Traditionally, these needs would have been met by an Audio Frequency Induction Loop or an Infra Red Transmission system. However, due to the huge size of the O2 Arena and certain other factors, a special radio-based solution was implemented. The O2 Arena took delivery of 200 customised EK 1038 body pack receivers, 200 EZT 1011 neck induction loops, 50 GP 03 earphones, 100 L 2015 chargers with one SR 300 IEM G2 rack-mountable transmitter, one A 5000CP antenna and one custom built linear UHF amplifier, built by Sennheiser's chief engineer Andy Lillywhite to increase the power of the transmitter to cover the whole arena.
"The Arena approached us," explains John Jessop of Vivid Acoustics. "They were fully aware of their legal requirements but weren't exactly sure of the best way to approach it. We found out what they wanted technically and we proposed, after a lot of discussion with Andy Lillywhite and Ken Morrison at Sennheiser, the FM system. We proposed a number of receivers that are in line with DDA regulations and they were happy to proceed with that.
"We specified exactly what was needed. It was a non-standard frequency so we had to get non-standard receivers. Sennheiser modified their existing receivers to give us the coverage we needed. Also I think there were no standard frequencies available in the London area."
"The UHF radio frequency used was carefully chosen specifically for this application in consultation with JFMG," explains Sennheiser's Andy Lillywhite. "It was outside the range of frequencies which a standard 'off the shelf' EK 1038 receiver can tune to. It was therefore necessary for us to customise the EK 1038 receivers to enable them to tune to the correct UHF frequencies for the job. The system also features a customised UHF transmitter and an A 5000-CP circular polarised antenna to ensure uninterrupted coverage of all seats by the system."
Since its installation the Sennheiser system has repeatedly proven its worth. "The people at the O2 Arena have been very pleased with the kit and the installation," confirms Jessop. "They've been happy with everything."
(Jim Evans)
