The new F1 Arcade in the Chamberlain Square area of Birmingham, England, offering more than 50 full-motion racing simulators that can cater to every level of driving skill, is equipped with a multi-zone sound reinforcement system headed by KV2 Audio loudspeakers in a design and installation by TVC Technology Solutions, based in Lancashire.
Having installed the F1 Arcade in London, the world’s first official Formula 1 simulator racing experience, the operators Kindred Spirits Ltd. again turned to TVC to equip their second venue in Birmingham. The difference was that by this time, TVC had discovered KV2.
TVC’s Technical AV manager and co-owner Tiago Borges explains, “Our KV2 journey started with a demo that really opened my eyes – or rather my ears – to something that I found truly special. From that point on, it was a real thrill to be able to present such quality to our clients, especially for premium sites where audio quality is king. We were fortunate enough that Kindred Spirits trusted us to test a KV2 solution by reinforcing the existing F1 Arcade installation in London – we added a pair of EX26 active loudspeakers to the main zone, and the results were stunning.
“This convinced the client to invest in a premium audio system for their new venue in Birmingham,” continues Borges. “With the guidance and expertise of KV2’s specialists, we were able to present a solution that would perfectly suit the multiple requirements of the venue, from late night DJ performances to corporate events, and especially for commentary during the venue’s F1 Watch Parties.”
TVC’s brief was to build on the success of the London venue, replicating the high-end, competitive racing experience in Birmingham. “Formula 1 is a major global sport that attracts huge crowds, and the F1 Arcade venues have become a prime spot for fans to immerse themselves in the adrenaline of a live F1 race,” Borges says. “The experience on site relies on the atmosphere created by the décor and lighting, and especially the AV element with large screens across the venue and a huge LED wall as a center point. Sound is the element that you can’t see, but can make or break the experience, especially in a challenging situation like F1 Arcade where the audio content involves noise from cars, the track, plus interviews and commentary in the worst conditions.”
As customers enter the arcade, they are met with a wall of low-level sound from ESD5 two-way full range passive loudspeakers, immediately taking them into the atmosphere of an F1 event. Throughout the rest of the venue, including the multiple gaming zones, bar area and restaurant, TVC opted for the slightly larger format ESD6 and ESD8 mid-high loudspeakers from the same range.
In the areas requiring more robust low-end reinforcement, TVC added EX1.2 active subwoofers. Audio power is supplied by KV2 ESP2000 and ESP4000 amplifiers.
Control and DSP are handled via a Symetrix Prism 16 x 16 open-architecture DSP engine, enabling audio to be played back across multiple zones and synchronized with the video displays for an immersive and cohesive audio-visual experience. A user interface — which sits alongside the NetworkHD Touch app from Wyrestorm controlling all the video streams — allows staff to remotely control and monitor the AV system from any compatible mobile device or tablet.
“The client is happy, and we are proud of a premium site delivered to the highest standards,” notes Borges. “We will most definitely repeat the recipe in the near future!”
