DRM Audio Visual gets Active in Melbourne

AUSTRALIA: DRM Audio Visual was engaged by Virgin Active to supply the A/V solution throughout the health club’s new flagship branch in Melbourne’s Collins Street. The systems integrator was tasked with installing a system that was simple to use and opted for a solution belonging to Bosch’s Electro-Voice and Dynacord families.

‘The end-user was very clear with their expectations when it came to A/V systems,’ noted DRM’s Jarrod Bell. ‘The audio system was designed to be seamless and we aimed to ensure that there is no loss or gain of volume as you move around the room. For this reason and as their dispersion was best suited for the space, we chose the Electro-Voice speakers.’

With multiple floors and rooms designed for a range of different activities that varied widely with regards to acoustics and sound requirements, audio zoning was essential, with different speakers and setups deployed in each zone. Mr Bell and his team sought to design a sound system in which the volume would adjust automatically according to the level of ambient noise.

‘Each audio zone in the health club has different volume settings,’ explained Mr Bell. ‘In addition, microphones have been used together with Electro-Voice speakers. These microphones pick up the level of ambient noise and adjust the decibel output of the speakers to ensure that the audio can be heard over the sound in the zone. We have also programmed a maximum decibel threshold to ensure that the audio volume does not go too loud.’

A control room houses three Electro-Voice NetMax N8000 DSPs and Dynacord Paramus 1225T and 1240T amplifiers, which control the whole of the health club’s audio system, with additional EV CPS 4.10 amplifiers also called upon when needed. Those heading in for a workout are greeted by Evid 4.2 surface-mount speakers in the reception area, which have also been deployed in other larger areas around the facility. Smaller halls, corridors as well as the washrooms and toilets have been fitted with Bosch LBC 3951 speakers.

On the second floor EV ZX1i-100 loudspeakers provide the soundtrack for gym-goers in the open workout area, while the cycle room is catered for with a couple of Dynacord TS400 vertical arrays and an EV ETX powered subwoofer, embedded in the wall. Alongside a Panasonic projector, an AMX control panel enables the trainer in the cycle room to set the music source and volume.

‘We configured and programmed the AMX keypad and it ties in with Virgin Active’s MyRide system which is being used in this space,’ said Mr Bell. ‘The keypad allows the trainer to select the source music at the touch of a button or plug in his own source using the aux-in port. The provision of this keypad takes into account the client’s desire of having a simple, straightforward and easy to use system.’

Innovations EVF 1122 speakers pump out the music during BodyPump and kickboxing classes in the complex’ exercise studios, while ZX1 speakers serve as stage monitors. Instructors have been provided with wireless mic communication in the form of RE 2 belt-packs from Electro-Voice, with Fitness-Audio instructor sets integrated and six RE 2 wireless receivers managing the signals from the rack room.

An AMX NetLinx NX-2200 coupled with bespoke software modules from DRM are used for control, working in sync with the NetMax N8000. The club’s staff is also able to access the audio system throughout the building via a paging system installed at reception, with an iPad serving as the control panel.

‘The installation is complete and operational,’ concluded Mr Bell. ‘We think that we have met the brief set forth by the client and have not had any complaints.’

www.amx.com
www.boschcommunications.com.au
www.drmav.com.au