Known for its commitment to research and innovation, UK’s most prestigious Newcastle University recently called in A/V distributor CUK Group to equip its Stephenson Building with a Renkus-Heinz public PA system.
With its sprawling multi-level atrium, the building offers an open and dynamic space for presentations, collaborative learning and events. However, its architectural ambition brought with it an audio challenge in its expansive, reverberant environment. The result has been transformative, providing clear sound that enhances every aspect of use of the space.
‘The atrium is a large, reverberant, open learning space used for multiple events that required intelligibility across the entire area,’ says Mark Bromfield, Director of System Solutions at CUK. ‘The advanced beam-steering technology of Renkus-Heinz loudspeaker systems made them a perfect fit for the Stephenson Building.’
Led by A/V Manager Colin Fahay, the Newcastle University team identified four zones within the atrium that required coverage. Three were designated priorities due to their proximity to the presentation areas, while the fourth zone was considered desirable but not essential.
‘The installed audio solution has exceeded our expectations,’ Fahay says. ‘It provides clear coverage and intelligibility to all four zones, enabling the audio system to be used from any presentation position, not just the designated areas initially identified.’
The team began with an Ease analysis of the acoustic environment, whose findings guided the selection and placement of key equipment. Two IC Live Gen5 Series ICL-F-RD loudspeakers were positioned left and right of the video wall to cover the stepped seating area, the under-balcony social learning space on the second floor, and the top-tier social learning areas. An additional two ICC24/3-RD Iconyx Compact Series steerable loudspeakers were mounted in the main social learning area to ensure comprehensive coverage across all three floors.
‘Beam-steering technology from Renkus-Heinz allowed us to precisely direct sound where it was needed, minimizing reflections and ensuring clarity,’ Bromfield explains.
Since its commissioning, the new PA system has delivered: ‘The system has exceeded expectations,’ Fahay reports. ‘Its clarity and coverage allow a wide range of uses, from lectures and presentations to social gatherings, across all levels of the atrium. By leveraging the advanced capabilities of Renkus-Heinz loudspeakers, Newcastle University has set a new standard for audio in educational spaces. This solution represents a significant enhancement to our capabilities, allowing us to better serve our students and staff.’
The Stephenson Building is now able to host a wide variety of events and activities, supported by a sound system that ensures every word is heard and every moment is impactful.
