Hafjell, Norway is hosting the FIS Alpine Junior World Ski Championships this winter with a new sound reinforcement system featuring Community R Series loudspeakers. The original sound system, installed 20 years ago for the Lillehammer Winter Olympics, was beginning to show its age, so the Hafjell Nationalanlegg decided a replacement was in order. The investment is part of a major overall upgrade of the national slalom slope, financed by the Norwegian government.
Design of the new sound system was handled by Bjørn Fjeld of Norsk Lydteknikk AS and the installation was completed by Lillehammer-based Østbye og Sletmoen. The new system design was specified for the highest quality speech and music with the possibility of future expansion.
“We chose Community R SERIES loudspeakers based on many years of experience using them on ski slopes across Norway,” said Fjeld. “They provide outstanding audio quality and unequaled reliability in this type of environment. The coverage patterns and throw are also excellent, and critical for accurately covering large outdoor areas.”
A Symetrix Radius was chosen for its studio sound quality and Dante network compatibility. Community’s digital FIR filters are programmed into the loudspeaker management module of the Symetrix Radius 12×8 for optimal system performance and the system is powered by Ecler DPA 2000 and DPA 1400 amplifiers. Clockaudio mics are used for commentary and announcement.
Fjeld commented, “The original system, considered the best in its time, comprised two massive racks of electronics. One 20U rack with a modern DSP-based loudspeaker system has now replaced that and will provide Hafjell with a system we’re confident will meet their needs for the next 20 years. For the participants and audience alike, the new system also substantially raises the audio quality for their involvement and enjoyment.”