Lars Werne (left) describes the loudspeaker mounts to members
Lars Werne started the evening with an overview of the bowl system which consists of 14 line arrays covering the stands and 6 line arrays covering the field of play. Equipment was supplied by QSC consisting of Wideline 8 line arrays powered by QSC CX series amplifiers with dataports. Signal distribution and control is handled by 2 QSYS Core 4000 units in dual redundant configuration.
All arrays were pre-rigged at the company's warehouse before being transported to site and hoisted into position. One the things that allowed a speedy and accurate installation was the design of the loudspeaker mounts. The arrays were suspended from a T shaped construction which allowed the centre of gravity to be accounted for by sliding the vertical section into different positions along the horizontal beam. The complete package was then hoisted up to the required height directly from the gantry. A steel pin then secured the vertical post in place — this arrangement also allows the arrays to be rotated when uses as delays for concerts.
Jan Petersson then took over and described the various aspects of installing the infrastructure in other parts of the building. All areas required both PA and voice alarm functionality which meant that at least two loudspeaker circuits were needed to fulfil local regulations. This took a significant amount of planning and organisation on site. Detailed drawings were produced to allow the electrical sub contractor to pull the cables and install junction boxes before the sound guys came along to install the speakers.
The system employed a stand-alone, dual redundant, multi-mode fibre network. The links between rack positions were duplicated for redundancy as well as being diversely routed for added security.
Mårten Ihre was responsible for programming the QSYS system. No small feat. The specification for the paging interface was very demanding with fault reporting and status being required on a zone by zone basis. A significant number of custom scripts were developed to make the interface work as required.
Once programming was near completion a factory acceptance test was carried out at the company's premises. The complete system was built and connected, excluding loudspeakers and cabling, and a battery of tests carried out to confirm functionality. The testing lasted several days.
Afterwards, members were given a guided tour of the arena including the primary and secondary control points as well a visit to the gantry, 30m over the ground.
