Harman provides surround sound to Auckland's Stardome Planetarium

The New Zealander's movie theater and live events Stardome Observatory & Planetarium has been updated with the immersive sound system of Harman, composed of the solutions of JBL Pro, Crown, BSS y Soundcraft.

Open to the public in 1967 as observatory, It wasn't until 1997 when Stardome became the largest planetarium in New Zealand. It has a panoramic theater equipped with a full dome concave screen, laser projectors and angled seats IMAX to offer a 360º visual experience.

One of their most recent projects has been the renovation of the already outdated sound system to offer a wider range of events, thus doubling both its function as a movie theater and live events.

To provide this surround sound experience to your visitors, Stardome organizers hired New Zealand audiovisual integrator Avid Automation already JPRO, Harman Pro distributor in this country, to equip the planetarium.

The surround sound solution consists of speakers JBL Pro latest generation, amplifiers Crown connected to the network, signal processors BSS and a digital mixing console Soundcraft.

“The main use of the system is to provide a cinema experience 5.1 immersive, but the theater also functions as a live performance venue for small bands and events - explains Darian Sundar, director de Avid Automation-, which required handling a larger SPL to accommodate live performances”.

High-power two-way speakers have been selected for the cinema surround sound system. JBL AM7215/95, providing high audio quality to the left and right channels, while a single speaker AM7215/26 with a 120 rotating waveguide×60coverage on the critical central channel.

Avid Automation chose compact two-way speakers JBL AC18/95 for surround channels, as its box design allows installation close to the ceiling. The result is a natural and fluid immersive audio experience across the entire listening area..

Added to this are three subwoofers JBL VTX B18 of 18″, providing a solid bass foundation for a ground-shaking experience.

“AE Series loudspeakers are manufactured specifically for theatrical sound design and performing arts installations, so we knew they would fit the scope of this project perfectly.”, assures Paul Edlin, JPRO sales director.

Two power amplifiers Crown DriveCore CDi 4 | 1200BL feed the system, with pre-loaded JBL speaker tunings that allow amplifiers and speakers to work in harmony for the best possible sound.

The amplifiers interface with a signal processor BSS BLU-806 via network audio protocol Dante, providing flexible signal routing and control, including the ability to interface with the site's fire evacuation system.

To provide operators with hands-on control over sound in the theater, Avid Automation and JPRO chose the digital mixing console Soundcraft Si Performer.

A Dante interface card allows the mixer to send output signals to the backend BSS y Crown, while a Soundcraft Mini Stage Box 16 provides additional stage entrances for larger performances.