Amsterdam Arena updates its audio system with d solutions&b

Those responsible for this Dutch stadium have opted for the installation of professional systems from the German audio manufacturer to comply with UEFA/FIFA regulations on audio performance and intelligibility, as well as in the security of voice evacuation systems.

Amsterdam Arena is not only the headquarters of AFC Ajax and where international matches of the Dutch national football team are held., but a great stage for touring artists like Coldplay and U2; all aspects in which the audio system must meet a series of quality requirements for attendees and safety.

Tim Oosterop, dutch stadium production manager, points out in this regard that “just like the investment in our LED screens or escalators, investing in audio is not something you can charge, does not translate directly into income, but it does make the public come earlier and stay longer. If they are here, “That is good for income and allows for better use of the facilities.”.

In this sense, AFC Ajax has its own video production department “and we work a lot on the atmosphere before the match,” says this manager.. “Entertainment is the key component and quality audio is an important part of delivering that experience.”.

When considering installing a new audio solution, The facility itself defined three main objectives that its managers considered essential.. First of all, compliance with regulations, specifically UEFA/FIFA requirements for audio performance and intelligibility, as well as compliance with national and international safety regulations on evacuation systems..

In second place, it was necessary to address the problem of atypical acoustics, difficulties that could not be solved, in realistic financial terms, using current construction techniques. Y, finally, the venue's reputation as a host of other types of shows needed to be improved, especially in the case of concerts, with a high quality audio brand, which in this case has been d&b audiotechnik.

About this project, Roland Hemming, from audio consulting company HR Consulting, explains that “we initially created a specifications document to cover system performance and regulatory compliance, including Dutch nationals. We created three versions, one for the local safety authority; a second for the bidders, so that they would know how to comply with the provisions; and a third for FIFA and UEFA”.

Regarding the challenges involved in stadium acoustics, Ooserop is clear: “we wanted a system that would allow us to clearly show concert organizers, representatives of bands and event promoters that we were going to make important advances to achieve the best sound quality. Stadium shows are no longer about bands performing, They install their systems and then leave, but now they know that, if you take your time, “They can achieve exceptional levels of quality and an incredible listening experience for all viewers.”.

Ampco/Flashlight, stadium audio service provider, ordered that d&b audiotechnik will make three presentations and, later, another at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne, in which the installed system is optimized with ArrayProcessing, this audio maker's software tool.

“The fact that ArrayProcessing interacts seamlessly with MediaMatrix, our current management system, provides an easy way to adapt to various event formats - Oosterop points out -, and without putting safety regulations at risk. We can now present acoustic models and predictive scenarios to staff who have planned to bring their shows here. “We have an audio infrastructure that allows them to plan the best sound”.

For this project, they have been configured 216 Yi8 speakers in eighteen arrangements, three of which are located along the East and West stands, and rotate to fit program needs. With the push of a button, sound reinforcement can switch to evacuation mode, or readjust from sports stadium mode to international concert venue mode. For lower levels, in specific areas for media or VIP, exclusive exclusion zones can be defined, which is now a requirement that UEFA has set in its guidelines.

“The quality of the system&b is not only a few steps ahead when it comes to sonic output, but also offers other benefits, especially a great saving in audio electrical consumption, with a reduction of 85%. To comply with evacuation regulations, the previous system had to be on 24/7. With the new solution, we can turn it off when not in use. Not only that: for smaller events where only part of the stadium is used, the system is zoned. “We have predetermined programs in the evacuation control that activate the evacuation system so that people leave zone by zone”, explica Oosterop.