Indian Institute of Technology gets integrated Harman upgrade
Published: ASIA
INDIA: Mumbai-based systems integrator ADJM Technologies was recently contracted to provide consultancy for the A/V system upgrade for the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay’s (IIT-B) 1,500-seat Convocation Hall.
The Convocation Hall was inaugurated by India’s prime minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, and its main use is for graduations, presentations and training programmes. It can also be configured for use as a theatre for viewing movies, and serves as a focal point of faculty and student activity.
‘As an institution that has been the hallmark of technology and innovation, our mandate for the A/V systems upgrade at the auditorium was to achieve crystal clear, high quality sound with ease of operation and maintenance,’ said professor N Venkataramani, dean, Infrastructure, Planning and Support, IIT-B. ‘After a thorough study of the market, we were convinced that a Harman high quality audio system (supported by expert consultancy from ADJM Technologies) was the right choice, thus fulfilling our audio requirements in an integrated manner that is befitting of the institution’s reputation and infrastructure.’
The A/V system upgrade included products from Harman’s AKG microphones, BSS signal processing, Crown power amplifiers, JBL loudspeakers and a Soundcraft console.
‘IIT–B management was very clear on the requirement for the Convocation Hall to have an audio and video system that was world-class,’ said Anand D Mistry, CEO of ADJM Technologies. ‘After evaluating the needs with the technical support of our local Harman dealer, those involved in the decision agreed that an all-Harman system would best meet the requirements and provide the highest level of performance and flexibility. The project needed not just individual products, but an integrated design to ensure that the system’s output would be optimal for all applications – be it presentations, theatre or training programmes.
‘We didn’t just want to upgrade the Convocation Hall’s A/V system – we wanted it to be future-proof for at least 10 years,’ he added. ‘In addition to using high-end audio components from Harman, we designed the video and control systems using the very latest digital technologies. The system’s infrastructure design is so elegant that a single Cat-6 cable was specified for distribution of video and control signals throughout the entire hall.’
Once system design parameters were established by ADJM Technologies, the entire renovation including the installation of the audio and video components, switching, control systems and wiring, took 60 days to complete.
‘Since everything in the system is so well-designed and works so well together, the installation itself went quite smoothly,’ said Mr Mistry. ‘We did not encounter any loopholes or difficulties, ensuring the project was well within the stipulated time.’
The Convocation Hall system includes six JBL SRX725 loudspeakers, four SRX712M stage monitors and two SRX728S subwoofers. The speakers are driven by Crown CDi 1000s, XLS 2000s and XTi 6002 power amplifiers, and the multipurpose auditorium’s audio matrix requirements are managed by a BSS Soundweb London Blu-100 signal processor. Two AKG PCC-160 boundary layer mics and a Soundcraft FX16ii 16-channel mixing console complete the installation.
‘They came immediately to the site when we informed them that we had the go-ahead for the project, even though we let them know at the last moment,’ said Mr Mistry about the Harman support team. ‘Ultimately, the staff at IIT-B are very impressed by the overall performance of the system.’
‘It is a matter of great pride for Harman to be able to meet the audio requirements of a prestigious institution like IIT–Bombay,’ commented Prashant Govindan, sales director, Harman Professional India. ‘The requirements of the institute and the short timelines were seamlessly met by our Harman Professional team led by Karan Kathuria, national sales manager (installed sound), working directly with ADJM. The proof is the crystal-clear audio now being enjoyed by the students and the entire campus community in the auditorium. Harman’s high-definition product range and technical capabilities, coupled with ADJM’s expert support, have proven to be a winning combination.’