Assemblies, school productions, sport, events – sorted
Auckland Normal Intermediate (ANI) recently replaced their old school hall with a brand new multipurpose space to meet the needs of the school and to create a venue for hire to local church and community groups. Edwards audio-visual installation team worked with the architects and builders to deliver a full turn-key solution encompassing sound, lighting and AV.
Edwards – the go-to AV system provider for schools
The school’s project leader Deputy Principal Bryce Mills approached Edwards Sound after nearly every other school recommended Edwards as the go-to system provider, citing the team’s knowledge, quality of service, reliability, and excellent after-sales support.
David and Project Manager Ben attended the initial meeting with Bryce at ANI to view the plans and listen to his ideas and requirements for the new AV system. David Neil, Commercial Sales Manager recalls, “It was evident from the start that Bryce was looking for a full turn-key solution encompassing sound, lighting and AV - and not just your average package. Bryce wanted something that would be a draw-card to community groups looking for a venue. He wanted a high quality system that was easy to use and would meet the requirements of both the school and third-party users. After a great first discussion, we fine-tuned some ideas and had a couple more meetings where we dug a little deeper into the plan and came up with some concepts for Bryce to consider.”
DAS Audio Event Series caters for any occasion
After mapping the venue using Edwards specialist software and ‘testing’ a few audio scenarios, the system that best fit the bill was the DAS Audio Event26A/ Event115A Line-array, “This system was by far the best and had the most ideal coverage at both low-level and elevated sound pressure levels. We opted for a LR system consisting of six Event-26A mid-high elements and two Event-115A subwoofers each side and the results were nothing less than anticipated – brilliant.”
The audio package was rounded out with the Allen & Heath QU16 digital mixer and a AB1608 stage-box to handle on-stage microphone patching requirements, “This is a sound system that will handle anything thrown at it and delivers the goods regardless if it’s a room-shaking movie soundtrack, pumping disco music for the kids’ socials, or a quality presentation requiring crystal-clear speech.”
Next level projection
The projection system was next level as well. Bryce wanted an eye-catching and engaging viewing experience for the school, along with wireless connectivity to the projector for laptop presentations, “He said bigger is better and that’s what we delivered. The screen is a 300” premium Electricinema motorised behemoth from Screen Technics, ensuring everyone in the space can clearly see the content. To ensure a stunning image on such a large screen, we chose the Epson EB-L1505UHNL 12,000 lumen, WUXGA laser projector with a long-throw lens (25m throw distance). The Kramer ViaGo wireless connectivity solution makes presentations easy to operate and comfortable to conduct from anywhere within the space. Again, the results were as predicted. This AV combination really does stand out, bright, imposing, cinema quality and easy to use.”
Stage lighting completes the package
An event AV system is never complete unless quality stage-lighting is included as well, “We used LED fixtures by Ovation to give the stage the vibrant luminosity that will bring any production to life. The RGBW stage-wash lights are controlled with a Theatrelight DMX desk. The lighting fixtures are installed on trusses coupled to electric hoist motors which makes for easy maintenance. The ceiling and truss height is nearly nine metres but the motors mean you can drop the entire rig to ground level in a matter of minutes.”
Precision pays off
Many people are unaware of the level of planning and attention required of a full AV and lighting installation. David explains, “There is only one shot at having correct mounting brackets made and welded into place during the construction phase. These parts cannot be retrofitted afterwards and the whole AV outcome is relying on measurements being 100% correct and true. This is why we always have several team members working together on these projects to ensure the client is handed over a system that we are all proud of and can stand behind 100%.”
Even though the Edwards team know their chosen solution is unlikely to cause any user frustration, they still back their clients all the way to ensure everyone has the best possible user experience going forward, “That’s how you gain trust within an industry where word of mouth counts for everything. We provided training for Bryce and a selection of his key team members upon completion of the installation. All credit to them, they picked it up straight away and have been rolling forward ever since.”
Reflecting on a job well done
David is very satisfied with how smoothly the project ran and the end result, “Throughout the design and construction stages, the whole project team worked together to make sure that every little piece of the jigsaw came together to create a masterpiece.”
By using the latest and best quality AV and lighting equipment, David is confident that the new multipurpose space will be an asset for the school long into the future, “The initial outlay will pay itself off over the next few years. Nothing will be obsolete or need to be replaced in the foreseeable future and the system is as reliable as they get. Operational cost are kept to a minimum thanks to the LED technology in the lighting plus the ultra-efficient Class-D amplifier technology built into the speakers, and the extended lifetime of the laser diode in the projector.”
“The system we provided has ticked all the boxes and surpassed our client’s expectations. The team at ANI were ecstatic upon handover and the sound system got a first workout immediately when one of the keen ANI team played their favourite house tune!”
