Quadrant delivers optimised AV integration with help from BSS Soundweb’s acoustic echo cancellation and JBL speakers. The University of Leicester has completely redeveloped one of its primary conference facilities in the Oadby Student Village, transforming Gilbert Murray Hall into a state-of-the-art conference venue. This comprises a large central space, four seminar and break out rooms and a hospitality area. Tasked with designing a versatile AV infrastructure that would broaden its appeal to external companies, Quadrant Visual Solutions turned to a future-proof Harman Professional solution after winning the contract, supported by UK distributor Sound Technology. With Ben Todd of Sound Technology’s project team providing modelling of the space, a system design was proposed to provide highly efficient coverage and to fulfil the technical requirement for the room to be used in two orientations (landscape and portrait format) for audio and visual projection. On the side wall Quadrant installed two pairs of JBL constant beam width line array columns, in the shape of a JBL CBT70JE, sitting atop a CBT 70J. The addition of the former is designed to extend the pattern control of the CBT 70J by doubling its height and lowering the frequency the speaker displays over consistent coverage patterns. At the far end, where a lectern and optional stage are situated, a pair of white JBL AC28 2-way (2 x 8in LF) loudspeakers is suspended high from the vaulted ceiling on tension wires, via custom brackets. These are in keeping with those used with the giant Glulam beams which form the centrepiece of architects Shepheard Epstein Hunter’s impressive eco-design. The system is powered by a pair of Crown XTi 2002 amplifiers. Explained Quadrant project manager, Les Bell, “The three key drivers were simplicity and flexibility, with a user friendly interface. We started looking at where we could get best value and this led us to Sound Technology. We worked out the coverage/dispersion requirements and they modeled it for us. The JBL loudspeakers we specified are extremely versatile and directional.” The scheme also includes a BSS Soundweb London DSP, which simplifies the control and brings huge cost benefits. The facility can carry out automatic mixing without the need for a third party sound mixer, recalling multiple presets. The BLU-101 conference system also supports acoustic echo cancellation. This transforms the BLU-101 from being an audio system optimiser to being a full blown multi-conference system from a single device, without the need to purchase third party processors or a proprietary audioconferencing/ videoconferencing system. www.soundtech.co.ukwww.quadrantsolutions.com
