The Bose system designers made use of Bose's tools and technologies that during the planning stages: using the Bose Modeler design software for all venues, and the proprietary technology of the Bose Auditioner audio demonstrator for the main Olympic Stadium in Athens, the company's Greek distributor, Audio Group Greece BV, was able to produce an accurate acoustic model of the space so that key sound parameters could be predicted. For the Olympic Stadium, the use of the Auditioner audio demonstrator, a US-patented system comprised of a dedicated listening station and software, enabled the designer and client to hear an accurate representation of the sound system solution.
This was done prior to any product installation into the real space, thus reducing the possibility of the wrong solution being finally installed and ensuring that all products are positioned and aimed correctly for optimum sound coverage. Designs, demonstrations and system commissioning were performed by local engineers from Audio Group Greece BV, with the assistance of Bose Professional Systems Division. Amongst issues that had to be addressed were speech intelligibility, sound coverage and sound pressure levels.
The Bose Panaray LT family of loudspeakers were considered the best choice for the larger venues, as they deliver tight pattern control in the mid and high frequencies, making them suitable for use in multiple loudspeaker arrays, long-throw distances, and venues where high SPL speech and music are critical. When properly arrayed the Panaray LT loudspeakers provide a single coherent wavefront that results in high intelligibility and musical clarity throughout the entire coverage area, especially when, as in Greece, they are combined with Panaray 502B Acoustimass bass modules for low frequency support. The precise radiation patterns of the Bass Array technology and speakers enables engineers to direct sound towards the spectators, thus ensuring optimum coverage at consistent sound levels.
In the smaller venues, such as the Cycling Velodrome and the Tennis Arena, Bose Panaray 802-III loudspeakers are utilized, delivering natural sound and high output from a compact, lightweight and weather-resistant enclosure. The smaller size of the 802s allows them to be mounted at lower levels without restricting the spectators' view of the games.
All of the Bose systems utilized in Athens, from the rugged Panaray LT to the more compact Panaray 802 and 402 loudspeakers, are built to withstand challenging environments, including outdoor arenas and wet or humid situations such as swimming pools.
(Lee Baldock)
