d&b audiotechnik’s A-Series augmented array system has been installed at the Telekom Center Athens, Greece’s largest multipurpose indoor venue and home to basketball club Panathinaikos BC AKTOR. The 19,000-seat arena required a system capable of delivering consistent audio coverage across a flexible, multi-configuration space while meeting strict roof load limitations.
The project’s timeline was brought forward after the arena was selected to host the EuroLeague Final Four in May 2026, compressing what had been planned as a summer 2026 completion into a significantly tighter window. Key performance requirements included an average of 100dB(A) over 90 percent of seats, ±3dB uniformity and a 37Hz–18kHz frequency response, combined with independent zonal control for the court area, retractable stands, and lower and upper seating tiers, with zone switching via preset scenes.
Telmaco imported a detailed 3D model into d&b’s ArrayCalc software, enabling d&b’s Education and Application Support team to design the system and support commissioning on site, including the setup of operational scenarios in d&b’s R1 Remote control software. d&b’s custom solutions team also produced bespoke rigging frames for the project, allowing the line arrays to be deployed within the venue’s structural and coverage constraints.
The system is built around 14 flown main arrays of ALi60 and ALi90 cabinets, centrally suspended on custom d&b frames. Four arrays serve the outer corners, four extend to lower positions for retractable seating behind the baskets, four cover court-level side seating, and two are aimed at the playing area and court-side seating.
These are complemented by 10 Vi-GSUBs flown in cardioid configuration directly behind the main arrays. Additional ALi90 and ALi60 cabinets provide delay coverage for the central and corner areas of the upper tier, while 18 8S cabinets handle under-balcony fill. Control of the entire system runs via d&b R1 from a dedicated PC, handling both scenario presets and system monitoring, with the system connected to the existing public address network for emergency signal relay.
Vassilis Kyriazis, CEO at Telmaco, said: “The system had to deliver sufficient SPL and clear, consistent, full-range coverage across the entire audience area for all event types. We needed an average of 100dB(A) over 90 percent of seats, with ±3dB uniformity and a 37Hz–18kHz frequency response – combining all this output and precise directivity with a system that could fit with the low structural capacity.”
Andreas Zantzas, AV design engineer at Telmaco, said: “ArrayCalc gave us a solid idea of where and how we would achieve our targets, and it helped us speed up tuning of the system after the installation was completed.”
He added: “The low weight of the A-Series was key. It let us reach the required SPL, output and directivity while staying well within the roof’s rigging and load-bearing limits.”
Ilias Vrisis, CEO at White Veil – Telekom Center Athens, added: “The new d&b system has transformed the arena’s audio performance by delivering outstanding sound quality and consistent coverage throughout the venue. It has significantly enhanced the experience for both audiences and performers.”
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