As the sole distributor for Bi-Amp in the UK, beyerdynamic’s Jon Stanley and Simon Druce collaborated with Douglas Bolton, AVC’s System Designer to specify a very flexible, multi-purpose system, which centred around Bi-AMP’s digital audio platform - Audia. The Ballroom, complete with stage, proscenium arch and balcony, is ideal for theatre-style conferences, awards ceremonies, live performances and gala evenings. The Gleneagles Hotel required a system that could be used flexibly by its in-house technical team and easily operated by non-technical users if necessary.
Audia uses the CobraNet interface for its digital audio networking. A separate network provides flexible control capability and also permits distribution of processing tasks between multiple units in different locations. Audia was specified to allow the simple recall of a multitude of pre-set sound configurations via a touch screen. Compatible with popular media management control systems, it was integrated with a wireless AMX touch screen, plus three wall-mounted control panels positioned discreetly around the Ballroom. Therefore it is possible to easily alter and direct the sound simply with the touch of a button - making the system easy to operate for non-technical staff, as well as multi-functional and quick to configure.
The system was configured on a single PC screen and downloaded into Audia, which packs numerous audio components (mixers, equalizers, filters, crossovers, dynamics, routers, delays, level control, meters and signal generators) into a compact single 2U unit. It also comprised Renkus Heinz PL82 cabinets and beyerdynamic Opus 500 radio microphone systems.
By virtue of its innate flexibility, Audia offers The Gleneagles Hotel’s in-house technical team the capacity to augment the system when necessary, enabling it to meet the demands of the most complex audio-visual presentation. Whist being suitable for stand alone installations, Audia integrates seamlessly with large networked systems applications including stadia, conference centres, shopping malls and hotels.
(Lee Baldock)
