LEA Professional amplifiers were recently installed across the ‘Hungaroring’ Hungarian Grand Prix Racetrack in Mogyoród, in anticipation of its 40th anniversary this year. Integrators Visual Europe Group were contracted to renovate the track with an all-new audio system ahead of the milestone event. The system includes LEA Connect Series 168D, 4x Connect Series 352D, 23x Connect Series 704D, and 4x Connect Series 1504D amplifiers, powering the venue’s loudspeakers.
The amplifiers were deployed across the racetrack’s main grandstand, race control, and paddock building. The Connect Series of amps features cloud connectivity, allowing AV integrators such as Visual Europe Group to remotely control and monitor them regardless of location or time of day, with no hidden costs.
The Connect Series 168D 8-channel amplifier boasts 160 watts per channel; the CS352D is a 2-channel amplifier with 350 watts per channel; the 4-channel CS704D offers 700 watts per channel; and the CS1504D provides 1500 watts per channel. All Connect Series amplifiers are professional-grade IoT-enabled smart amplifiers for any size installation, support Hi-Z (70-100V) and Lo-Z selectable by channel, also featuring Smart Power Bridge Technology. Connect Series also includes 96kHz DSP, standard in all models and offering a range of benefits to enhance audio performance and system versatility. Dante-enabled models like the 168D, 704D, and 1504D include 96kHz-capable Dante and ASE67 connectivity options. Dante simplifies the system’s installation with scalable, high-resolution audio over IP (AoIP).
“The biggest challenge was providing a uniform, high-quality, and sufficiently dynamic sound system for the huge outdoor venue”, said Tamás Bodnár, product manager of Visual Europe Group. “LEA’s speaker tunings made it very easy for us when we swapped out the old gear.”
The Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix is held in Mogyoród, Hungary, in the middle of summer, where it is usually extremely hot and dry. Considered one of the best tracks in the circuit, boasting a 2.7-mile motorsport racetrack, Hungaroring includes many high/medium speed corners chained together, making following challenging, as well as very few hard braking zones. The bumpy nature of the circuit makes overtaking difficult, earning it the nickname “Monaco without the barriers.” The track has also hosted the DTM and FIA GT Championship races in addition to the Formula One Grand Prix.
Good audio during a Formula One race enhances the thrill of the experience by capturing the raw intensity of engine roars, team radio chatter, and live commentary with clarity and precision. It immerses fans in the action, helping them feel every gear shift, tire screech, and strategic call in real-time, as if they were trackside.
“At a Formula One racetrack, every detail matters – including the sound”, said Bodnár. “We chose LEA amplifiers because their reliability and clarity ensure the energy of the race reaches every fan, from the pit lane to the grandstands.”
