The I.M. Pei-designed Bank of China Tower, a prominent jewel of Hong Kong’s urban landscape, includes a large multi-use auditorium and meeting space on its 70th floor that has recently been outfitted with a new sound system centered around Renkus-Heinz Iconyx IC Live digitally steered arrays.
Specifically, the system includes four IC16-R-II columns, providing eight steerable beams to cover even the room’s most problematic spaces.
“It’s a very live acoustical space, with an open overlook and high glass windows, and achieving good spoken word intelligibility has been a challenge,” explains a spokesperson from Audio System Consultants (Asia) Ltd., the company behind the system design and installation. “The Iconyx steered beam technology enabled us to focus the sound directly on the areas where the audience is seated, and away from the windows and reflective surfaces.”
A pair of IC215S-R subwoofers provides low-frequency reinforcement, creating a powerful full-range system for musical performances as well as spoken presentations. A Rane HAL3 multiprocessor is used as a front end for connecting microphone and line inputs. The system is easily controlled via tablet, laptop, or other external devices.
The new system has been in use for several months, and has received high marks from both client and guests alike.