Powersoft fixed-installation amplifiers sit at the heart of the sound at Phoenix Riders, a leading equestrian sports centre in Ploiesti, an hour outside of Bucharest, Romania. Playing host to high-profile events on the international equestrian sport calendar, the venue is setting new standards with its world-class facilities – including its exceptional sound.
Specified by Audiovision, the sound is shaped for the current 20,000m² footprint – which encompasses the competition infrastructure, VIP areas, leisure spaces and training facilities for international-level athletes – but is also cleverly designed with future expansion in mind. Phoenix Riders will eventually occupy an area of 150,000m², with the planned development of large-capacity grandstands, new competition stables, restaurants and a second outdoor arena.
Responding to this challenge, Audiovision built the audio system on the Dante Audio-over-IP platform; enabling real-time, flexible routing of audio sources, extremely low latency, unified volume and zone control, and full integration with all deployed equipment. ‘One of the key technical challenges was implementing a reliable and scalable infrastructure that would support long-term flexibility and high-performance audio distribution’ says Audiovision’s Claudiu Albu.
Within this framework, Audiovision was responsible for designing and implementing a complete audio solution able to deliver consistent performance, coverage and control across the vast and multifunctional space. ‘The system needed to meet a wide range of requirements – from powerful sound reinforcement for sporting events, to refined background audio in hospitality areas, and efficient paging across administrative zones,’ Albu continues.
To meet these needs, Audiovision deployed a distributed amplification structure, with five hubs established in the main areas. The restaurant area hub is equipped with the Quattrocanali 2404 DSP+P and Mezzo 604AD, while the café, conference area and warm-up area hubs feature the Mezzo 604AD and 602AD. The indoor arena hub combines two Mezzo 322AD and two Unica 8K8.
The Phoenix Riders installation also takes full advantage of Powersoft’s Dynamic Music Distribution (DMD) system. ‘DMD offers system integrators the ability to scale inputs and zones conveniently and efficiently with dynamic routing capabilities embedded in its amplifier platforms, including Unica and Mezzo,’ says Powersoft EMEA Sales Manager, Simone Scaramuzza. ‘It makes it simple to share music between different zones independently from the source without the need for a centralised DSP.’
The set-up is completed by various Audac loudspeakers, chosen to meet the acoustic needs of each individual zone. Dedicated interfaces, including the Powersoft WM Touch, allow for control of the DMD system and intuitive access to all key areas of the facility.
With each piece of equipment and every routing decision made with long-term scalability in mind, the audio system is not only fit for purpose now but is ready to accommodate future expansion without service interruptions or the need for significant reconfiguration.
‘The capabilities of the system were put to the test at the Phoenix Dressage Challenge and followed by a high-profile international show jumping competition that was attended by participants and media from all over the world.
‘With the centre now fully open to the public and the feedback universally positive, we’re thrilled to have delivered this high-quality sound experience for both visitors and athletes which more than matches the standards that Phoenix Riders aim for,’ says Audiovision General Manager, Vasile Mara.