Nic Robinson
Moderator
I don't think it was designed (in the 1870s remember) primarily as a venue for classical music. Queen's Hall was the place for that and it was only after that hall's wartime demise that the RAH became the home of the Proms. As "Britain's Village Hall" the huge space has always been used for all kinds of things, but has always been challenging for classical music and is, frankly, unsuitable for much unamplified music owing to its size and shape which produces a pronounced echo.The famous mushrooms from the 70s certainly helped but it's never been great.That does seem remarkable to me. As surely the thing was designed with acoustics primarily in mind. And the LZ 71? live recording (bonham orange wifebeater t-shirt) is great, no smearing. Perplexing.
Apparently a new sound system has recently been introduced but whether that is used to enhance live classical music or just for public address and amplified music, I'm not sure.
Pro musicians I know who have worked there describe it as difficult to play/sing in. I've sung there myself in choirs and you certainly don't get anything back! But that said, it's such an incredible atmosphere and supportive audience at Proms that all is forgiven!