In 2011, as a result of new legislation requiring the changing of wireless frequencies, the university took the decision to standardise its wireless microphones and commissioned POLARaudio to undertake the work. This complex project required POLARaudio to prepare a system design which required 216 channels of wireless UHF microphones for use across what is a large campus.
POLARaudio undertook an extensive and extremely detailed site-survey and scan of all the locations involved, in order to determine the optimum solution. The frequency plan needed to allow for the use of large numbers of microphones in adjacent departmental spaces, in condensed areas of the site. To complicate matters further, the system also needed to work in close proximity to The Warwick Arts Centre, an on-campus theatre operating independently of the university AV department, where visiting companies would bring in their own wireless systems on an ad hoc basis. POLARaudio created a concept within the interleaved wireless spectrum and set about the installation in conjunction with the university's in-house technical team.
The beyerdynamic Opus 910 wireless system proved best placed to offer the solution to this challenge. Due to the wealth of channels supported interference-free, the product could be positioned and configured to easily operate in a heavily wireless- utilised environment.
Combined with user-friendly rechargeable transmitters with SLG900 docking stations, each lecture theatre and teaching space could have the required number of microphones offering simple and intuitive operation for users. Of huge benefit to the university was the fact that the SLG900 docking stations allow transmitters to be docked on the credenza at the front of lecture theatres. The system allows one hand held and one lapel/belt pack per station thus dispensing with the need for changing batteries.
A simple on / off button, rather than complicated push and hold buttons, make the unit straightforward for non-technical users. Integrated with an existing control system, Opus 910 allows the operator to see both signal strength and battery level indicators. In the event that signal strength drops on account of accidental (or deliberate) removal of a transmitter from its location, it will raise an alarm, thus adding a useful layer of security. The features offered by Opus 910 have resulted in its widespread adoption in corporate and higher education circles.
Robert Rose, senior technician-technology specialist at Warwick University was complimentary in his assessment of the project: "The expertise POLARaudio offered in respect of the site survey and frequency planning was of the highest order - their thoroughness was of huge benefit in assisting with the specification and preparing the ground for our in-house team to affect a successful install."
Jon Dew-Stanley, technical director at Polar Audio remarked: "We worked closely with the team at Warwick in what was a very challenging and complex wireless environment. Supporting Robert and his team through the development of the project and helping to deliver it to a successful conclusion was a highly satisfying experience, not to mention one that propels us towards further similar arrangements with great confidence in our skills and the products we supply."
(Jim Evans)
