Audio Workshop sets up at the Australian High Commission
Published: ASIA
NEW ZEALAND: The Australian High Commission in Wellington was until recently suffering with a poorly performing audio system that was not fit for purpose. To fix the issue, A/V and IT manager Jonathan Pawley engaged Audio Workshop managing director Matt Chapman to perform a full analysis on the existing system and provide recommendations for a solution. That solution would take the form of a new sound setup comprising Harman Professional systems.
A wide range of high profile events and meetings are held throughout the year at the Australian High Commission. It features four spaces that can be configured as individual rooms or openly in a number of combinations to suit the size of an event, including those large enough to warrant a single large venue formed of a combination of all four areas. This presented one of the key considerations in the design of a new sound system as it would need to offer the versatility to deliver good quality sound and speech intelligibility across all four spaces in any room configuration.
The solution for this meeting space saw the installation of JBL Control 16CT in-ceiling loudspeakers, which are fed from iPod and CD playback sources, as well as the multi-channel AKG WMS470 wireless microphone system with distributed antenna that Audio Workshop specified. This microphone system reportedly solved an ongoing issue concerning dropouts in certain parts of the venue. When video playback is required, the system is set to switch automatically to a series of Control 29AV loudspeakers.
In the main atrium, Audio Workshop installed JBL CBT-70J line array column speakers, designed to maximise speech intelligibility by delivering consistent pattern control on and off-axis as well as the best possible gain-before-feedback. These speakers were specifically selected by Mr Chapman due to the atrium’s high ceilings and hard surface areas causing high reverberation. Meanwhile, other areas throughout the Australian High Commission have also been installed with Control 16CT ceiling speakers.
A BSS Soundweb Blu 100 audio processor serves the entire audio solution and control is offered by a BSS Contrio EC-8BV wall controller or via a specially programmed iPad. Each zone can be programmed individually or time aligned when combined. Also installed was a closed wireless network with distributed access points, serving the iPad control.
‘I am really happy with how this system is performing,’ said Mr Chapman. ‘We have been able to work alongside the client to understand their needs and functionality and provide them with a robust system that ticks all the boxes and will serve their needs for many years to come.’
The client is also happy with the new solution. ‘We are really happy with the system installed,’ concluded Mr Pawley. ‘It has exceeded our expectations.’