GOSFORD, Australia – With a total capacity of 20,059, Bluetongue Stadium, opened in 2000, has played host to major rugby and soccer events, other sporting events including boxing and motocross, rock concerts and community events. While its waterfront location makes the stadium scenic, the salt air adversely affected its speaker system and rigging components.
"Some of the speakers weren't working because their components had been corroded," noted Chris Fanning, director of Newcastle-based A1 Audio & Lighting who was asked to design and install a new audio system. "More importantly, the speaker brackets were so corroded the speakers were close to falling down from the roof!"
Fanning recommended the Electro Voice Zx5PI 15" 2 Way Weather Resistant Passive PA speakers, along with NetMax DSP control, and consequently the west and east grandstands now feature 11 EV Zx5PI speakers, each covering the upper and lower seating. EV MH640p horns are placed on the north end of each grandstand to service the end zone.
"The EV system delivers all the performance at a cost-effective price," said Fanning. "Dispersion was a major factor when deciding on the Zx5PI, as they have the suitable dispersion to fit the existing speaker locations that we had to work with. Rather than change the existing speaker locations, it was easier for us to reutilize the existing points. The Zx5PI speakers definitely have the output to cover the areas. It's the same with the end zones where the medium throw horns cover the area well."
Fanning specified a NetMax DSP control for the stadium, which can be divided into eight zones. NetMax provides the control needed to keep the PA system optimized.
"We've got limiting on the system through the NetMax as well as different presets," said Fanning. "So when the games start with the crowd not at capacity, we have the system limited at a certain level. But as the stadium fills up, the show-caller or operator can simply change the limit settings with a preset. That way the operators don't have to think too much about it."
The installation is being done in stages, and in the near future, 30 EV Zx1i speakers are planned to cover the balcony areas.
"Mind you, the EV Zx5PI speakers made such an improvement in the sound quality, I suspect the client may not do the second stage," said Fanning. "The feedback that I've been getting is that everyone is extremely happy with the installation. I've talked to the operators who use the system and the show-caller, and they're all more than happy. The venue was also happy with how the installation was done within a limited time frame."
Bryan Davidson, Bosch's senior engineer for permanent installations, aided Fanning in the design of the system.
For more information, please visit www.electro-voice.com .
