The UK’s inaugural official Nerf-themed attraction, Nerf Action Xperience (NAX) Manchester boasts four zones dedicated to Nerf-fuelled play at the Trafford Palazzo, Manchester. With audio an essential component of the experience, the operator collaborated with Technically Creative, experts in audio, lighting, and electronics from the initial concept stages.

‘We were involved in this project from its early conceptualisation, developing much of the software and build elements in-house,’ confirms Audio Visual Manager, Adam Robson. ‘It became clear early on that the client required an exceptionally flexible audio solution that could cover the entire facility. They looked to us for guidance on how to achieve this, with a strong emphasis on delivering top-quality audio.’

The venue features games with multichannel audio, screening areas, expansive battle zones, retail areas and ambient music throughout. Spread across two floors and six zones, the project demanded a versatile and reliable audio system.

‘We aimed to use a system that could harness the flexibility of PoE and networked audio to deliver discreet audio wherever needed, without compromising sound quality,’ Robson continues. ‘Coming from a background in studio recording, Genelec is a brand that’s consistently held in high regard. The Smart IP range of speakers proved to be the ideal choice.’

James Voakes, Senior AV Engineer at Technically Creative consulted with Simon Jones, Business Manager at leading audio distributor Audiologic to configure the set-up for the project. The final installation comprises two Q-Sys Core 8 Flex audio, video and control processors with 56 Genelec 4420, 43 Genelec 4430, and six Genelec 4410 Smart IP installation loudspeakers, along with 18 Genelec 4040s. Audinate Dante AVIO Networking Adapters complete the installation.

‘Smart IP was designed for discerning professionals who demand top-tier loudspeaker performance, and it’s a dream come true for installers,’ Jones says. ‘A range of networked active loudspeaker systems that deliver exceptional audio, power, and sophisticated loudspeaker management via a single Cat cable. In order to ensure a seamless integration, we set up the range of Genelec speakers at Technically Creative’s HQ and tested them robustly to make sure each zone had the optimal set-up.’

‘Our preference was to use a system that could be managed across a single platform, and the three speakers across the Smart IP range greatly aided scalability across the different areas,’ Robson adds. ‘Even the smaller 4410 models offered remarkable clarity and impact.’

In the expansive open battle areas, the need for discrete flexibility and clarity, even at higher sound levels, was evident. To meet these requirements while adhering to building regulations that didn’t allow for supplementary subwoofers, the Technically Creative team used 4040 speakers each fed via Audinate AVIO.

‘We opted for Genelec primarily for the excellent clarity and responsiveness of the drivers used in the speakers, as well as the wide range of available products,’ Voakes says. ‘Their scalable range enabled us to plan the installation more efficiently than if we had to specify different brands for various purposes. Q-Sys is generally our go-to choice for DSP due to its reliability and performance, which allows for seamless integration and routing to each of the speakers.’

‘We had DSP flexibility both onboard the speaker and via Q-Sys, but this was somewhat minimal due to the impressive clarity and range right out of the box,’ Robson says. ‘Even those speakers installed in challenging positions or at high levels required minimal tuning. Additionally, the range of accessories proved immensely helpful for our installation. There was a bracket option for virtually every situation we encountered, and these factors significantly expedited deployment and final commissioning.’

‘The client is extremely satisfied with the installation, the sound around the venue is impeccable,’ Voakes reports. ‘Working with Audiologic is always a pleasure, the knowledge of Simon and the technical team is second to none, equipment availability is top-notch, and we know they are always at the end of the phone should we need them.

More: www.audiologic.uk