The installation of a new audio system at the new KGHM Ślęza Arena in Wrocław, Poland, by Strabag as general contractor responsible for the design and build of the arena and audio equipment distributor Tommex, subcontracted to handle design, installation and commissioning. A key element of the installation was the use of RCF Compact M series loudspeakers and Apex CloudPower amplifiers.

The 11,000m² multi-purpose sports hall rivals the best indoor athletics venues in Europe. Facilities include a six-lane 200m running track, an eight-lane 60m track and a six-lane warm-up track. There are also dedicated long jump, high jump, and pole-vaulting areas, plus a nationally significant indoor long-throwing facility. The hall space can be divided and used for both athletics and team sports training. Up to 1,500 fans can follow league matches of team sports held on the mobile basketball court.

RCF loudspeakers were installed throughout the arena, with Compact M 12 cabinets and Compact M 10 subs supplemented by Compact M 08 and M 05 boxes to provide even coverage in every corner of the venue. The loudspeakers are powered by Apex CloudPower amplifiers, including CP1504D, CP704D and CP354D units. All the amplifiers feature integral Dante networking and deliver between 350W and 1.5kW over four channels.

‘For KGHM Ślęza Arena we worked with products that we know well, and which have proved their audio performance and reliability on other installations,’ says Tommex Key Account Manager, Tomasz Lulkiewicz. ‘We have used the Apex CloudPower amplifiers on several prestige projects and we have been impressed by their clear, precise sound reproduction. Selecting CloudPower models with integral Dante made it easy to integrate them with the network and the IntelliCloud software helps to reduce set-up times.’

Sources are routed using a Yamaha MTX5-D 36 matrix processor, with user control provided by both a wall-mounted DCP4V4S control panel and an iPad running Yamaha’s ProVisionaire Touch application. Presets allow easy reconfiguration of the audio to accommodate different sporting events, and the system can be controlled from multiple locations as required. A Dante network ensures low-latency transmission of audio throughout the venue.

Tommex also equipped KGHM Ślęza Arena with a professional, mobile commentary system, centred around a compact Midas M32R Live console and augmented by a Klark Teknik DN32 interface and Sennheiser G4 100 series wireless microphones. The commentary station can be used in the control room or connected to the main PA system via floor boxes located around the venue, allowing commentators to stay close to the sporting action.