Converge Networks - not only the club's IT partner but also respected and experienced in the field of fixed installation - was charged with responsibility for the design and installation of the system, having established a reputation in the area through its work in a variety of regional sports arenas.
Converge Networks once again selected equipment from Electro-Voice to meet the needs of this prestigious project. "There was fierce competition in which a large variety of different systems - some less expensive, others more - were considered," recalls Converge Networks' operations manager Kevin Slater, "but at the end of the day, the club's management opted for the system that represented the best option in terms not only of sound quality and reliability but also value for money: an Electro-Voice system."
The most awkward challenge was the physical installation of the loudspeakers in the 20m high roof above the grandstands. In the South Stand, 14 weatherproof Sx300PIX speakers fill the rows with sound. 16 ZX1i loudspeakers directed towards the playing field are mounted on the vertical beams that carry the roof. The North Stand, affectionately known as 'The Shed', is covered by 14 EVID 6.2T loudspeakers. Eight ZX1i loudspeakers serve the West Terrace, and these, too, are directed towards the pitch. The result is transparent sound with a high level of intelligibility wherever you happen to be sitting.
The system is driven by just one PA2400T and one CPS4.10 power amplifiers. Control and supervision of the loudspeakers as well as equalization are provided by a Dx46 system processor controlled using IRIS-Net software. Announcements and commentary from the touchline are captured and transmitted by an RE-2 wireless system from Electro-Voice.
After a successful start that has left them only one point adrift of the Quins, who top the table, Gloucester Rugby has few regrets at this stage of the season, and none whatsoever where the new sound system is concerned. Kevin Slater: "The feedback from spectators has been great. A few, admittedly, complained that it was almost too clear - nostalgic no doubt for the slush of yesteryear - but the overwhelming majority are full of praise for the new sound reinforcement system and have not been slow to voice their approval via social networks like Twitter and in their blogs."
(Jim Evans)
