Lynwood, Washington-based systems integration firm Electrocom managed the upgrades, installing Technomad advanced audio loudspeakers and high-powered amplifiers among other components at Stadium High School and Lincoln High School. Electrocom handpicked the systems to replace aging horn components that were in disrepair and bleeding into adjacent neighbourhoods - prompting a flurry of complaints.
The stadiums' long, rich histories are evident in their grandeur: large, bowl-shaped venue designs with concrete bleachers and expansive sideline space. This made sound improvements - especially even, venue-wide coverage - unusually challenging.
"These are not typical press box installations where we mount and blast away," said Matt Wright, project manager at Electrocom. "We positioned narrow-dispersion loudspeakers at multiple points, with enough SPL, or sound pressure, to cover the distance of the field in some cases. We also needed a wireless amplifier solution at each stadium to remain under budget. It would have been expensive and complicated to run wires the length of the field and trench into the concrete."
Technomad PowerChiton4 high-power amplifiers provide the wireless solution for pole-mounted loudspeakers on the visitor sidelines at each stadium. The IP66-rated amplifiers offer a waterproof design for outdoor audio, and a compact, modular form factor for greater proximity to loudspeakers. The 1600-watt amplifiers also pack plenty of power for loud stadium environments.
Wright adds that Technomad loudspeakers provide exceptional audio quality and are among the best at containing audio within the confines of a stadium or similar venue. "The end users are very happy with the audio quality," he said. "The Technomad systems have improved intelligibility and increased audio isolation from the neighbours at both stadiums."
Electrocom installed Berlin 9040 and 6040 narrow-dispersion loudspeakers at both stadiums. All Stadium High School loudspeakers mount to four large steel light poles - two above and behind the home side bleachers, and two above and behind the visitor side. Each home side pole supports two Berlin 9040 loudspeakers aimed toward the front row at a steep angle to cover the audience. One Berlin 6040 aims outward to cover the field.
A mix of Berlin 6040 and 9040 loudspeakers cover the Lincoln High School field from three locations behind the home bleachers, including the end zones for audio during track and field events. Berlin 6040s and PowerChiton4 amplifiers cover the visitor side from the front corners of the bleachers.
"These are among the largest stadiums we've done and there were plenty of challenges," said Wright. "Technomad loudspeakers provide high-quality audio, high-frequency intelligibility and strong SPL along with a weatherproof design. And the PowerChiton amplifiers provided a way to get audio to difficult places without being cost-prohibitive."
(Jim Evans)
