CN Centre has successfully completed upgrades to its sound system, enhancing the audio experience for all attendees.
The work, carried out over July, August and September, involved more than 900 hours of labor with Sapphire Sound and McSquared System Design Group.
Last October, Council approved $950,000 from the Northern Capital and Planning Reserve fund for the sound system upgrade. The project was completed on time and under budget, with final costs totalling approximately $700,000
A 2019 assessment identified that the previous equipment, installed in the late 1990s, had exceeded its technical and service lifetimes, placing it at high risk of system-wide failure.
The old system also presented challenges due to ongoing system failures, the lack of spare parts and replacement options. Though COVID-19 delayed the replacement timeline, the return to full capacity operations made the sound system upgrade a priority.
Key features of the new audio system include:
- Improved accessibility: Individuals using assistive listening devices can now tune in to 105.1 FM to hear announcements and music more clearly.
- Enhanced audio quality: Acoustically modelled, the system now includes:
– New arena 3-way high performance loudspeakers w/ a 3-way cross-over network;
– New low frequency extension subwoofer speakers for a richer sound experience.
– New network power amplifiers w/ connections full arena speakers and to 4 zones of audio distributed through 106 back of house loudspeakers. - Additional features: audio network with fiber optic trunks specifically designed for multicast media traffic. Replacement of 10 clear-com locations, to provided input / output locations for portable audio boxes and distribution.
- New hardware, audio equipment and materials – network audio racks, microphones, accessories, new user interface with a digital console and fixed / mobile tablets for use during all produced events.
More than 40 staff members were introduced to the new audio equipment, ensuring seamless integration into the CN Centre’s daily operations and events.