Loudspeaker manufacturer Adamson Systems Engineering reports a major installation project at Arena Montpellier, a new venue located in the Mediterranean city of Montpellier.
As well as providing a performance space for major international touring acts, the arena is also home to major sporting tournaments, including the annual WTA tennis event ‘Sud de France’.
Development of the venue drew on the expertise of A+ Architects and construction firm Enjoy Group. A sound design tender process saw Enjoy Group select SLS to specify and install a permanent PA for use in sports and corporate events, as well as a full digital networking and intercom system.
Priorities for the loudspeaker configuration were full coverage, sufficient SPL and versatility. A four-brand shoot-out saw Adamson Metrix Line Array emerge as the clear victor. “The clarity and coverage was second to none. It was the only system to achieve 100dB A weighted at 45 metres (145 feet),” said Guy Vignet, managing director of Adamson distributor DV2.
Adamson offers two versions of the versatile Metrix system: a touring edition (-t) with integrated AIR rigging system, and an install version (-i), which utilises a plate-rigging system to save on cost. The touring version was chosen so the usual centrally-flown configuration could be quickly dismantled and be set up as in a standard LR configuration for various events when the need arises.
The Metrix Line Array systems consist of three products. The two-way enclosures – the Metrix 5 degree (vertical coverage) and the Metrix W (15 degree vertical coverage) – both utilise an 8.5” Neodymium kevlar woofer and high frequency waveguide technology, and have a wide 120 degrees of horizontal coverage. The Metrix W can be used for short-throw and downfill applications, and when budget does not allow for sufficient vertical coverage with five degree elements. The Metrix Sub is a flyable cardioid double neodymium kevlar 15” subwoofer enclosure. Eight additional Adamson contractor series Point 12 cabinets were strategically distributed on the ground.
The entire PA system is powered by Lab.gruppen C88:4 installation series amplifiers and processed with XTA 424 products. A Digigram EtherSound ES200 distributes the mix signal to the amplifier positions.
When tours making a stop in Arena Montpellier are not carrying their own PA systems, SLS steps in to provide a suitable configuration from its Adamson inventory, which includes: the new project Energia E15s, Y-Axis Series Y18 and Y10s, Metrix, SpekTrix, SX 18, Point Series and M series monitors.
To read about another recent installation for Adamson, in Joko Restaurant, Nicosia, click here.
