeed very very nice!


But I have to say, at Tanzwüste, especially if you were standing at the sides and more in the back, the sound was kind of weak/quietly as if something was missing, AND the delay/echo was standing out too intense, maybe there you could do something...

But it's critics on a high level ^^