d&b delivers at Amsterdam ArenA
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Production manager at Amsterdam ArenA, Tim Oosterop comments, “Like our LED screens, or escalators, audio investment is not something you can charge for, it doesn’t translate directly into revenue, but it does see the audience come earlier and stay longer. If they’re here that’s good for revenue, and makes best use of the facilities.
“Ajax already has its own video production department and puts a lot of work into the pre-show environment. Entertainment is the key component and quality audio is a big part of delivering that experience.”
Looking toward a new audio installation, Oosterop, and Head of Technology Martin Wielaart, defined three main objectives: Compliance, specifically to UEFA/ FIFA regulations for performance and intelligibility, and adherence to national and international safety standards for evacuation systems; Address the venue’s atypical acoustics, difficulties that could not be solved – in realistic financial terms – through current construction techniques; Enhance the stadium’s reputation as a host of other entertainment events – especially concerts – with an acknowledged leading audio brand.
To address the requirements of safety and conformity the arena engaged the services of RH Consulting, a specialist practice that advised LOCOG for the London Olympics in 2012.
“Initially we created a specification document to cover both performance of the system, and compliance with the regulations, including Dutch national regulations,” explains Roland Hemming of RH Consulting. “The document was written in a manner suitable to a project as large and complex as this venue. We created three versions, one for the local safety authority, a second for the bidders so they knew how to comply, and a third for FIFA and UEFA.”
“As far as the challenging acoustics of stadium venues are concerned,” adds Oosterop, “we wanted a system in place that allowed us to clearly show concert organizers, band managers and event promoters, that we had invested in, and made serious inroads into making it possible to achieve the highest quality sound.
“For us that meant it was important to have an installed audio system from a brand name that is recognized as superior by the touring industry. Through our research we observed that for a significant number of years d&b audiotechnik has been identified as number one in the industry, with three other close contenders, all of whom were invited to tender.”
Oosterop says the fact the d&b ArrayProcessing software interfaces invisibly with the arena’s existing MediaMatrix management system facilitated a simple and easily executed route to accommodating a variety of event formats, without compromising safety standards. “With what we have now, we can present acoustic models and predictive scenarios to provide those planning to bring their shows here. We have an audio infrastructure that allows them to plan for best sound. By having all the modelling software and associated data, we enable them the time and space to plan accordingly.
(Jim Evans)
