According to Jouni Sironen, Viking Line's AV manager, extreme care has been taken to select the best audio systems possible in order to deliver crystal clear sound in every part of the ship.
An impressive roster of 344 Turbosound models has been specified to accommodate the wide range of sound reinforcement needs throughout M/S Viking Grace. They include 256 TCS-C50T ceiling speakers, which will ensure that not only the background music but the exacting needs of the ship's voice alarm and announcements systems are also fully met in restaurants, conference and shop facilities. The TCS-C50T offers outstanding fidelity, 150° conical dispersion to ensure wide and even coverage from fewer loudspeakers, exceptional power handling, and multiple line transformer taps to allow sound level adjustment in the ship's various zones.
In addition, 47 Impact55T architectural speakers will modestly blend with their surroundings while providing note-perfect sound in the ship's nightclub, restaurants, cafes, cinemas and conference rooms.
The remainder of the Turbosound inventory, including eight TCS-1061/100 wide dispersion install line arrays, six TCS-122 passive 12" two-ways, 10 NuQ-6 compact passive 6" two-ways, two TCX-15B bandpass subwoofers, six TCS-B15B subwoofers and nine TFA-600B subwoofers, will deliver audio in the entertainment areas of the ship, including the nightclub.
Jorma Tikka, senior sales manager for Turbosound's Finnish distributor Noretron, the company responsible for carrying out the delivery of equipment for Viking Line, comments, "This project is challenging and at the same time rewarding. It's crucial that all specified products are reliable and robust because of the difficulty in finding and replacing parts while a cruise ship is out at sea.
"A modern cruise liner presents a variety of challenges when it comes to sound reinforcement. Systems have to deal with multiple types of use. The versatility of the Turbosound systems means that every base is covered; there is no audio situation that Turbosound loudspeakers cannot deal with. Many of the company's products can also be customised further ensuring that they are ideal for any environment."
The M/S Viking Grace will begin operating in January 2013 and will serve the popular route between the Finnish city of Turku and the Swedish capital Stockholm, making a stop on the way at the picturesque town of Mariehamn on the island of Aland.
(Jim Evans)
