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AV system design can have a significant impact on sports venue incomes. No longer satisfied with an electronic scoreboard and a basic PA announcement system, fans expect to be entertained by multimedia solutions, digital signage, powerful audio systems, videowalls and LED displays. Meanwhile, operators are discovering that the appeal of their arenas can extend beyond sporadically staged sporting events. A high initial outlay perhaps, but AV systems enhance the fan experience, increase revenue and improve operational efficiencies.

The land surrounding a 6,000-capacity outdoor stadium in the metropolitan province of Nonthaburi, to the northwest of Bangkok, has been developed by the local government, adding two indoor arenas, one of which features an Olympic-sized pool. The adjacent Nonthaburi Gymnasium Stadium has been created to host a wide variety of activities including entertainment, live concerts and sporting events including futsal, a football-based game played on a hard court.

“In order to promote a varied programme of activities, the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation demanded the best audiovisual and lighting systems for the budget available,” explains director of infrastructure development division, Waroon Yuprasert. “As well as supporting the artistic, cultural and educational communities, the AV would need to support our futsal competitions up to ASEAN league level.”

The organisation attended multiple events and demonstrations to evaluate audio systems. “We were particularly impressed by a Nexo loudspeaker system that we listened to in Chiang Mai province,” continues Yuprasert. “Following a demonstration, this same speaker scored the highest points tally among our panel.” After receiving several design tender applications, the voting committee awarded Fuzion Far East (FFE) the contract to supply and install the AV technology.

A well-designed sound system should ensure fans feel part of the action by delivering intelligible announcements and music to every seat. In general, distributed sound systems are specified for smaller venues and line arrays for larger, high-ceilinged venues, with point source speakers used for specific areas, such as VIP sections. With 4,000 seats surrounding the futsal court of the Gymnasium Stadium, FFE has incorporated a main line array system together with a distributed loudspeaker network.

Following acoustic measurement analysis and software simulations, FFE specified L-R Nexo GEO M loudspeaker arrays for the main PA, each combining six M1210 12-inch elements offering 10° vertical dispersion, with two M1220 downfills providing wider 20° coverage. The lower frequencies are supplemented by four-perside MSUB18 subwoofers suspended as adjacent L-R arrays. “By laying out approximately 3,000 seats onto the futsal playing area, the stadium can now promote multipurpose musical events from the stage,” explains FFE project manager, Sansak Seedokbuab.

A preset focuses the main L-R Nexo GEO M12 arrays towards the seated audience during major futsal competitions. For smaller events, a distributed network of Nexo ePS10 10-inch enclosures covers the main seated areas. Primarily specified for clarity of speech and minimal reverberation, all 20 cabinets are suspended from an overhead framework grid on customised steel brackets. Elsewhere, portable plug-and-play audio requirements such as pitch-side interviews and VIP presentations are fulfilled by Nexo P12 and P15 active point source speakers in combination with a pair of LS600 subwoofers.

Powering the main and distributed loudspeaker systems, a rack containing seven 1U LEA Professional Connect 1504 amplifiers is located on an overhead catwalk between the main seated sections. Each four-channel IoT-enabled smart amplifier can drive 1,500W per channel into 2Ω, 4Ω and 8Ω or 100V RMS loudspeakers.

Venue technicians manage audio for larger events from a DiGiCo S31 48-input console in an overhead control room. With 2,400–3,000 selectable frequencies across 60–75MHz, a JTS UF-20S wireless system delivers speech during events and performances. JTS CM-501 condenser and Røde M1 dynamic wireless microphone inputs are routed to a DiGiCo D-Rack. Control room monitoring is provided by a pair of wall-mounted Genelec 4020CM speakers.

The integration of the AV technologies is crucial for outputting highquality content, including replays, to spectators during events. To provide a clear view of the action, a 10m x 5m (WxH) P3 LED screen is located behind a stage at one end of the stadium. Two smaller 3m x 3m displays at opposite corners function as scoreboards during competitions. A network of smaller LED screens provides monitoring as well as the transmissions of scores, highlights and advertisements to the private function and VIP rooms. Increasing the reach of an event in real time beyond the physical settings, sporting and non-sporting events can be livestreamed for remote viewing.

Operating over the LAN, a Cat6 cabling infrastructure is routed to a control room rack, hosting a Blustream 8x8 HDMI AV matrix, HDBaseT extenders and splitters. Connected to a Vaddio AV Bridge MatrixMIX switcher, the video operator can control two Vaddio RoboSHOT 30E HDBT cameras from a Vaddio PCC MatrixMIX live production surface. The HDMI-over-IP transmission solution routes PC, Mac, DVD and Vaddio RoboSHOT 30E HDBT camera inputs to Blustream encoders for output. From a D-Link DGS-1008P switch, the digital signal is emitted to Blustream decoders before being switched back to HDMI for output to the LED displays via Novastar VX600 processors.

Stage lighting used for concerts and other events in front of the main LED screen is managed from a LightShark LS1 surface. Featuring four encoder wheels and 10 playback faders, the hybrid web browser-based lighting control console can be operated from any tablet, smartphone or PC.

In addition to enhancing the fan experience, ease-of-use and futureproofing were the underlying design parameters for Seedokbuab and his team. “In offline mode, the technicians can manage and control all the audio and lighting parameters via downloaded software,” he explains. “From here, the video operator can access the HDR matrix or PCC MatrixMIX controller switch for the main scoreboard. Because the stadium exceeds over 100m distance, an HDBaseT system was deemed best as it can operate up to 150m via Blustream connection.”

Synchronised, the audio signal is transferred to a racked Symetrix Prism 8x8 processor for managing the DSP throughout the entire space. Like the SymNet processing software, the LEA Professional amplifiers can also be managed and configured from either a PC or a wireless touchscreen when connected over the amplifier’s Wi-Fi access point or existing Wi-Fi network. “The amplifier parameters and status, including heat and inputs, can be checked, and the amplifiers can be turned on remotely over Wi-Fi when online or accessed through our network in offline mode,” adds Seedokbuab.

Installed with the most appropriate AV equipment for its current and future requirements, the stadium’s AV systems integration contract includes regular maintenance and updates. Training conducted by FFE has enabled staff technicians to understand and use the AV system independently. As personnel changes over the years to come, remote management and ease-of-use capabilities will ensure continuing smooth operation.

“We don’t need to be qualified audio professionals, because the Fuzion sales team has fully supported us,” explains Yuprasert. “Our technicians have been trained how to use the equipment and maximise its potential. However, the digital parameters are easy to operate, and troubleshooting can be conducted offsite. We now understand the positive impacts a quality sound system can have when hosting our varied activities. Next, Fuzion Far East have been invited to assist us with the new swimming pool stadium.”

Having eliminated the competition in Nonthaburi, FFE continues to pioneer a trail of AV excellence throughout Thailand.