Thailand: Mahidol University, Thailand’s oldest medical school, traces its origins back to 1888 with the founding of Siriraj Hospital by HM King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). The university awarded its first degree in 1893, evolved into the University of Medical Sciences in 1943 and was renamed Mahidol University in 1969 by HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej in honour of his father, Prince Mahidol. Today, the university is a prestigious centre for excellence in research, medicine and a wide range of academic disciplines.
One of its key landmarks, Prince Mahidol Hall, located on the Salaya campus, serves not only as a concert venue but also as a symbol of the university’s dedication to tradition and innovation. This 2,000-seat theatre is renowned for its “shoebox” concert hall design, which optimises acoustics, while its architecture draws inspiration from the human skeleton, reflecting the university’s medical roots. Blending traditional Thai elements with cutting-edge design features such as a dual-layer roof and steel ribbing, Prince Mahidol Hall is crafted for world-class performances.
The hall recently underwent a comprehensive audio infrastructure upgrade, through a collaboration with Stagetec Asia and local distributor DiGiTRA. The hall now boasts a highly integrated system centred around the already existing STAGETEC NEXUS audio network and the Yamaha CL5 digital mixing console.
A Yamaha CL5 digital mixing console has been integrated into the setup
“The integration of NEXUS and the Yamaha CL5 is a game-changer,” stated a representative from Prince Mahidol Hall. “This system offers us unprecedented audio precision, setting a higher standard for both large-scale orchestral performances and smaller, more intimate gatherings.”
Central to the upgrade is the TrueMatch microphone preamplifier, with its dynamic range of 158dB and 32-bit A/D conversion and ultra-low-noise performance. Combined with NEXUS’s Dante interface (XDIP board), engineers can individually control each microphone preamp with four-way splits, providing optimal sound throughout the venue. This integration not only enhances FOH and foldback systems but also significantly improves the hall’s recording capabilities.
For enhanced sound control, the venue has adopted XMIC digital microphone splits and XMIC+ eight-channel physical input boards (8×4 virtual split = 32 mic channel) featuring 32-bit TrueMatch converters, ensuring clarity and precision in every performance, whether it’s orchestral symphonies or keynote speeches.
“This upgrade has significantly revolutionised the auditory experience for all our events, reinforcing Prince Mahidol Hall’s standing as one of the leading performance venues in Southeast Asia,” added the hall’s spokesperson. “Our latest infrastructure allows for real-time sound mixing, ensuring our engineers can adjust audio seamlessly during even the most demanding performances.”
With this latest advancement, Prince Mahidol Hall continues to lead in acoustic innovation, offering superior sound quality to match its iconic status. From world-class concerts to intimate events, the hall remains a top destination for international performances, reflecting its commitment to excellence in both audio and visual experiences.
