The plenary chamber recently saw a major upgrade to a Soundweb London system, relieving the older Soundweb Original system from its duties, which it has been performing since 2002.
The new system, installed during the Easter recess by Norwegian BSS Audio distributor, LydRommet AS, includes four BLU-320 break-in / out devices in an 8 x 8 configuration, and eight BLU-160 devices, all configured with four analogue inputs, four digital outputs and eight analogue outputs. Two BLU-10 touch screen remotes control the system locally, and the package includes a BLU-80 device located in the offices of the technical department for surveillance and monitoring of the entire system.
All 12 devices share the same control network and design file, but in terms of functionality there are two identical systems divided in separate Digital Audio Bus rings for full redundancy. The matched configuration of the devices also serves as an additional back-up, enabling devices to be swapped easily if required.
The BLU-320 devices serve as microphone preamps and CobraNet interfaces, while all processing and distribution routing and management is taken care of by the BLU-160 devices. In addition to the sound reinforcement system in the auditorium there are more than 120 destinations including broadcast applications.
The new system replaces eight Soundweb sw9088iis devices and four high quality eight-channel microphone preamps. While the old system was utilizing close to 100% in DSP processing power, the new system is idling at around 20%.
(Jim Evans)
