Pro Audio | Video | Light Coltivarte and Perfect Sound at the Botanical Garden: Daniele Gratissi’s Experience and the Studiomaster V26 System

The Botanical Garden of Rome is a stunning venue located on the slopes of the Janiculum Hill, within the historic grounds of Villa Corsini—once the residence of Queen Christina of Sweden. For many years now, it has hosted, among other initiatives, the “Classica al Tramonto” festival, featuring open-air concerts traditionally held throughout July.

A venue like this requires the stage, scenic elements, and technical equipment to be as discreet as possible—something that applies especially to the audio system. This challenge was met with passion and expertise by Daniele Gratissi and the Coltivarte team, who successfully combined environmental sensitivity, sonic quality, and technological innovation in their project.

“With the Coltivarte team, we handled the design, installation, and full operation of the audio system for the festival at the Botanical Garden in Rome,” explains Daniele. “We managed the entire process, from the initial site inspection to front-of-house operations during the shows, ensuring continuous technical support throughout.”

The client's request was clear: to achieve high-quality, evenly distributed sound in a natural and complex environment like the Botanical Garden.

“The biggest challenges were related to the physical layout: unpaved ground, dense vegetation, and architectural and landscape constraints,” Daniele adds. “These factors required very careful planning in both loudspeaker placement and system calibration.”

Choosing the right audio system was crucial.

“We needed something compact, powerful, and non-intrusive, with a balanced sound profile,” continues Daniele. “The Studiomaster system was selected for both its sound performance and its practicality.”

The configuration included a stereo PA system featuring Studiomaster V26A line arrays—four units per side for the main FOH system—paired with V26SA subwoofers in a center cardioid setup to reduce stage emissions.

“The compactness of the cabinets allowed us to discreetly integrate them into the stage structure while preserving the natural aesthetic of the setting.”

The V26 is a Coaxial Active Line Array equipped with two 6.5" mid-frequency woofers and eight 1" high-frequency drivers, offering extremely compact dimensions for an active system and weighing only 8.5 kg per module.

The FOH control was also managed by Coltivarte, using a Midas M32 console positioned centrally among the audience under a lightweight canopy.

“Tablet-based remote control was a huge help during soundchecks and live performances,” Daniele notes.

Stage monitoring was handled using compact active wedges—Audiodesign Pro SM11 DSP systems—chosen for their reliability and strategically placed to avoid feedback while ensuring excellent vocal clarity.

“We adapted the technical rider to suit the needs of the performing artists, always balancing technical requirements with venue limitations.”

What were the system's standout features? Daniele is clear:

“The system proved to be versatile, reliable, and easy to manage. RJ45 remote control is a major plus. The sound remained well-defined even at moderate volumes. We were especially impressed by the speakers’ dynamic response—crucial for classical music in such a setting. Fast setup and flexible coverage made it possible to work precisely, even in unconventional conditions. It’s a system that delivers real results—no frills, just great performance.”

Feedback from both audience and performers was extremely positive:

“Some musicians praised the sound quality and the ‘natural feel’ in the listening area,” Daniele shares.

The event organizer, IUC – Istituzione Universitaria dei Concerti at Sapienza University, also expressed great satisfaction—not just with the audio quality but also with the system’s low visual impact and seamless integration into the garden's natural surroundings.

This year’s edition of the festival expanded its musical horizons beyond classical music to include experimental, jazz, and electronic genres, demonstrating that—when paired with the right technology and a professional team—every challenge can turn into a resounding success.

Frenexport + Studiomaster @OrtoBotanico, Roma - "Classica al tramonto 2025"

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