JBL installation completes Carrarras Metricon Stadium
Published: ASIA
AUSTRALIA: A newly redeveloped 25,000-capacity stadium located in Carrarra on the Australian Gold Coast has been completed with an audio installation by The PA People comprising JBL loudspeakers. The equipment for the Harman-based installation was supplied by Jands.
Named Metricon Stadium, the new venue has been constructed at a reported cost of approximately AUS$144m, and represents a key part of the Australian Football League’s expansion into the Gold Coast. Though it can currently house 25,000 spectators, the addition of temporary seating can boost its capacity to 40,000. Designed with grandstands around three-quarters of its perimeter and an open Northern end where the scoreboard is situated, the stadium is a multipurpose facility that is capable of holding ICC cricket matches, concerts, festivals, IAAF athletics events and FIFA World Cup soccer matches.
According to The PA People, the Stadium’s new audio installation is based on a JBL-flavoured formula that the company has deployed elsewhere.
‘We have 20 clusters to deal with the grandstand seated areas,’ explained Brett Steele, installed systems manager for the company. ‘Each cluster comprises of three JBL AE series boxes with WRC weatherproofing. The AE range gives us plenty of options in both SPL capability and pattern so we can design a cluster of cabinets based on the architecture of the particular stadium, and the weatherproofing options available are essential in these applications.'
Meanwhile, 100 JBL Control 29AV boxes are deployed for under-fill around the lower part of the ground whilst a further 40 JBL Control 29AV speakers service the concourse area in the east and southern areas. Twelve JBL CBT 100j and 18 JBL CBT 50j speakers supply audio to the areas outside of the ground. For the end zone where there is nowhere to hang clusters there are two JBL PD5212 WRX speakers with weather protection.
Elsewhere, a total of 78 Control 24CTM and 38 Control 25T speakers are used as part of the fire evacuation system. The front of house audio system is all driven by 24 Crown MA5000i amplifiers.
‘For portable applications, we have a Soundcraft LX7ii console and a couple of JBL EON10G boxes for foldback,’ added Mr Steele. ‘We also have three Shure PSM900 IEM systems and five Shure ULXP radio mic systems. The audio system has been performing very nicely and there have been lots of good comments about it. The AFL has commented on how well it sounds which is a very good thing.’