A user-friendly interface and a flexible approach to audio distribution were the principal factors that led to the installation of Symetrix SymNet Radius 12×8 open architecture DSPs at Moorhead football stadium in Conroe, TX.
Locally-based integrator TASC A/V was brought to the project by the district schools authority in order to provide an extensive audio system upgrade that utilized more manageable DSP.
“The district wanted a simple user interface that anyone could walk up to and know how to use,” says Anthony DiDonato, project manager, TASC A/V. “The stadium is surrounded by residential areas so they wanted presets that would limit volume and roll off the low end at 150Hz during week nights, but be able to do ‘full throttle’ for the big Friday night game.”
The system subsequently designed by TASC A/V was able to use the fiber network that connects the Moorhead stadium and other locations operated by the district schools authority. TASC A/V worked with the district’s IT department to implement a dedicated V-LAN network for the project and made the most of Symetrix’ support for Audinate’s Dante media networking technology.
The installation revolves around two Symetrix SymNet Radius 12×8 open architecture DSPs, an Attero Tech unDIO2x2 Dante interface and a Montezuma Sound EASYMix12 DSP remote control solution. “We’ve achieved all of the speaker management within the Symetrix boxes, making it possible to send my bi-amp speaker settings to the Attero Tech and straight to the amplifiers,” says DiDonato. “We also have distributed audio in the press box for the home side coaching staff, scouts and school administration.”
The system now allows specific microphone signals to be sent to the press box that are not required to be distributed to the main PA, “and delay that signal so everything lines up with the audio coming from the end zone,” explains DiDonato. “We’re also able to limit the audio coming from ‘video world’ since they might otherwise send levels all over the place.”
The response from the district client, Conroe ISD, has been extremely positive, with athletic director Danny C. Long reporting that his team is “ecstatic” with the new installation: “TASC A/V really went the extra mile to design and install a rock-solid system and ensure that it produces quality sound in every part of the stadium… and they even completed the installation ahead of schedule.”