The increasing popularity of the Hilton for different types of events has meant that the risk of noise disturbing local and hotel residents has also increased. Loading and unloading of vehicles for exhibitions is strictly controlled to certain hours of the day, but evening functions, with either DJ's or live bands, have caused complaints.
Working with Brighton & Hove City Council, Acoustic specialists, 24Acoustics and Big Sky Audio, were appointed to manage the project. 24Acoustics's principal, Steve Gosling, points out the complexities of noise problems in a large building like the Hilton: "Immediate solutions can be found for the more obvious noise leakage points, such as poorly fitting doors or air conditioning ducts but much of the problem is structure-borne noise"
Following analysis and testing,it was concluded that the only way the hotel could ensure absolute control of the noise within the room was to install a house PA system. This would mean that future calculations for sound isolation within the structure could be based on a known and predictable system with built-in limiting to ensure maximum permissible levels would not be exceeded.
System installers, Xtreme AV, specified MC2 T-Series amplifiers, EV RXH212's loudspeakers, and an Allen & Heath iDR-8 to provide all system control. 24Acoustics also specified an upgrade to the acoustic cladding around key structural points in the building.
"The installation of a house system with very precise control has meant that amplified music levels are now always predictable and controllable. Individual loudspeaker control through the Allen and Heath iDR-8 has meant that some loudspeakers in locations more sensitive to noise problems can be individually tuned to have a minimal effect on the structure and significantly reduce noise problems elsewhere in the building," concludes Richard Vivian of Big Sky.
(Jim Evans)
