Quadrangle Audio System
Project:
The Brief
The University of Middlesex College building is a neo-Georgian style building dating back to 1939. The central quadrangle is covered by a large glass roof and is used for special events throughout the year. Due to the reflective nature of the glass roof and indeed the space in general, the acoustics are a particular challenge for any audio presentation.
The University invited Roche Audio Visual to propose a solution for a dedicated audio system capable of dealing with the demanding acoustics of the space. We quickly identified Renkus-Heinz and BiAmp as the best audio brands able to meet those challenges. Specialist distributor Polar Audio partnered with Roche to work on a system capable of dealing the various event layouts the University required within the quadrangle.
The following Summer provided an ideal opportunity to implement the successful proposal and Roche Audio Visual were given the go ahead to install the system during the University summer break. A team of Roche’s own engineers installed dedicated network links throughout the College building to enable Cobranet audio communication between a system rack and the speaker stacks.
Key Features
- Renkus-Heinz Digitally Steerable Speakers
- Bi-Amp Tesira Server
- Mackie DL32R Mixer
- Netgear AVB Switch
- Beyerdynamic Opus handheld, headset and lapel microphones
Specialist DSP configuration was carried out by Polar audio programmers to provide the required equalisation and audio dispersion. The Renkus-Heinz digitally steerable ICL-R speakers proved to be the ideal solution to the difficult acoustic nature of the space. The speakers allow beams of audio to be directed to specific audience areas and away from any reflective surfaces to provide a clear audible sound.
Partners
The University plan to use the system on dedicated event days through out the academic year. The system has been designed to pack away into flight cases when not in use and a simple procedure has been created to allow the University technicians a trouble free quick system setup. The quadrangle space was described during the installation as one of the most demanding environments in which to setup a public address and presentation audio system. The University now have a flexible solution providing clear audio for any events they whish to host within the spectacular quadrangle.
