Tag: Sound Contracting

Clearwing Productions Chooses Technomad for Phoenix Zoo Audio Improvements

Technomad loudspeakers enliven “water lagoon experience” for visitors while giving zoo long-term outdoor audio solution

BOSTON, October 16, 2013 – The systems design and integration experts at Clearwing Productions last year overhauled the Phoenix Zoo’s annual seasonal spectacular “ZooLights,” transforming a linear roadside display into an immersive, 360-degree audio and lighting experience that encircled the zoo’s central water lagoon. The advanced audio system from Technomad performed so well that zoo officials opted to use the system year round, delivering multi-zone background and event music to visitors across the lagoon area.

In addition to the Paris loudspeakers, each pole includes two PowerChiton weatherproof outdoor amplifiers and one Chicago subwoofer at the base. The complete solution eliminated lengthy cable runs by co-locating amps with the loudspeakers.

Closeup of Paris loudspeakers atop a custom-built pole at Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo initially hired Clearwing Productions to increase the production value of the annual lighting show, though the two teams quickly determined that the audio system was underperforming – not to mention falling apart.

“The Phoenix area is inundated with sun and UV rays, which is very tough on outdoor products,” said Nick Pitman, service and systems engineer, Clearwing Productions. “The previous speakers were dry rotted or full of water, and most had cracks from UV rays. They wanted something that would produce great audio and last more than a year. That’s when we looked at Technomad.”

Technomad delivered an advanced outdoor audio solution comprising 24 loudspeakers, 12 subwoofers and multiple wired power amplifiers, all fully weatherproof to protect against UV rays and other outdoor elements. The Clearwing design included 12 speaker poles surrounding the lagoon, each with two Paris weatherproof loudspeakers pointing in opposite directions from a height of 16 feet. One Technomad Chicago subwoofer and two PowerChiton amplifiers were added to the base of the pole.

The PowerChiton amplifier modules simplified the installation for the Clearwing team and ultimately reduced project costs for the Phoenix Zoo, eliminating lengthy complex underwater wiring jobs to connect traditional indoor amplifiers to outdoor loudspeakers.

“We knew that we wanted an outdoor amplifier that was simple in design but offered longevity,” said Pitman. “This solution gives us 120 volts and a speaker line output in a compact, outdoor-rated package. One PowerChiton feeds the Paris loudspeakers and another feeds the subwoofer on each pole. Most importantly, the PowerChiton design has no fans, eliminating any heat-related performance problems. They just keep working.”

The end-to-end distributed audio architecture includes Harman or BSS equipment to route, zone and delay signals for everyday use or special events as required. Network protocol signals are converted back to balanced audio en route to the PowerChitons. From there, the Paris loudspeakers deliver full-range musical reproduction with broad dispersion across the entire lagoon, with the Chicago subwoofers filling in the low end with additional bass output.

“The zoo had previously used rock speakers, and after the lighting upgrade they made it clear they wanted to add real audio,” said Pitman. “The Paris loudspeakers cover the area thoroughly, while the subs emphasize specific points in the music or dramatic show scenes without pushing the bass to nightclub levels. Everyone involved agrees that this was the most effective outdoor audio solution for the job.”

ABOUT TECHNOMAD

Technomad LLC, founded in 1995, designs and manufactures loudspeaker systems for the professional audio and security/military technology industries. The company invented the first reliable full-range weatherproof loudspeaker and now offers nine models ranging in power from 60-watt loudspeakers to 1250-watt subwoofers — most available in Turnkey PA System packages featuring amplifiers, mixers and other signal processing equipment in pre-wired racks. The company also manufactures a variety of audio infrastructure and communications equipment including playback and recording systems, weatherproof power amplifiers and turnkey remote audio systems. Contact Technomad at 617-275-8898 or visit http://www.technomad.com for more information.

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Technomad PowerChiton Amplifiers Revive Stadium Audio at Excelsior Springs High School

Compact, efficient design allows installation team to seamlessly integrate PowerChiton amplifier modules into existing scoreboard

BOSTON, July 30, 2013 — Students rooting for the home team at Excelsior Springs High School in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, can now enjoy vibrant, crystal-clear sound as they take in football games and other events at their school’s outdoor stadium. As part of a long-overdue audio upgrade, the school has installed two Technomad PowerChiton modules at the stadium to drive its loudspeakers, significantly improving sound quality.

A new sound system injected new excitement into football and other stadium events for the student body

Kansas City, Missouri-based systems integrator Harvest Productions, which performed the upgrade, housed the new PowerChiton modules inside the stadium’s scoreboard. The compact PowerChiton design enabled the unusual installation, ensuring they are not visible to spectators. The PowerChiton amplifiers now deliver 1100 watts at four ohms, with excellent sound quality across the stadium.

The old amplifiers were a mess; we found insects nesting inside the amplifier casings…

The weatherproof design also ensures better outdoor protection than the school’s previous amplifiers, which were damaged from years of exposure to the elements. PowerChiton modules are built with an integral IP66-rated, NEMA weatherproof shell, and can be installed anywhere without concern about moisture or dirt.

“The old amplifiers were a mess; we found insects nesting inside the amplifier casings, which were standard electrical boxes without any weather sealing,” said Martin Pilewski, Corporate Business Development Manager at Harvest Productions. “Plus, the casings would cause the amplifiers to overheat. Every time this happened the staff would turn up the volume, which caused the speakers to blow. The PowerChiton was right in line with the school’s need for compact, weatherproof outdoor amplifiers. Not only were they ideal for outdoor audio use, but they also fit within their budget.”

The efficient PowerChiton design requires only a passive radiator for cooling, so there is a lower chance that the system will overheat. The amplifier unit is also fuse-protected for maximum operational efficiency.

Harvest Productions was hired to improve sound quality at the high school football stadium, which had been hampered by aging equuipment and weather-related damage

“We have one of the most sophisticated high school stadiums in the area, and it was embarrassing when our speakers blew out during a football game,” said Roger Siegel, assistant director of activities at Excelsior Springs High School. “We’ve been up and running with the new system for a year now and the sound quality is a monumental improvement. The audio is crisp, clear and perfectly leveled across the stadium. We are absolutely thrilled with our new system.”

The PowerChiton is available in both wireless and Ethernet options. Pilewski chose the Ethernet version as the most cost-effective configuration for Excelsior Springs High School.

“The system was easy to set up and install,” he said. “There were already solid line level feeds in the scoreboard, so there was no need to overhaul anything just to install wireless units. We just screwed the amplifier to a wall, connected the input and output through compression fittings and plugged in the unit. It doesn’t get much simpler than that.”

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Technomad Expands PowerChiton Series for InfoComm 2013

Compact outdoor amplifier and “breakout box” series adds new model, more features

BOSTON, May 20, 2013 — Technomad comes to InfoComm 2013 with new upgrades to its PowerChiton series of outdoor, weatherproof outdoor amplifier modules and breakout box accessories, giving end users and systems integrators more audio options for stadiums, resorts and other outdoor venues and facilities.

New filter options are selected or changed by moving the pre-amp-to-amplifier cable from one pre-amp output to another

PowerChiton outdoor amplifiers have been upgraded at InfoComm 2013 with balanced inputs/outputs and three crossover filter options

The compact and low profile of PowerChiton amplifier modules — available in four power levels up to 1600 watts — enables sound contractors to install the modules on light poles and other surfaces at any height for co-location with loudspeakers. A new balanced input provides customers with a choice of balanced and unbalanced connections, and three new integrated crossover filter options (350Hz high-pass, 85Hz high-pass, and 85Hz low-pass) allow installers to optimize amplifier performance for the assigned speakers. Filter options are selected or changed by moving the pre-amp-to-amplifier cable from one pre-amp output to another.

Technomad last year introduced the PowerChiton BreakoutBox, a companion product that enables local audio control at user-friendly locations in the same NEMA-style protective enclosure. Contractors wire the PowerChiton amplifier modules direct to the BreakoutBox, typically installed at eye level so end users can adjust volume and connect devices on the fly.

This year, Technomad introduces BreakoutBox XL, a deeper enclosure offering three expansion bays for use with up to three Technomad wireless microphones and/or custom Technomad Schedulon master audio playout systems. The BreakoutBox XL offers extra storage space so end users can lock and leave devices following an event, and adds a mic/balanced line input channel that combines into a single jack.

“The expansion slots allow customers to truly have a complete PA system for permanent outdoor installation while adding several integrated source options,” said Rodger von Kries, vice president, Technomad. “For applications such as athletic fields and resorts, audio systems can now be installed anywhere with power.”

Technomad will also demonstrate PowerChiton-integrated Apple AirPlay capability for iOS devices. This allows commercial and residential customers to wirelessly stream iTunes audio files and playlists to any iOS device in range within a PowerChiton amplifier or breakout box, reducing costs and infrastructure associated with traditional wiring and cabling.

Technomad will also show the latest design upgrades to its advanced audio loudspeakers, notably redesigned ports to its popular Noho model to enhance bass response. The new design reduces port compression and turbulence at higher SPL levels, and provides low-frequency output of +3dB at 85Hz.

Noho loudspeakers are available standalone or as part of complete Technomad Turnkey PA System with a powered amplifier, six-channel mixer, microphones, cables and more in a 6RU protective equipment rack. Mounting options include outdoor yoke mounts to simplify hanging, and Technomad’s recently-introduced stainless steel mount. Both are specifically built to survive long-term outdoor conditions, with the stainless steel mount able to tightly lock in Technomad loudspeakers from multiple fly points.

Technomad will exhibit this year at Booth 513. InfoComm 2013 takes place June 12-14 at the Orange County Exhibition Center in Orlando.

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San Lorenzo High School Sounds Off With New Technomad Turnkey PA System

Bay Area systems integrator chooses Technomad for high quality, durability and ease of installation

BOSTON, March 4, 2013 – San Lorenzo High School, part of the San Lorenzo Unified School District in the Bay Area of California, has installed a new Technomad Turnkey PA System to electrify sports and special events in its outdoor campus stadium. The complete solution, including four weatherproof loudspeakers and a complete, pre-wired signal processing equipment rack, will deliver superior audio quality to up to 1,500 spectators come spring.

San Lorenzo High School sought a versatile, great-sounding solution that covered the entire stadium and could remain outdoors year-round and remain durable against the inclement Bay Area weather

The Technomad Turnkey PA System includes a pre-wired rack with an amplifier, six-channel mixer and more to provide a full audio headend

The new audio system is the first of its kind at the high school. The timing of the installation ensures the system will improve public address quality for this year’s graduation ceremony, and will otherwise inject new life into home athletic events.

“This installation represents a significant milestone for San Lorenzo High School, as it had no real PA system previously in place and was relying on outdated field horns for use during sporting events,” said Rick McKinney, owner and president of the Hayward, California-based Lloyd F. McKinney Associates, which managed the installation.

San Lorenzo High School sought a versatile, great-sounding solution that covered the entire stadium and could remain outdoors year-round. The local climate produces heavy rains and winds in the winter months, and the school wanted to avoid the costs of replacing damaged equipment.

“We knew Technomad was the perfect match for this project when we heard their requirements,” said McKinney. “We’ve worked with Technomad many times, and we knew the superior clarity, versatility and fully weatherproof design of their loudspeakers were right in line with the school’s needs. The audio is crisp and clear, and if they get soaked it won’t make a difference in sound quality.”

McKinney chose Technomad Noho weatherproof loudspeakers, noting that they generate a very broad and smooth response, with plenty of power to cover the entire field. He mounted two on the home side and two on the visitor’s side to provide more flexibility for music and band-related productions. The complete solution includes the pre-wired signal processing rack, with an amplifier and mixer; and all required cables and connectors for the loudspeaker installation.

Despite some rain delays, McKinney had the system up and running in a few weeks. “Rain softened the ground, so we had to install plywood to keep the scissor lift from sinking into the new grass,” he said. “Once secured, we quickly mounted the loudspeakers, attached the cables, plugged in the mixer and amplifier, and turned on the system. It was seamless.”

McKinney notes that the input connector for an iPod and Mp3 player in the signal processing rack is a favorite feature. He added a wireless solution for field-level iPod control for special events.

“Features like this are important for good sound quality,” he said. “We live in a highly connected, audio-rich environment, and today’s adolescents expect the same audio quality from pre-show and halftime music that they get from their iPods and Mp3 players. The Technomad system delivers on this, and the Nohos reproduce the full musical range, with plenty of high end and very good lows and mids.”

McKinney is planning another Technomad installation at Arroyo High School in the same school district this spring. In the meantime he is relishing the success of this project for good reason.

“My children and my wife were educated through the San Lorenzo Unified School District, and I attended from the fifth grade,” McKinney said. “I’m honored to have directed this installation.”

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Technomad Loudspeakers Upgrade Audio in French Football Stadium

New system complies with Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) standards thanks to broad audio dispersion, high voice intelligibility of Noho loudspeakers

BOSTON, January 28, 2013 — A French football stadium in the Corsican city of Ajaccio, France, has completed audio upgrades compliant to league standards, with seven Technomad advanced audio loudspeakers covering the entire venue.

Stade Francois Coty is home to Division 2 club AC Ajaccio, part of the LFP French professional football league

Home club AC Ajaccio recently transitioned to Ligue 2, also known as Division 2 in the LFP French professional football league. The league-imposed audio upgrades required a higher measure of intelligibility and audio coverage throughout the stadium — a quality the previous audio system lacked.

Systems integration company Atacc International worked with French Technomad dealer Audiopole to develop the new system, ensuring intelligible voice and music is audible throughout the stands. The design also considered financial and structural challenges, including minimal hanging points for the latter. But the challenge of protecting gear in the open stadium air was top of mind for both companies.

“Our main concern was undoubtedly the weather, and Technomad loudspeakers are 100 percent weatherproof,” said Alain Castelli, manager, Atacc International. “They can withstand wind, rain, moisture and temperatures as cold as 0 degrees Celsius in the winter; and as hot as 30 degrees Celsius in the summer. The sea is also nearby, so salt corrosion was another concern.” [ View current weather in Ajaccio ]

A closeup of a Noho pole-mounted in Stade Francois Coty on the French island of Corsica

Audiopole provided an acoustic study of the stadium prior to installing the seven Technomad Noho loudspeakers in the stands, behind the goals, and within a VIP space and visitors area. The study determined that the Noho was the best model for the project, providing excellent coverage and full-range audio — including ideal sensitivity for speech. The complete system includes Yamaha amplifiers and mixers, a Shure ULX Series microphone, and an automated playout system for security announcements.

“This was our first time using Technomad, and we are very pleased,” said Castelli. “The observed power of the Nohos in comparison to their size is very impressive, and the responsiveness from Audiopole was also excellent.”

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Fans in the bleachers can now hear intelligible voice regardless of location, as the Nohos cover the entire stadium