Newcastle sets a new standard for audio in educational spaces with Renkus-Heinz

The new sound infrastructure has been custom designed with multiple levels for a multi-use space. It has two IC Live Gen5 ICL-F-RD speakers, left and right of the video wall; and two other adjustable ICC24/3-RD Iconyx Compact Renkus-Heinz in the main area of ​​social learning.

The Newcastle University, one of the most prestigious institutions in the United Kingdom, She is known for her commitment to research, innovation and the student experience.

A central element of this mission is the Stephenson Building, a facility designed to support engineering and science disciplines. With its spacious multi-level atrium, offers an open and dynamic space for presentations, collaborative learning and events. However, This architectural marvel posed an audio challenge: ensure 100% intelligibility in its wide, reverberant environment.

To address this challenge, Newcastle University partnered with CUK Group, a professional audio and video distributor based in the UK, to implement a tailored public address solution from Renkus-Heinz. The result has allowed for clear, impactful sound that enhances every experience within the space..

“The atrium is a large learning space, reverberant and open that is used for multiple events requiring intelligibility throughout the area”, explains Mark Bromfield, CUK Systems Solutions Director. “We think of Renkus-Heinz for space, as it offers a range of versatile solutions, perfect for venues with acoustic difficulties. The speakers' advanced beam steering technology made them the perfect choice for the Stephenson Building..

Four coverage zones

The Newcastle University team, directed by audiovisual director Colin Fahay, identified four areas within the atrium that required coverage.

Three areas were designated as priority due to their proximity to the presentation areas, while the fourth was considered desirable, but not essential.

“The installed audio solution has exceeded our expectations”, Fahay affirms. “Provides clear, intelligible coverage in all four zones, allowing the audio system to be used from any presentation position, not only in the initially designated areas”.

To achieve this level of performance, The team began with a detailed acoustic analysis of the space, generating an EASE report in collaboration with Renkus-Heinz. The results guided the selection and placement of key equipment.

Two IC Live Gen5 Series ICL-F-RD speakers were placed to the left and right of the video wall to cover the tiered seating area, the social learning space, under the balcony on the second floor and the first level social learning areas.

Two additional ICC24/3-RD Iconyx Compact Series directional speakers are located in the main social learning area to ensure complete coverage on all three floors.

“Renkus-Heinz beam steering technology allowed us to direct sound precisely where it was needed.”, minimizing reflections and ensuring clarity2, explica Bromfield.

Since its launch, The new PA system has consistently delivered exceptional performance.

“The system has exceeded expectations”, Fahay affirms. “Its clarity and coverage allow a wide range of uses, from conferences and presentations to social gatherings, on all levels of the atrium. By taking advantage of the advanced capabilities of Renkus-Heinz loudspeakers, Newcastle University has set a new standard for audio in educational spaces. This solution represents a significant improvement in our capabilities, allowing us to better serve our students and staff.”

Newcastle University's Stephenson Building is now equipped to host a wide range of events and activities, with an audio system that guarantees that every word is heard and every moment is impactful. The right technology makes the difference, since beam steering speakers, like the Iconyx series, are designed to deliver clarity and coverage in complex environments.