KV2’s ESD loudspeakers are powering the new F1 Arcade in Birmingham’s Chamberlain Square. The F1 racing experience has 53 full-motion racing simulators and a multi-zone audio system from KV2 to create the excitement of the race circuit.
As customers enter the arcade, they are met with a wall of low-level, yet powerful sound from KV2’s ESD5 2-way full range passive loudspeakers, immediately replicating the atmosphere of an F1 event.
Throughout the rest of the venue, including the multiple gaming zones, bar area and restaurant, system integrator TVC Technology Solutions opted for the slightly larger format ESD6 and ESD8 mid-high loudspeakers from the same range.
In the areas requiring more robust low-end reinforcement, TVC added EX1.2 active subwoofers. Power is supplied by KV2’s ESP2000 and ESP4000 amplifiers.
Audio control and DSP is handled via a Symetrix Prism 16×16 open-architecture DSP engine, enabling audio to be played back across multiple zones and synchronised with the video displays for an immersive and cohesive audio-visual experience.
A user interface – which sits alongside the NetworkHD Touch app from Wyrestorm controlling all the video streams – allows F1 Arcade Birmingham to remotely control and monitor the full AV system from any compatible mobile device, or tablet.
The experience is completed by an array of huge TV screens so that fans can watch the ‘real’ motor racing with live commentary.
Having installed the F1 Arcade in London, the world’s first official Formula 1 simulator racing experience, the operators, Kindred Spirits, chose Birmingham for the second venue. The difference was that by this time, TVC had reinforced the existing F1 Arcade in London with a pair of TVC EX26 active loudspeakers to the main zone.
“The experience on site relies on the atmosphere created by the décor and lighting, and especially the AV element with large screens across the venue and a huge LED wall as a centre point,” said Tiago Borges, technical AV manager and co-owner, TVC.
“Sound is the element that you can’t see, but can make or break the experience, especially in a challenging situation like F1 Arcade where the audio content involves noise from cars, the track, plus interviews and commentary in the worst conditions,” he added.
“KV2 made it easy at every level – the high intelligibility of their loudspeakers ensures that the commentary is always clear and detailed, even against the hostile background of an F1 racetrack.”
The system will be used in multiple ways, from late night DJ performances to corporate events, and especially for commentary during the F1 Watch Parties.
