Czech Republic – With a capacity of almost 7000, the ČPP Arena in the Czech city of Hradec Králové is home to top-flight ice-hockey team Mountfield HK, who have used the facility since 2013. Inaugurated in 1957, the Arena has hosted high-level sports events throughout its history, as well as major concerts by national artists, trade fairs, and exhibitions, making it an important regional hub.
The arena authorities recently took the decision to upgrade its audio system to improve the experience of visitors. Its existing system was considered not to meet the high standards expected of a modern multi-use arena, so experienced audiovisual specialists Dancefloor AVL Solutions was engaged to design and install a replacement.
The Arena presented acoustic challenges typical of large capacity sports venues, not least the ice rink itself which acts as a large reflective surface. Steep stands and high levels of crowd noise during matches compounded the issues, so the venue required a system which could guarantee excellent intelligibility for music and spoken word, even at moments of maximum noise. The Arena also hosts a number of non-sports events which also require even coverage and consistent SPL across all sectors, avoiding dead zones, and ensuring that every spectator receives the same level of volume, quality, and energy. It was important that the solution did not interfere with sightlines or the daily operation of what is a very busy facility.
Dancefloor AVL Solutions, installed 24 x DAS Audio HQ-212.95 long-throw two-way units powered by MC2 Audio Delta DSP100 amplifiers. The loudspeakers were configured in five clusters of two units on each side of the stands with additional units at the ends and in a central position above the rink. The HQ-212.95 units were particularly suited to this application due to their coaxial configuration and cabinet construction, which allows for very solid low frequency reproduction, making it possible to do without subwoofers. This avoided the introduction of unnecessary extra energy to an already highly reverberant environment.
The MC² Delta DSP100 amplifiers, highly regarded for their reliability, transparent and accurate power delivery, and DANTE capability, were the clear choice for a compatible and complete system. The system can be conveniently operated using an XTA/MC² DPanel-8 remote programmable wall panel, by choosing presets for different modes such as hockey game, training, cultural event etc.
Libor Klemenc, CEO of Dancefloor AVL Solutions comments: “The venue is a complex reverberant space with sound reflecting in many directions in what can be a very intense atmosphere. We needed a system capable of providing clarity and dynamics even in the noisiest environment. The new system with its combination of DAS Audio loudspeakers and MC²Audio amplifiers has achieved exactly that across every area of the space. The coverage is more uniform with the result that hockey games and other events now benefit from a more balanced and accurate sound.”
