Archives: Case Studies

AV CASE STUDY: GEELONG ARTS CENTRE AUDIO UPGRADE

Post date March 25, 2025

CASE STUDY:

Geelong Arts Centre

A massive A$140m upgrade of Geelong’s arts precinct includes a hefty audio package led by Martin Audio WPS line arrays.

Hanson Associates was initially engaged to provide the acoustic and electroacoustic design for the new Stage 3 Redevelopment of the Geelong Arts Centre (GAC). This ambitious project introduced two new theatres: The Story House, a 550-seat venue, and The Open House, a flexible 250-seat performance space. Our role extended beyond room acoustics to include the design of house loudspeaker systems, thanks to the forward-thinking approach of GAC’s technical advisor Andrew Nicol of A.E.N. Advisory and Design Services, who understood the critical synergy between room acoustics and sound reinforcement.

Alongside the Stage 3 project, we were also directly appointed to assist with technology upgrades for GAC’s existing Play House theatre. This encompassed a new sound reinforcement system, motorised flying equipment, and an extensive overhaul of the venue’s cabling infrastructure.

TACKLING AN OUTDATED SYSTEM

The Play House Theatre’s previous sound system was a relic of an earlier era, consisting of outdated, single-source cabinets mounted on the proscenium. The venue’s geometry — originally designed as a cinema — compounded coverage issues, with a deep balcony overhang and complex side seating areas presenting significant challenges. The in-house system failed to provide adequate coverage, leading to its consistent replacement with temporary loudspeakers for live events.

The centre channel posed the greatest challenge, as the existing system provided negligible audience coverage and was often left unused. A modern solution was urgently needed to meet the demands of contemporary programming.

The Play House Theatre enjoyed a full technical refit including new rigging, electroacoustics package, Riedel Bolero comms, and lighting.

CLIENT BRIEF: PERFORMANCE WITHOUT COMPROMISE

The loudspeaker system design for each venue was shaped by the final acoustic specifications, with a brief that emphasised:

Clarity – Intelligible speech (STI ≥ 0.6 at all listening positions)
Natural Reproduction – Excellent transient response and minimal distortion
Level – Total SPL at all listening positions: Leq 105dBC (6dB crest factor)
Uniformity – Minimal variation across the audience area
Dynamic Range – Low system noise and high headroom

A key requirement for The Story House was the ability to adapt its response to different room configurations with minimal operator intervention while maintaining consistent performance across both audience and stage areas.

The Play House and Story House required traditional front-left-right theatre sound reinforcement systems, supplemented by fill and delay loudspeakers. The Open House, a flexible black-box space, needed a single permanent loudspeaker system in a primary orientation, with additional infrastructure to support a pool of shared loudspeakers for alternative layouts.

The Open House black box theatre also opens out to the adjacent park for alfresco Christmas carols and the like.

MODELLING THE SOLUTION

Using Odeon, we developed detailed acoustic models for each venue, allowing us to refine room acoustics for different performance formats and evaluate the impact of various loudspeaker solutions.

In the Play House Theatre, sightlines were paramount. To optimise coverage, we modelled multiple centre loudspeaker configurations, ultimately selecting a line array solution over clustered point-source cabinets for its superior coherence and consistent audience coverage.

Finding the best location for the centre cluster wasn’t the end of the story. The existing documentation was outdated and did not accurately reflect the built environment. The P.A. People’s input here was invaluable. Not only did they supply and install new rigging for the loudspeakers but went above and beyond to ensure the arrays are tucked up and out of the way as much as possible.

Special mention also goes to MultiTek Solutions, the appointed AV contractor, which conducted extensive site investigations, to provide us with the information the 45-year-old plans couldn’t. MultiTek were also able to map new cabling access routes along with the identification of appropriate rigging locations.

Utilising independent 3D venue models, we tested several loudspeaker solutions based on manufacturer recommendations and conducted comparative simulations. A collaborative approach with GAC led to the development of a grading system, assessing each option against the venue’s requirements, available inventory, budget, and technical performance. Following this process, Martin Audio’s WPS line array system, supported by subwoofers and single-source speakers, was chosen for each space.

A standout endorsement came from Jessica Mauboy during the grand opening: ‘Wow. Aren’t the acoustics great!’

MARTIN AUDIO: MEETING THE BRIEF

Martin Audio has pioneered beam-shaping technology for over 15 years, a feature we previously leveraged in O-Line installations to precisely map direct sound coverage while rejecting unwanted areas. This same technology was deployed in the larger-format WP-series loudspeakers, allowing for adaptable audience coverage with simple preset adjustments via the control system.

The combination of Martin WPS Line Arrays and SXCF118 subwoofers delivered exceptional signal-to-noise performance on stage, reducing reflections from hard surfaces and improving on-stage rejection. The Martin Audio Display D2 software facilitated precise system optimisation, with settings uploaded to iKon amplifiers driving the WPS arrays.

SUBWOOFER STRATEGY

Both the Story House and Play House feature flown cardioid subwoofer arrays flanking the centre line array. This configuration enhances horizontal dispersion control while minimising stage spill. For high-impact performances, such as rock concerts or electronic music events, four Martin Audio SXP218 active dual subwoofers are available as ground stacks beneath the left and right arrays. These are shared between The Story House and Play House as needed.

The new Story House venue is the largest in the precinct and features 3 x 10-element Martin Audio WPS arrays at FOH along with Martin Audio CDD loudspeakers for fill.

A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

The feedback from GAC’s technical managers and visiting audio professionals has been overwhelmingly positive. Touring artists and engineers alike have praised the system’s clarity, coverage, and ease of use. A standout endorsement came from Jessica Mauboy during the grand opening: “Wow. Aren’t the acoustics great!”

Such praise reflects the meticulous effort invested in design, installation, and system tuning. Hanson Associates collaborated closely with GAC staff to ensure that the final tuning not only met but exceeded expectations, delivering optimal audience coverage and localisation.

A TEAM EFFORT

TAG’s Tony Russo and Bryan Davidson provided invaluable support throughout the process, from design consultation to on-site implementation and post-completion assistance. The P.A. People supplied new motorised winch systems, enabling safe and flexible deployment of the centre array and subwoofers.

At Hanson Associates, we differentiate ourselves by directly commissioning and tuning the sound systems we design, ensuring that our performance specifications are fully realised. For the Play House Theatre, we executed system tuning in partnership with David Gilfillan of Gilfillan Soundwork, delivering a solution that continues to impress performers, audiences, and technical teams alike.

The transformation of Geelong Arts Centre’s audio infrastructure is a testament to the power of collaboration, precision engineering, and cutting-edge technology. It stands as a world-class example of how thoughtful acoustic and electroacoustic design can elevate the performance experience for artists and audiences alike.

Click here for original article.

O-LINE EXCELS IN TASMANIA

Post date December 9, 2024

CASE STUDY:

O-LINE EXCELS IN TASMANIA

OUR MISSION
UNITE YOUR AUDIENCE

Martin Audio delivers rich, clear sound that envelops the audience helping to ensure that the next generation are inspired.

St John’s Launceston turned to GUZ BOX design + audio to propose an audio solution that would provide clear intelligibility in the main seating areas

As the first european settlements rose out of the virgin landscape of northern Tasmania in the early 19th century, St John’s claimed its stake as the oldest church in Launceston. Celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2024, the church committee decided to conduct extensive refurbishment ahead of the bicentennial celebrations. To enhance speech intelligibility, All Saints Anglican Network tasked GUZ BOX design + audio to propose architectural acoustic and electroacoustic design works in late 2020.

Unlike the intelligibility, the real-world challenges were clear for GUZ BOX design + audio founder, Tim Kuschel. Armed with few documents and hindered by the numerous pandemic restrictions in place at the time, the Canberra-based consultant was forced to work on modelling from point cloud data transferred to him. During a relaxation of pandemic restrictions in March 2021, Kuschel was almost overwhelmed by the heritage-listed architectural constraints and demanding acoustics, including a 22m-high dome.

“The dome and rising stone pillars combined to create multiple reflections and, with a pipe organ still in use, intelligibility was a major concern,” recalls Kuschel. “A large proportion of the congregants are elderly worshippers, and the majority could not understand the spoken word services. Therefore, the design brief focused on speech intelligibility within the main seating areas. Additionally, the existing audio system was deemed to possess limited flexibility, so I was requested to add enhanced features into the design.”

St John’s also hosts more contemporary music for its youth services and others during weekday evenings. Although the church is one of the oldest-surviving churches in Australia, it has received numerous extensions and modifications over the years. Only the tower and first pair of windows in the nave remain from the original 1824 construction. “Just as the church has added new extensions at various points in time, random loudspeaker enclosures have also been installed into various zones. The existing loudspeaker system simply did not meet the requirements because it consisted of too many non-compatible enclosures, which were not designed for such a space.”

The proposed works to upgrade and revise the sanctuary, platform and presentation area included an acoustic amenity supporting a modern contemporary worship style. Demanding a minimalist audio reinforcement footprint, the architectural and audio aesthetic for traditional un-amplified musical performances would need to be adhered to. A flexible AV system was also required to distribute and replay video content, including the broadcast and livestreaming of church activities and special events, from multiple camera locations to presentation screens.

To create detailed acoustic design and modelling using EASE software, Kuschel conducted extensive acoustic measurements. A man driven by detailed figures, Kuschel carefully studied the reflective surfaces and the acoustic materials. Not only was the audio system required to focus its PROJECTS energies on the main church seating areas, but the loudspeakers would also need to operate within the full frequency range for speech and music. Assuming a two-thirds seating capacity, Kuschel set a desirable Speech Transmission Index (STI) of greater than 0.60 throughout the areas covered by the audio systems. The balcony, chapel, choir, entry and crèche areas were also specified to operate within a minimum frequency response of 150Hz–16kHz (±3dB).

Balloons were used to measure the impulse responses, with the results used to correlate real-world with virtual response measurements. In addition, Kuschel’s ears played a significant role in studying the acoustic behaviour during various services. “For the more social aspects, I listened to the pipe organ and I played the piano to comprehend how a performer perceived the sound onstage. Because my background is in architecture, I built a model in AutoCAD from the point cloud data before converting it into a virtual acoustic model using AFMG’s EASE version 5 software. For added accuracy, I correlated the physical measurements with the EASE model.”

To minimise the impact on the architectural design and aspects within St John’s, Kuschel worked closely with Cumulus Studio by proposing an extensive acoustic works treatment programme, including ceiling absorbers and wall treatments. “It would be very difficult to remove all the sound defects, including echoes, room nodes and focused reflections from curved surfaces and dome structures. The focused reflections from the curved wall and ceiling surfaces are a characteristic of the existing church acoustic environment.”

The Hobart-based architects wanted Kuschel to install technology that would simplify the setup for local artists looking to perform in the church. “I evaluated various sound systems for this space but, ultimately, the Martin Audio O-Line offered the most consistent results across the seating areas. With its small, compact form factor, O-Line excels in houses of worship or those venues where speech intelligibility is the primary function of the space. For the ability to reproduce music, however, additional subwoofers were required.”

Working closely with Martin Audio distributor Technical Audio Group (TAG), L-R Martin Audio O-Line arrays provide the main FOH coverage. Consisting of 16 elements in each array, each element comprises dual 3.5-inch LF with five 0.6-inch HF drivers. For the ability to reproduce music by enhancing the low-frequency spectrum, six SX110 10-inch direct-radiating sub bass arrays have been placed under the main platform.

“We could not suspend the O-Line arrays from the 22m-high concrete dome, as it is 16m higher than the optimum speaker placement. For the desired coverage, the modelling suggested that the top speaker of each hang be suspended 6m above the sanctuary floor. To achieve this, customised speaker brackets were designed that extend the distance of the arrays from the wall.”

Fixed to pan and tilt brackets on the main balcony providing controlled 150° x 15° or 30° coverage, L-R QSC AD-S162T column enclosures serve as the main balcony delays. Several Martin Audio CDD6 and CDD5 cabinets have been fixed in the chapel and choir areas on ball and ceiling brackets. Completing the loudspeaker fulfilment, QSC AD-4T cabinets and AD-C4T 4.5-inch ceiling speakers serve the side entry and under balcony/crèche areas respectively. “To blend in with the décor, the conduits running the cabling to the wall-mounted speakers are painted in the same finish. Alternative colours were painted to match the sandstone and the brickwork in some areas.” This was initiated by the builder and integrator to satisfy the requirements of heritage constraints.

Six QSC CX-Q4K8 8-channel amplifiers are integrated into the Q-SYS design. In addition to powering 48 individual loudspeaker channels –and providing routing, advanced processing and control – the network amplifiers promote efficient channel power distribution with FlexAmp and Flexible Amplifier Summing Technology (FAST).

DSP settings for each O-Line element, the subwoofers and the fill speakers have been set and stored within a Q-SYS Core 110fx 128×128 processor. Mounted on a tabletop, simplified control of the audio parameters can be made, for those with access codes, from a Q-SYS 7-inch PoE touchscreen. The GUI interfaces with the entire Cat6 networkable audio connections courtesy of a Netgear Q-SYS PoE+ 30-port managed switch.

Fitted with a Dante card, an Allen & Heath SQ-6 digital console is used for mixing both simple spoken word services and musical performances. A wireless iPad loaded with SQ MixPad app allows the presiding audio technician to independently or simultaneously control the SQ-6 console over a wired or wireless network. Microphone inputs are received via Cat6 connection from the S-Link port on the rear of the 48-channel console from the Allen & Heath DX164-W 4-in/16-out flush-mounted floor box expanders onstage. “When the FOH loudspeaker system is not required, the operator can select one of the Q-SYS presets. More advanced users can access the Dante network on the built-in SQ-6 touchscreen, which runs to a breakout box in the rack.”

Already possessing a large microphone inventory, Kuschel simply insisted on the adoption of a Sennheiser EW-DX wireless system. Boosted by an RF Venue diversity architectural antenna, MMD945 super-cardioid capsules and Que Audio DA12DE head-worn models connected to EW-DX bodypacks transmit to the EM4 4-channel Dante digital full-rack receiver. For spoken word, the lectern is fitted with Audio-Technica U857Q-H gooseneck microphones fitted to shock mounts.

Assistive listening is enhanced with the installation of Univox SLS-3 and SLS-5 phased-array induction loop amplifiers. Kuschel designed the placement to be as far from audio, video and data systems as possible. Consideration was also given to interference from under-floor heating systems. “Due to the magnetic field strength of induction loop systems, some of the audio equipment such as dynamic microphones and electric guitar pickups can be affected.”

The acoustic works included the replacement of the raised timber platforms towards the front of the church and in the chapel with 130m2 of recycled hardwood timber linings. Indirectly, the laying of 590m2 of new carpet throughout the ground-level seating areas and balcony sections provides added absorption. In addition to some wall treatments, Kuschel’s decision to apply an aesthetic acoustic treatment of Megasorber 50mm sound absorbing panels to approximately two-thirds of the ceiling over the main seating areas was fully merited during commissioning.

“The reverberant energy over the audience area has been controlled. Following the upgrade, the installed audio system provides a minimum measured STI value of 0.61 from the front row to the last seat of the balcony. The speech clarity is uniformly intelligible, whether you’re sitting in the main seating block, in the chapel or up in the balcony. Both live performances and high-definition spoken word services can be better managed.”

Following the acoustic treatment, Kuschel recorded 2.5s of reverberation time, mainly in the mid-frequencies. “The organist demanded reverberant energy in the space, and it was pleasing to note that this has been unaffected by the acoustic works. Crucially, however, the reflected energy has been controlled and so the performances of singers and musicians are no longer marred. There is a good natural reverberant tail which is more defined, but it doesn’t come with the early reflections that affect musicians.”

Installation works were carried out by Tasmania-based Contact Group, who have provided an exceptionally high-quality result considering the heritage constraints and detailed, time-consuming installation. T-Built project manager Joel Taylor managed all the contractors and systems integrators onsite. “During the entire upgrade and refurbishment programme, Joel carefully coordinated all the trades onsite,” explains Kuschel. “The acoustic works and AV fit-out were managed to perfection under him. I cannot rate him highly enough.” A 10 out of 10 perhaps, for Taylor, but some aspects of an AV upgrade cannot be assessed or measured scientifically.

Original article published on Worship Avl Asia

Portfolio Recommendations

Della Fame

Post date November 13, 2024

Pulsarpro chooses HH Electronics audio system for stylish new Istanbul restaurant, Della Fame…

Home to the Metropol Istanbul Tower, Turkey’s highest skyscraper, the Ataşehir district on the Anatolian side of the city is a residential, business and trading centre which has developed a popular social scene. Its many busy eateries cater for a wide range of tastes, and attractively-designed Della Fame is the very latest Italian restaurant to open in Ateşhir.

Located in a section of the Metropol Shopping Mall, Della Fame is a stylish and spacious venue which offers indoor and alfresco dining courtesy of its street-facing aspect, and delivers a high standard of Italian-inspired Mediterranean cuisine from its open kitchen.

Carefully selected background music and DJ sets complement the guest experience at Della Fame, meaning that exceptional audio was an essential component of the restaurant’s ambience. The Della Fame team engaged leading Istanbul-based professional audio integrator, Pulsarpro, to supply and install a discreet, high quality system that would meet the needs of the venue’s different spaces.

Project coordinator Hakan Tamer deployed 10 x HH TNi-0801A 8” full-range active loudspeakers in conjunction with 4 x TRS-1800 18” powered subwoofers for the inside spaces. These installation units from the HH Tessen and Tensor ranges respectively, combine to comfortably deliver all the necessary power and quality for background music and evening DJ sets, whilst blending unobtrusively into Della Fame’s elegant decor. 3 x HH TNi-C8 ceiling speakers were mounted in the lobby and restroom entrance area, while the garden area benefitted from 16 x TNi-W6 compact wall-mounted speakers.

Hakan Tamer comments:

“The HH loudspeakers proved to be first-class products in terms of quality, power and consistency of coverage, as well as respecting the visual aesthetic of the venue’s unique decoration.”

Della Fame Business Manager, Murat Coşkun is pleased with the system:

“Our mission is to offer a relaxing experience, day and night, for guests who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Good music plays a big part in creating the right atmosphere at Della Fame. Our new sound system, with its carefully placed HH speakers, delivers excellent sound quality both during the early lounge hours and later DJ performances.”

Ian Wright, Global Sales Director for HH Electronics adds:

“Pulsarpro did a great job at Della Fame, choosing a combination of speakers that delivered optimum quality and coverage of the spaces without being visually intrusive in what is a beautifully designed venue. Although a relatively new customer for us, Pulsarpro had no hesitation in designing an HH system for this eye-catching venue, and already have a number of other schemes underway in Turkey.”

Click here for original case studies

THE CATERPILLAR CLUB

Post date November 8, 2024

CASE STUDY:

The Caterpillar Club

OUR MISSION
UNITE YOUR AUDIENCE

Martin Audio delivers rich, clear sound that envelops the audience helping to ensure that the next generation are inspired.

Tucked away at 92 Pitt Street in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, the newly opened Caterpillar Club is far more than your average underground bar. With a vibrant music program, an extensive vinyl collection of nearly 12,000 records, and the perfect fusion of retro chic and modern sound technology, the Swillhouse Group venue is redrawing Sydney’s expectations of late-night culture in the city. Live music is a major drawcard at Caterpillar Club, and whenever a band isn’t on stage, a DJ spins vinyl through the house sound system. The club creates an atmosphere so compelling you’ll want to stay until the early hours of the morning, and if you get lost on your way, just look for the long queues outside the door.

NOD TO THE PAST

From the moment you descend into Caterpillar Club, it’s as if you’ve been transported to a cool speakeasy from another era. The venue exudes a distinct ’70s charm with dim, atmospheric lighting, cozy leather banquettes, and walls lined with record sleeves, creating an environment that’s both intimate and buzzing with energy. You can almost feel the influence of New York’s underground scene — a conscious homage, according to General Manager Emma Franceschini.

“We’ve taken inspiration from some great places from the ’70s. There’s a lot of New York inherently in this building,” Franceschini explains. “We have bands five nights a week from Sunday through to Thursday, and any time there’s not a band on, there’s a DJ spinning vinyl. And we’ve got a little hidden secret tiki bar with DJs, so on Friday and Saturday night, essentially you can have two parties in one.”

“Good audio is everything. You know if something sounds good or bad, even if you can’t articulate it. It’s just a feeling”

THE VINYL EXPERIENCE

At the heart of Caterpillar Club’s identity is its record collection, one of the largest private collections in the world. It’s no surprise that vinyl plays a huge role in the venue’s appeal, as DJs regularly spin from this extensive collection between live sets. The tactile warmth of vinyl emanates through the space, offering something deeper than what digital music alone can provide — a sense of timelessness, nostalgia, and raw authenticity.

But what really sets this experience apart is the attention to detail in how the music is heard. Franceschini points out that vinyl isn’t just about the records themselves, but about how they are delivered to your ears.

“We’re a vinyl bar. We’re playing cool, interesting records. You want to be able to hear the nuances, and having a world-class sound system allows you achieve that,” she says. “Good audio is everything. You know if something sounds good or bad, even if you can’t articulate it. It’s just a feeling. When the balance of the sub is right in the room, and you get that thump in your chest, the whole place feels warm and comfortable to be in.”

EVERY SEAT IS THE BEST SEAT

“The thing with the Martin Audio sound system is you have that extra clarity in the room,” says Franceschini. “You’re able to take it to a pretty substantial volume and still have great conversation with your friends in the space.”

It’s a fine balance — loud enough to feel the energy of the live performance or the groove of the vinyl DJ, yet restrained enough to lean in and share a moment with your companions. The technology behind the Martin Audio system is engineered to ensure warm, rich sound that’s as comfortable as the venue itself.

Audio is processed and distributed across zones by a Q-SYS backbone. Zones are selected and controlled via QSC touchpanels with a custom GUI. An Allen & Heath SQ7 digital console and stagebox take care of live mixing duties.

TWO PARTIES, ONE NIGHT

What truly makes Caterpillar Club stand out is its ability to cater to different moods in a single evening. The main room offers live music and vinyl DJ sets, while a hidden tiki bar within the venue provides an entirely different vibe.

“On a Friday, Saturday night, essentially you can have two parties in one,” Franceschini notes. This dual experience lets you float between worlds: one moment you’re soaking in a band’s live set or dancing to a vinyl groove, the next you’re transported to a secluded hideaway for a whole other experience.”

Sydney’s nightlife scene is in constant evolution, and Caterpillar Club is an example of where it could be headed. By fusing nostalgia with state-of-the-art sound, live music with vinyl culture, and creating a space where people can truly engage with the music over fantastic drinks and snacks, Caterpillar Club is setting a high bar for late-night venues in the city.

Caterpillar Club: swillhouse.com/venues/the-caterpillar-club
Avivo Technology: avivotech.com.au
Technical Audio Group: tag.com.au

Portfolio Recommendations

Atlantic Control Technologies

Post date July 16, 2024

Atlantic Control Technologies

SONANCE
July 16, 2024
Case Studies

ABOUT ATLANTIC CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES

Atlantic Control Technologies, founded in 2006, is a distinguished provider of high-end audio and control solutions, serving the mid-Atlantic region. Known for their expertise in custom integrations, Atlantic Control Technologies delivers tailored solutions for residential, commercial, and specialized projects, ensuring top-notch quality and customer satisfaction. Their dedication to cutting-edge technology and superior service has established them as a leader in the industry.

LEVERAGING THE SONANCE BRAND AND RESOURCES

Atlantic Control Technologies has effectively leveraged the range of Sonance innovations, tools, and unique solutions to enhance their customer experience. By incorporating Sonance’s refined architectural speakers, amplifiers, and strategic approach to the audio experience, they have been able to provide customized audio solutions that meet the unique needs of their clients. Additionally, Atlantic Control Technologies has utilized the Sonance Studio experience to keep their team enthusiastic about what is possible beyond traditional audio applications.

ACT PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Ravens Stadium Installation

One of the standout projects in the partnership is the installation at Ravens Training Facility. Atlantic Control Technologies collaborated with Sonance to upgrade the complexes audio system, delivering an immersive experience for the players. Utilizing Sonance’s powerful outdoor speakers and amplifiers, they addressed the challenges of sound distribution in a large, open space. The project was a resounding success, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the training facility and earning commendations from both players and management.

High-End Residential Installations

Atlantic Control Technologies has completed numerous high-end residential installations, seamlessly integrating Sonance’s in-wall and in-ceiling speakers. A notable project involved a luxury penthouse where the audio system had to complement the sophisticated interior design. By using Sonance’s discreet speaker solutions, they delivered exceptional sound quality without compromising the aesthetic appeal of the space, providing homeowners with an invisible yet powerful audio experience.

Commercial Space Renovations

In the commercial sector, Atlantic Control Technologies has implemented Sonance audio solutions in various environments, including corporate offices and retail spaces. One significant project involved a boutique hotel where the audio system needed to support both ambient background music and high-fidelity sound for events. With Sonance’s versatile product range, they created a dynamic audio environment that could be easily controlled and tailored to different scenarios, enhancing the hotel’s ambiance and functionality.

UNIQUE PROJECT CHALLENGES

Throughout these projects, Sonance has served as a crucial guide, helping Atlantic Control Technologies navigate complex installations and challenging environments. During the Ravens Training Facility project, for example, Sonance’s technical team worked closely with Atlantic Control Technologies to address acoustic challenges and ensure optimal sound distribution. This collaboration included on-site assessments, custom solutions, and detailed installation guidance, highlighting Sonance’s role as a valuable resource in achieving successful outcomes for intricate projects.

BUSINESS IMPACT

The partnership with Sonance has significantly boosted Atlantic Control Technologies’ business. By offering Sonance’s premium audio solutions, they have attracted a higher-end clientele and expanded their market presence. The technical support and training from Sonance have enhanced their expertise, enabling them to tackle more complex projects with confidence. Overall, the collaboration has not only increased their sales and project portfolio but also solidified their reputation as a leading audio and control solutions provider known for quality and innovation.

Share This Case Study

More To Explore

AV CASE STUDY: GEELONG ARTS CENTRE AUDIO UPGRADE

March 25, 2025

O-LINE EXCELS IN TASMANIA

December 9, 2024

AV CASE STUDY: WORLD HARVEST CENTRE

Post date June 20, 2024

CASE STUDY:

World Harvest Centre

CVAV pulls off a comprehensive and logistically-challenging system upgrade in Fiji’s World Harvest Centre.

Christian Mission Fellowship International (CMFI) is a rapidly growing church headquartered in Suva, Fiji. Established in 1990, its 30,000 members and missionaries serve in 120 countries across 5000 churches worldwide.

CMFI is headquartered in Suva at The World Harvest Centre (WHC). WHC has an impressive, round church building with over 3500 worshipers, a full band, production, and a 100-member choir.

Since its construction in 1990, the centre has installed numerous sound systems; however, none have been able to overcome the challenges of the large reverberant space and the sound quality requirements of the growing church.

Enter Head Pastor Suliasi Kurulo, who finally decided that the time had arrived to call in the professionals and deliver the dream to its members.

Deciding to award a significant project like this required more than just proving that the system would technically work. It also meant trusting that the selected company understood Fiji’s culture and involved them in many aspects of the installation and its production techniques. Unlike most projects where a company installs the system, this project required a deeper level of engagement and collaboration.

After many proposals and CAD models, Head Pastor Suliasi, his production crew, and the committee awarded the project to Carey Leghorn from CVAV Australia based on a Martin Audio solution.

ABROAD SCOPE

Carey, together with Anthony Russo from Technical Audio Group, Martin Audio’s representative, made several visits to WHC to evaluate the scale of the project, create a design that would meet the brief’s requirements, and assure the church that this would be a unique partnership.

From Carey’s viewpoint, “This project was one of the most difficult I had ever worked on. We faced several challenges, from working at 15m heights for PA rigging to custom steel fabrication on site. Additionally, we had to install several kilometres of cables through a complex roof structure. Also, much of the fabrication had to be done in Australia with no room for error once the project was containerised and sea freighted.”

Choosing the final speaker design of the system involved hundreds of hours of modelling, with the final decision to use a Martin Audio WPM line array system with processing and amplification from a Q-SYS System. The church preferred to retain and improve some of the existing Q-SYS backbones and converge them with the Martin Audio system.

Anthony takes up the project overview: “During my many visits to the church, I sat in on many services and envisioned the many aspects of the system design and how to conquer the space. Moreover, I was emotionally moved by how much effort and love this space intertwines with every congregation member’s life.”

The services are major concert events with 3000-plus people singing, supported by a full band and choir. Therefore, the system had to achieve higher than normal SPLs and provide a unique experience generally associated with an international touring act.

“I believe every seat needs to be the best seat, all while trying to keep an eye on a budget. There is a fine line where you can’t compromise,” says Anthony.

PA SYSTEM DESIGN

Martin Audio’s DISPLAY prediction software was used to design a 56-cabinet WPM system, which proved the optimal solution. The main hang consists of a 32-cabinet left and right system, along with a ten-a-side WPM operating in two-box and one-box resolution modes, respectively.

The extensive array system is supported with six Martin SX 218 speakers to provide 12 x 18-inch sub-bass speakers. Each driver is individually processed and amplified. Despite the challenges posed by the rigging and structural steelwork, the CVAV crew achieved the seemingly impossible feat of hanging a centre cluster and allowing beam steering of the sub-cluster, thereby implementing a textbook solution.

“Once I saw it hang together in place, it was a dream moment for me,” commented Anthony. “It’s extremely rare to get subs in that position in churches, where projectors, site lines, and roof weight loadings often constrain you. This results in compromised split left and right subs and the inevitable power alley and off-axis cancellations.”

The choir stalls are covered with eight individually amplified and processed CDD 12 two-way cabinets from Martin’s Coaxial CDD range, ensuring maximum coverage and performance. The main console provides a tailored mix send depending on the choir’s requirements.

An eight-cabinet, 12-inch two-way delay system from the Martin BLX range was installed to complement the main system. While not essential, this system enhances the overall experience for the rear congregation and optimises the coverage of the main arrays to the main seating area.

Three Martin CDD 10-inch front stage apron speakers supplement the front rows to complete the main system. The stage is covered by a six-cabinet LE 100 12-inch CDD foldback system.

Q-SYS PROCESSING

With such a remote location and mission-critical status, nothing was left to chance regarding the headend equipment.

The main system processing is controlled via a Q-SYS Core enterprise-class 610 unit driving 17 Q-SYS 8K and 4K series QLAN amplifiers installed in two remote amplifier rack rooms.

The 610 was chosen for maximum reliability and the processing power required for the number of FIR system filters and processing blocks. Furthermore, a 610 future-proofed the church for its expansion plans on site.

Netgear AV 4250 switches handle all network traffic on Dante and QLAN protocols. Remote access is via a Lenovo NUC, which enables remote desktop access or Reflect management from Q-SYS servers.

APC Systems’ UPS provided uninterrupted power backup to Suva’s unpredictable mains, enabling continuous operation during brownouts for the core, switches, and FOH console, resulting in a faster system restart.

The cable system design utilises both digital and analogue network feeds running in parallel. Carey stressed the importance of reliability and that they had to plan for every possible scenario. Fortunately, with Q-SYS, two backup levels are in place. If a data cable is cut, spare A&B LAN lines are available. If a switch or core fault, Q-SYS allows all amplifiers to run in standalone mode. This means the analogue feed can take over, with enough onboard processing to ensure the service remains uninterrupted.

A patch bay system was installed at each rack location for the main desk, which allows any mixer or source to be substituted in an emergency.

USER CONTROL

“The complexity of the WHC system makes it challenging for users to identify faults, even with an engineering background. Anthony points out that “it’s nearly impossible to detect issues like one sub driver of 12 not working or the second box in a 16-way array is malfunctioning, particularly when the system is 12m in the air. However, detecting such faults can become significantly easier with the right software tools.”

Carey and his team created peace of mind by developing an advanced, user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI). Using the power of Q-SYS, they designed a touchscreen interface with specific test pages which allow the WHC crew to conduct a stepped pink noise test on each speaker before services. Furthermore, the team loaded a music library on the core, providing staff with a reference track to refer to when needed. A simple on-screen button push starts the test sequence both visually and audibly. This enables operators to see a pictorial representation of the system and hear as each cabinet is checked, along with associated power meters and impedance readings.

All Q-SYS amplifiers and peripherals are constantly monitored for health status, and if needed, email alerts are sent to TAG support in Australia.

dLIVE & WELL

Principal sound engineers at WHC, Siasailosi Dokonivalu and Kit Mateyawa, had been using Allen & Heath iLive and SQ7 consoles for their live and broadcast operations for many years. Given the pending new sound system and the increasing complexity of productions, urgent discussions were had on whether to upgrade their existing consoles to an A&H S5000 dLive console with a 48-channel Dante rack.

After reviewing dLive’s improved workflow and 96kHz capability, the team lobbied the church to invest in the console. Finally, Andrew Crawford from TAG, tasked with providing training in Fiji to all WHC churches, green-lighted the idea. Over 50 crew based throughout Fiji would be invited for an intensive four-day training course in Suva.

LOGISTICS

From CVAV and TAG’s experience managing overseas projects, meticulous planning was required to ensure success. Nothing could be left to chance, from the smallest rigging nuts and bolts to cabling and tools.

Given the significant investment, WHC dispatched Joe Kurulo and their trusted production manager Vatu Weleilakeba to Australia to inspect every item before dispatch.

Joe and Vatu were very impressed with the professionalism of the team during his inspection. “I was able to review the frequency response of each speaker on paper before packing, and every electronic item underwent soak testing for over a month. Additionally, I could inspect the preassembled racks and was thoroughly impressed by the attention to detail that the team was putting into the project,” said Vatu.

D-DAY: THE INSTALL

The team loaded ‘kitchen sink’ style and shipped everything by sea with a tight three-week target to complete the project. The deadline for D-Day was for Pastor Suli and the choir’s return from their USA tour. Carey, his leading technicians Lachlan Crawford and Simon Tanner, and Anthony supervised the assembly of the giant jigsaw puzzle. The church’s willing volunteer team of over 30 crew members was on hand to assist and learn. At this point, the ‘team’ turned into a force with the WHC crew.

Anthony and Carey realised that their expertise in everything from rigging, safety, cabling, and soldering could benefit the community. Anthony coined the term ‘University’ to describe their opportunity to educate and mentor enthusiastic young people with a lifetime of valuable skills that could never be found in books or online.

The team faced one of their toughest installations due to sweltering heat and 90% humidity, which made it challenging to work at 15m heights in a full rigging harness with tools.

With only a week left until D-Day, the team grew when TAG’s Andrew Crawford arrived to provide dLive training for the local technicians and renowned electro-acoustic expert David Gilfillan for system tuning and commissioning.

David spent four days meticulously analysing hundreds of computer measurements, double-checking each measurement and questioning everything, especially given the unusual space and system complexity.

THE RESULT

After completing the objective measurements, the team gathered to conduct a subjective analysis. This analysis included reference playback material and live band performances. Only after this step was completed could the final sign-off be given.

Anthony points out that only experienced ears can make the final decision on system balance. Pure measurements alone will never suffice. “A half dB here or there, or a fine ratio adjustment on a compressor, can make all the difference. Well-engineered systems, if aligned correctly, respond to even the slightest changes. Even then you need to keep checking what you think you hear vs what the measurement mic shows you.”

D-Day arrived and culminated in one of the biggest moments for not only the church but also for Fiji, with many island dignitaries in attendance and streaming to thousands online.

In a rare invitation, Anthony addressed thousands on stage and, in an emotional speech, praised the church’s vision. Importantly, he stressed that this project was not about cutting-edge technology and outstanding quality, but the congregation could now truly appreciate the sound of their musicians, choir, and preachers, and even importantly, know that their production team now had new education and skills that was invaluable for their future.

Anthony, in conclusion, said, “This location had become a place of learning inspired by a team, welcomed like family by its people and, in turn, willing to share their knowledge for future generations. Simply put, The World Harvest Centre ‘University’ had arrived.“

Click here for original article.

KATARA TOWERS

Post date January 26, 2024

KATARA TOWERS

SONANCE
January 26, 2024
Case Studies

ABOUT KATARA TOWERS

The Iconic Towers of Lusail are an architectural translation of Qatar’s national seal, representing the traditional scimitar swords. Two hotels, a 5-star & Luxury 6-star hotel opened in 2022 with a total area of 300,000m2, the project was completed in time for the World cup being hosted in the Country, following ten years of construction. The venue has quickly become a true landmark in the gulf region.

THE CHALLENGE

Extremely decerning clientele, who demand the absolute finest quality and luxury lifestyle in everything they do. This meant, that whatever was deployed, it needed to deliver the highest quality sound quality, combined with an aesthetic that did not distract from the stunning
surroundings. Moreover, it would need to withstand the harsh environmental conditions of the region, without the sound quality or appearance deteriorating over time.

REQUIREMENTS

The objective was to deliver balanced & even audio coverage throughout the outdoor space, whilst blending into the landscape garden areas around the pools and outdoor seating areas.

BEYOND EXPECTATIONS

“The client had a very clear understanding of what they wanted; exceptional audio performance, combined with an industrial design that would not compromise their carefully curated outdoor spaces. We turned to Sonance, because they are the only loudspeaker manufacturer that we know of, that puts as much emphasis on aesthetics as they do sonic performance and reliability. If it sounds amazing, looks amazing, and delivers many years of reliable service, the client is going to be happy!”

JOHN DODSON – ProConAV

METHODOLOGY

98 Omni 6T speakers, combined with 119 of the LS6T landscape speakers were deployed on this project, providing coverage throughout the outdoor spaces of Katara Towers & delivering hi-fi delity audio, using Sonance’s laminated core transformer technology via 100v transmission.

RESULT

Professional audio integration is more than merely fi lling an area with music. It’s a tangible design element and a critical part of the space’s environment that is meant to create a mood, elevate the senses, and not distract from the designer’s vision and aesthetic goals. For 40 years, the architectural speaker pioneers at Sonance have continually explored and refi ned the fi ne art of musical fi delity within a designed space, with their award-winning loudspeakers. This project is no exception, with breathtaking audio and aesthetics that are “designed to disappear” into the surroundings.

Share This Case Study

More To Explore