Telstra’s acoustic system is written in the stars
Published: ASIA
AUSTRALIA: Telstra’s Customer Insight Centre (CIC), a 300-seat theatre in Sydney, has been fitted with a Meyer Sound Constellation acoustic system. The system was designed by Arup’s Nathan Blum and Ben Moore, and allows the telecommunications company flexibility to acoustically facilitate a range of events, which have so far included corporate meetings, pop and orchestral concerts, broadcast and webcast events.
The CIC’s Constellation system comprises 22 miniature microphones that have been installed to capture acoustics throughout the theatre and a D-Mitri digital audio platform, which is used to create natural acoustical environments. A loudspeaker setup consisting of 22 UPM-1XP, 19 Stella-8C installation, 10 MM-4XP self-powered and 15 HMS-5 surrounds delivers the processed sound alongside eight UMS-1XP and two MM-10 subwoofers.
A total of four JM-1P arrayable, four UPJunior VariO, and two UPA-1P loudspeakers as well as an 1100-LFC low-frequency control element form the Meyer Sound direct reinforcement system that enables amplified performances onstage. Meanwhile, effects are provided via the manufacturer’s Wild Tracks multichannel playback and SpaceMap multichannel panning software.
The Constellation was programmed to create a variety of adjustable acoustical environments depending on the event that the CIC plays host to. This includes a cathedral-like reverberation, cinema surround mode and a conference mode.
‘The theatre helps us to engage customers in a way that provides more impact than watching a PowerPoint presentation in a meeting room,’ explained the CIC’s general manager, David Woodbridge. ‘On one level, Constellation does present a “wow” factor. We bring people in when Constellation is on, and they’re immediately impressed by the natural acoustical environment. Then we turn it off and you can see their jaws drop.’
The 335 sq-m theatre has also been reportedly kitted out with a ‘the world’s first 360-degree, interactive, ring-shaped screen’, a 4K-ready broadcast studio, collaboration and ‘hands-on’ technology demonstration areas. ‘In conjunction with our 4K LED screen, the immersive soundscapes created by Constellation allow us to adapt the space to best showcase Telstra’s capabilities,’ Mr Woodbridge continued. ‘Beyond that, the system reflects well on Telstra as a technology company – our business started with sound and voice communication, and Constellation demonstrates that we’re still working at the forefront of digital audio.’