Dubai’s17,000-capacity Coca-Cola Arena has completed a major sound system upgrade with loudspeaker systems installed by d&b audiotechnik, including the Compact Cardioid Line Array (CCL).
‘Choosing d&b audiotechnik was about more than technology – it was about partnering with a brand that our team and our technical experts truly trust,’ says Mark Jan Kar, General Manager of the Coca-Cola Arena and SVP of Entertainment, Content, & Programming for Legends Global (MENA). ‘This installation represents the pinnacle of audio performance, ensuring that every seat in the house receives the same exceptional standard,’
The d&b team was led by Brad Maiden, General Manager of the Middle East office in Dubai and included Steve Jones, Head of Education & Application Support (EMEA). They worked with the Arena’s sound crew and representatives from Coca-Cola Arena and Legends Global to refine the system design, then brought in respected live sound engineer Marc Carolan (Muse) to fine-tune the installation.
‘I’m very familiar with GSL and KSL systems in arenas, but being part of a permanent installation and having the time to really listen and refine things – without my production manager shouting at me – has been great,’ Carolan says. ‘Steve and the whole team have done a fantastic job. The system is world-class.’
‘In an arena, controlling sound is notoriously difficult,’ Jones adds. ‘That’s why the SL-Series is so valuable – its signature behaviour ensures that as you move to the sides or behind the arrays, levels drop off consistently across all frequencies.’
‘Despite its compact size, CCL still delivers cardioid control down to the lowest frequencies, which is remarkable. It slots in perfectly with the larger SL-Series cabinets, meaning we can provide effective cardioid solutions for any space, maintaining intelligibility and clarity from front to back.’
In tended to give the venue’s audiences the best possible sound experience while being rider-friendly, the new system is designed with multiple levels of coverage that can be activated or deactivated as needed, enabling flexible control for any type of event without compromising sound quality. The main system was finessed using d&b’s ArrayProcessing software.
‘Consistent coverage is critical,’ Carolan says. ‘I’ve been a long-time d&b user, and I know I can rely on these systems to deliver coverage as promised. Tonality is equally important. What I love about GSL in particular is that it isn’t just a technical tool – it feels like a musical instrument. It has a very natural, musical quality that allows the art to really shine.’
‘Having d&b’s modular audio systems allows us to seamlessly transform the arena from concerts to sporting events to corporate shows, at speed and without compromise,’ Mark Jan Kar restates. ‘That flexibility is critical given the volume and diversity of our business. This upgrade ensures we can compete with the world’s top venues – not only in terms of sound quality for artists and audiences, but also in the efficiency with which we deliver events. Our ambition is to be the region’s must-play venue, and investing in the best possible infrastructure, including audio, gives us that edge.’
‘It’s been a pleasure collaborating with Coca-Cola Arena and Legends Global to help create this benchmark for entertainment in the Middle East,’ Maiden says. ‘The installation of our SL-Series further elevates Coca-Cola Arena on the global stage, as a venue known for technical excellence and world-class quality, something we’re thrilled to be part of.’