Among Canada’s leading research-intensive facilities, Western University recently opened a new space in the new Ronald D Schmeichel Entrepreneurship and Innovation Centre (SEI) to host events spanning keynote speeches to live music.
The room design includes reflective surfaces such as glass and concrete, a high ceiling, and asymmetrical seating arrangements. Additionally, the placement of large LED displays and a central podium limited placement options. With these considerations in mind, Western University’s Classroom Technology Group partnered with a number of leading experts in audio integration, selecting EM Acoustics’ Reference Series as able to deliver clear and uniform speech reinforcement, as well as blending in with the space’s modern architectural design.
The resultant system design centres on EM Acoustics’ Reference Series loudspeakers, including one R12 large-format tree-way passive loudspeaker at the centre of the cluster, flanked by two R10s. A compact S-18 high-power reflex subwoofer is positioned behind the cluster for additional low-frequency support.
‘The advanced engineering of the EM Acoustics Reference Series was already a known quantity to me, and the range stood out for this project because of its consistent voicing, excellent pattern control and flexible design options,’ says DKE Design and Engineering Consultant, Dieter Kunz.
Two DQ10D four-channel system amplifiers power the set-up, with one dedicated to the primary operation and the second serving as a backup, crucial for hosting live events. The system also employs EM Acoustics’ variable angle mounts and a custom rigging solution by DKE designed to attach securely to a heavily reinforced concrete beam above the event space.
‘The engineering of the Reference Series waveguide options made it possible to create a compact cluster that met both the acoustic and aesthetic requirements,’ Kunz says. ‘The flexibility offered by providing two different interchangeable HF horns with two different coverage patterns was great to work with in conjunction with the Ease modelling.
‘Ease modelling helped calculate coverage requirements and addressed how to minimise excess energy on the nearby second-floor glass surface while still providing adequate coverage to seats on the floor below,’ he continues. ‘The rigging solution was also critical, as the installation required custom mounting hardware to attach to the concrete structural beam containing embedded rebar.’
The support provided by EM Acoustics and distributor Contact Distribution was another significant factor in the project’s success, with Chris Jordan, Manager and A/V Systems Architect for the Classroom Technology Group at Western University, overseeing what is being regarded as a significant milestone for the university. ‘Projects like this set an important precedent for how universities can successfully integrate complex A/V systems,’ says Contact Distribution Director, Bill Coons. ‘Under the direction of Chris Jordan, all stakeholders knew exactly what was expected of them, the level of articulation and the timeframes the work needed to be completed in. As such, nothing fell through the cracks.’
‘During our initial testing of the EM Acoustics’ cluster, we took immediate notice of the strikingly flat response and even coverage that was realised in the venue,’ adds Jordan. ‘The overall sound quality exceeded our expectations. The tonal consistency throughout the room was well beyond what one might usually experience. Although the primary use case was to support detailed voice reproduction, the exceptional performance of the EM Acoustics boxes meant that both voice and music could be featured in top form, which is fantastic.’
’The result is truly remarkable,’ Kunz agrees. ‘The DQ10D amplifier factory presets for the individual loudspeaker models produced an initial look of disbelief at the analysis screen during testing. I had never seen response curves this smooth before tuning. After some basic adjustments, the remaining EQ to fine-tune the system response were minor.’
The SEI building is now full able to host a wide range of events, with the project demonstrating the value of planning, expert collaboration and high-quality engineering.