AUDIO SYSTEMS PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Perfect match: The development of a
new loudspeaker array system helps solve
the common problems of outdoor audio
58 www.stadia-magazine.com September 2019
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Audio systems in outdoor
environments face a number of
challenges from delivering clean
and concise audio to being tough
enough to survive the elements.
This is particularly the case in sports stadia.
To resolve these issues, audio specialist Bose
Professional launched a project to develop a
new loudspeaker system. It began with talking
to leading AV system designers and integrators
for outdoor, sound reinforcement systems in
key market segments such as professional
sports venues, entertainment areas, and
higher-education sports facilities.
These industry leaders described common
problems with using existing loudspeakers
for these applications and discussed ideas for
design changes that could improve audio
performance, simplify system designs, and
reduce installation project time and costs.
Sound ideas
The comments and ideas generated
from the discussions formed the guiding
design principles for what became the
ArenaMatch DeltaQ array modules. These
included requirements for full-range, high
SPL loudspeakers that can be configured
in either line-array or distributed pointsource
applications, with IP55 rating for
direct-exposure, outdoor installations.
Additionally, the research revealed the
need for a complementary line of smaller
zone-fill loudspeakers with a similar “family
sound” and IP55 rating, which led to the
development of Bose’s ArenaMatch Utility
series, which was launched in early 2019.
ArenaMatch modules offer full range
audio within tightly defined vertical and
horizontal coverage patterns. This helps
designers solve several common problems
found with some currently available
solutions. First, by being able to cover more
seats with high SPL audio, designers are no
longer forced to use point-source
loudspeakers in small arrays, or conventional
line array solutions requiring box counts that
are too heavy for many building structures.
Arrays or clusters also raise challenges around
sight lines. ArenaMatch offers an install
solution that covers the required areas, while
minimizing the speaker count to help solve
weight and obstruction issues. No subs are
needed to create full, intelligible sound, as
the 14in neodymium woofer and six Bose
EMB2S titanium-diaphragm neodymium
compression drivers in each module operate
down to 65hz at -3dB, or 55hz at -10dB. By
using fewer boxes it can also reduce the
hanging and commissioning times.
For outdoor sports complexes,
ArenaMatch loudspeakers provide clean
audio for the entire spectator area –
delivering announcements and play-by-play
calls clearly, while also being able to produce
long-throw music reproduction. Weatherresistant
features include a three-layer
stainless steel grille, water-resistant woofer
cone coating, industrial polyurethane exterior
coating and a molded input cover.
Designers can employ 40o ArenaMatch
array modules for point-source applications
and 10, 20 and 40o modules for line arrays
— all with the same transducers for
consistent tonal balance. Combining
ArenaMatch loudspeakers with ArenaMatch
Utility loudspeakers, delivers complementary
and consistent zone-fill coverage, making
equalizing the system much easier.
ArenaMatch loudspeakers also interface with
Bose PowerMatch amplifiers, ControlSpace
DSPs and ControlSpace Designer software,
which simplifies setup and monitoring,
saving users time with loudspeaker presets
for EQ, limiter and crossover settings.
Eddie Thomas, vice president of integrated
solutions at SSE Audio Group says: “We are
constantly reviewing technologies to utilize
within our client’s stadium and arena
projects. Working and listening with Bose, we
identified the ArenaMatch loudspeakers as a
comprehensive range of devices that we are
actively installing. Working with the Bose
Modeler system design software, followed by
real world listening tests and measurements,
has shown that the Bose ArenaMatch is an
excellent performer for both controlled
dispersion and, most importantly, highquality
sound performance”. n
Array modules minimize
speaker count while also
being able to cover more
seats with high SPL audio
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