Fulbridge Academy primary school in Peterborough has enhanced its interior with a series of 23 themed areas and added an audio element using Audac CMP30 media players. Audiologic supplied the equipment for the project consulting with integrators Playfords.
An Audac R2 multi-zone audio distribution unit with POW2 internal amplifier, was rack-mounted alongside a group of eight CMP30s at the end of each of the three corridors the themed areas are located. An 8×8 digital audio matrix system, based on a powerful DSP processor, the R2 is fully digitally controllable and the built-in digital matrix makes it possible to patch any of the input signals to any of the output signals. All of the R2 units were connected to each other via fibre optic to create a 24×24 matrix, which could broadcast in any combination from 24 separate audio feeds down to one individual feed across the whole system.
Two Audac DW5065 wall panels were included in the system. The first, located in the technicians office, facilitated the use of a microphone (Audac M86) for general announcements which could override the entire system and the second, located in the hall, allowed for the easy connection of an external source such as an iPod and would override only the audio feed to that area. Procab cables and connectors were used throughout and a combination of 18 Ecler IC6 2-way ceiling speakers and 6 Audac ATE06 wall-mounted speakers completed the picture.
Paul Smedley, project engineer at Playfords commented: “When Fulbridge put their idea to us, we weren’t immediately sure of a solution that would fit the bill and so we contacted Audiologic to consult with them over the possibilities. They are an ever-reliable source of great products and advice and as we’d expected, they were quick to make a suggestion. They invited us and the school’s project director to a demonstration of the Audac products that they had recommended and that visit sealed the deal.
“The install itself was swift and trouble free and although there were some minor teething problems at the commissioning stage, these were quickly overcome with support from Audiologic’s technical team. It’s fair to say that the success of this project can be measured by the reactions of visitors to the school as they move between the zones. Audiologic were great partners in helping us fully realise Fulbridge’s vision.”
Rhys Maddox, digital learning coordinator at Fulbridge said: “In the early stages of developing the idea we had some sounds in some of the corridors but it quickly became apparent that to create the holistic experience we were seeking, we needed to look for something more sophisticated. We really wanted a system that would be dynamic and easily changeable and thanks to Audiologic, that’s exactly what we got! We are at the beginning of a journey with what we can do with the system and we look forward to developing the use of the technology even further as the months progress. Both Playfords and Audiologic went above and beyond in ensuring that we achieved precisely what we were looking for.”
