New Renkus-Heinz PA System Enhances Audio Experience at New Road Cricket Ground
Wicket-Renkus-Heinz maintain WCCC's leadership in the realm of audio technology
The New Road cricket ground in Worcestershire, England, home to Worcestershire County Cricket Club (WCCC), has recently received a significant upgrade with the installation of a new Public Address (PA) system. The system, provided by Renkus-Heinz, offers clear announcements, music, and entertainment across the site, ensuring fans enjoy a top-notch experience.
Careful Planning and Installation
The detailed installation process of the Renkus-Heinz PA system at the New Road cricket ground involved careful planning and implementation to address the unique acoustic and environmental requirements of an open-air sports venue. Before installation, an acoustic analysis was conducted to determine the best speaker placement that would ensure even coverage across the entire ground while minimizing sound spill to neighboring areas and avoiding echo or reverberation issues typical in open stadium environments.
State-of-the-art Speakers and Technology
The PA system comprises a combination of Renkus-Heinz loudspeakers tailored for outdoor sports venues. The UniBeam Series Speakers, known for their precise beam steering capabilities, were primarily employed, with a total of 28 units installed. These units were strategically mounted around the perimeter of the ground, including the stands and pavilion areas. Supplemental speakers were placed in key listener zones to ensure consistency in sound pressure levels (SPL) throughout the venue.
Advanced Amplifiers and Controllers
The system is powered and managed by advanced Renkus-Heinz proprietary amplification and control equipment. High-power, multi-channel amplifiers capable of delivering clean, efficient power to the UniBeam arrays were used, along with the Renkus-Heinz proprietary DSP (Digital Signal Processor) controllers, which were used to digitally steer the beams, configure the sound pattern for optimal coverage, and adapt to environmental changes or special event needs. Centralized control allows for remote tuning and adjustment without the need for physical intervention.
Benefits of Passive UniBeam Technology
The use of Passive UniBeam technology in this setup offers several advantages. Precise beam steering enables audio beams to be directed with high accuracy, reducing unwanted sound spill and focusing audio power where it is needed most in the seating areas. Improved speech intelligibility is achieved by focusing sound energy and reducing reflections, enhancing clarity, which is crucial for announcements and commentary in a noisy outdoor environment.
Minimizing audio spill reduces disturbance to neighboring residential areas or wildlife surrounding the cricket ground. The modular nature of UniBeam allows for easy expansion or reconfiguration for different events or crowd sizes. The passive design reduces the complexity and heat dissipation compared to active arrays, improving operational reliability in outdoor conditions.
Finally, UniBeam cabinets are compact and can be mounted discreetly, preserving sightlines and the aesthetic appearance of the venue. The UBX Series, which delivers an incredibly small footprint due to its narrow cabinet, was a significant factor in the choice of the PA system.
Coverage and Control
The system at New Road covers all seating areas, bars, food areas, car parks, practice nets, and entrance areas. The T-10 Glass at New Road allows for independent volume control and triggering of messages and announcements. The loudspeakers at New Road are IP66-rated and utilize 100V taping, making the installation seamless.
The UBX Series features revolutionary beam-steering technology in a passive column, offering asymmetrical vertical dispersion with constant directivity. The system at New Road is powered by eight Powersoft UNICA-2K8 amplifiers. The UBX Series allows for surface mounting via an included wall-mount bracket, minimizing aesthetic intrusion.
In summary, the Renkus-Heinz PA system at New Road cricket ground was installed with a focus on delivering high-quality, intelligible sound uniformly across a challenging open-air environment. The use of 28 Passive UniBeam speakers, advanced amplifiers, and DSP controllers ensures functional flexibility and acoustic excellence, with the Passive UniBeam technology providing precise coverage control, improved clarity, and minimal environmental impact.
- By integrating Renkus-Heinz products like the UniBeam Series Speakers and advanced amplifiers, the new PA system at New Road cricket ground caters not only to clear announcements and music but also supports the features necessary for sports broadcasts, enhancing the overall experience for spectators.
- With the combination of sports-oriented speakers and technology, the New Road cricket ground PA system not only improves speech intelligibility for commentary but extends the sound system's reach to various areas, including sports facilities, food areas, and parking, making it versatile for hosting a variety of products and events.
