Bayer Leverkusen and Augsburg FCs both recently faced the dilemma of having stadia which could no longer fulfil 21st century expectations. To achieve this they chose different options - Leverkusen to radically extend its existing facility, whereas Augsburg went for a completely new build.
In both cases new systems were needed to deliver high quality audio. The flexibility, reliability and quality of Yamaha power amplifiers and digital mixing engines were the answer, integrated into CobraNet-based audio networks, which meant that all requirements could be met at a highly cost-effective level.
The Gelsenkirchen-based Stage Systems Group, a company which specialises in providing high specification technical solutions to a wide range of venues, was awarded the contract to supply the audio systems for both projects.
In Leverkusen, the BayArena has undergone a massive rebuilding programme which has seen the facility increased to almost four times its previous size and now able to cater for 30,000 fans. Using a CobraNet network for maximum flexibility, Stage Systems installed 60 Yamaha PC4801N and 12 PC9501N amplifiers, with ACU16-C interfaces, driving 16 HK Audio line arrays hung from the stadium roof.
Used for announcements and background music, the system fully integrates with a 100v Bosch Praesideo system for emergency and evacuation via a Yamaha DME64N digital mixing engine and 01V96VCM mixing desk, both with MY16-CII CobraNet interface cards, plus an NHB32-C network hub. A Crestron system allows the integrated running of a common operating interface for all functions.
Also providing capacity for over 30,000 fans, the new Impuls Stadium in Augsburg has seen the installation of a fully redundant audio system featuring 48 Yamaha power amplifiers.
The stadium has been designed to allow 20,000 further seats to be added in a second tier, if required, so the audio system needed to be highly flexible and expandable. Designed and installed by Stage Systems, it has a low-impedance CobraNet-based system for announcements and background music working alongside a 100v Variodyn emergency and evacuation system.
(Jim Evans)
