Each trader station includes a phone, two or three 19" LCD monitors, and stereo computer speakers. In front of each group of 18 traders is a wall of six to eight plasma monitors, displaying up-to-the-second trading information and TV satellite feeds, and above each group is a matrix of ceiling speakers.
Traders need to be able to hear in-house announcements, audio from any of four satellite TV receivers, and streaming audio from Internet feeds. An added problem is the ambient noise level from the passing trains, which increases 16dB every time a train passes by.
"The new audio system is based around an iDR-8 16in/16out digital matrix mixer. The iDR's Ambient Level Compensation feature is what sold the job," comments local Allen & Heath sales representative, Jeff Phillips, who worked closely with design and installation firm, Kay's Interiors. "Each trading group now has a Crown PZM11 mic mounted above the area. Asthe train approaches the audio level goes up, and as the train recedes the levels resume. Not a word is missed. Hooray for iDR!"
The iDR's PL Designer software enables the installer to create a control layout from a selection of virtual control devices - such as switches, faders and LEDs - which can be associated with selected iDR channels and labelled for on-screen identification. The resulting PL Client panel can be installed on users' PCs.
Each trader group has a 'captain', who runs a customised PL Client control panel on his/her desktop. The captain uses the PL Client to control audio sources and levels for his/her group, and M&N's IT manager can control any of the groups' audio via his own PL Client mastercontrol panel.
Aux inputs and a BGM feed are also routed to handle celebrations and parties.
(Chris Henry)
