The new 59,000-capacity, €450m Parc Olympique Lyonnais (Parc OL) stadium in Lyon has been equipped with Yamaha mixing, Symetrix networking, Powersoft Ottocanali amplification and EAW  loudspeakers in readiness for a major sports tournament this summer.

Integration specialists Groupe SNEF and Axians worked with pro audio distributor Axente on the design of the distributed sound reinforcement system,  teaming up with the design office of Atelier Audiovisuel to handle all of the stadium’s audio.

It was Axente’s Alain Hercman who recommended the Powersoft/EAW system: ‘The quality of this amplifier platform is far superior to others and allows us to use fewer amplifiers,’ he explains. ‘When combined with the state-of-the-art QX Series – which provide tremendous output and intelligibility – it was a win-win situation.’

The eight-channel Ottocanali amplifiers provide 144 independently configurable channels to drive the QX loudspeakers. Because each 2U-high device can deliver up to 8kW (class-D) into eight channels at 4Ω, the stadium will also benefit from lower operating costs as well as higher power density and less demanding conditioning.

Four Ottocanali 4K4 and 14 Ottocanali 12K4 power a distributed system comprising 20 QX loudspeakers clusters mounted 35m high under the gangway using custom hanging hardware designed by SNEF. The majority of the system is comprised of 16 clusters made up of two QX596i and one QX564i, bi-amplified, with the QX596i directed to cover the first and second tiers of seating while the QX564i covers the upper tier. The four corner clusters consist of one QX596i and one QX564i positioned to cover the corner seating areas.

The three-way, point source QX596i and QX564i loudspeakers mate mid-high compression drivers (90° x 45° and 60° x 45° respectively) with a constant directivity horn. Four Phase Aligned 12-inch low frequency transducers arranged as vertical and horizontal pairs leverage beneficial interaction based on their spacing to extend pattern control will into the low frequency range. ‘The four 12-inch LF cones were exactly what we needed to achieve excellent low end without compromising intelligibility,’ says Frankie Celeste from Axians.

Hercman notes that the ‘green’ credentials, as well as reliability, sonic fidelity and dual redundant power supply contributed to the decision to use Powersoft. By implementing two redundant universal switch mode power supplies with PFC and patented SRM (Smart Rails Management) technology, not only is the efficiency of the system maximised, but power consumption also drastically reduced.

SNEF Head of Audiovisual Rodolphe Roellinger reports that the Ottocanali series had been the logical choice, as it was recognised as ‘an excellent amplifier within the industry – compact, high powered, top quality and with an attractive price.’

A Symetrix Radius matrix router runs Dante a network serving a master control room and two subsidiaries linked. Taking analogue feeds from the Symetrix matrix router’s Dante extension cards, the 12K4 devices feed the low-end sections (mono bridged at 8Ω) and the 4K4 manages the mid and high sections.

Roellinger believes that it was the strength of the alliance between SNEF and Axians – who worked diligently on both simulations and provided competitive pricing – that played a crucial role in securing the contract. Alain Hercman agrees: ‘It was due to great team work between manufacturer, distributor, consultant and integrators that we were able to meet the spec and deliver all components within  budget.’

The design for the privately-owned venues was handles by architect Populous, who were also behind the Emirates and Wembley stadia in London. It is the third largest sports venue in France and arguably the most advanced, and has provided a new home stadium for Olympique Lyonnais since the beginning of the 2016.

‘In terms of audio qualities, we wanted something that would be impeccable,’ says Nicolas Houel, Technical Manager at OL Images. ‘We wanted to broadcast any source in any areas of the stadium, hence the Dante matrix. When people come to this stadium, they get a real show, both visually and sonically. The result is a great installation for football fans which will resonate in the years to come.’