Two prestigious casinos in South Africa have recently been fitted out with new sound systems based around Coda Audio loudspeaker systems.

The Venue at The Ridge Casino and Hotel in Witbank and The Globe at Silverstar Casino in Mogale City, Gauteng. Both installatione were handled by local distributor, Tadco. ‘We were contacted by Steve Moss from MMPA who was the audio consultant for Tsogo Sun for the projects,’ says Tadco’s Josh Oats. ‘He asked us to quote on a system that would be capable of handling comedy shows, one man bands and corporate functions.

For larger events, equipment was previously hired in to supplement the in-house system, or the in-house system would be taken down completely and replaced with a larger format system, so it was important that the new set-up would accommodate different configurations. ‘We chose Coda’s LA8 as the ideal solution because it has impeccable intelligibility, it’s capable of high output and it has simplicity in set up and operation, all within a small and cost effective package.’

Tadco delivered 12 Coda LA8 cabinets with four LA8-Subs for The Venue, the more compact of the two locations, and 18 LA8 with eight LA8-Subs at The Globe.

‘Both venues needed to be flexible and adapt to as many different events as possible, so they can be used to the maximum,’ Oats explains. ‘Consequently, there are hang points that allow the system to be used in long throw and short throw configurations. Kyle Robson, our Head of Operational Support, set up the Coda controllers to allow the operators to simply select a preset to optimise the system for each configuration.’

An added challenge for Tadco was that both venues are dome structures, briging extremely challenging acoustics: ‘Coda’s plotting software was a great guide for that,’ says Oats. ‘And by utilising different angle flares reflections and spill was kept to a minimum.’

‘The Coda LA8 is a stunning small box,’ says Robson. ‘On first sight it is very easy on the eye. It’s unbelievable to think that so much volume is coming from such a small stack. It also has great, smooth coverage; 120° at the bottom of the hang for the first bit of venue and 60° on top of the hang for the far throw of the venue. And the phasing between stacks as you walk the venue is non-existent.’

‘The systems sound great and it outperforms what was required by the spec,’ adds Oats. ‘The intention was for the system at The Venue to be used for 90 per cent of gigs and when a larger system is required the house system would be taken down and replaced by a hired in system. With the system we have supplied, that is unnecessary. All that could possibly be required is additional sub units.’

The system at The Ridge has already been put through its paces, with The Venue opening its doors with South Africa funny man Trevor Noah, and hosting nights with Soulistic Music, the brainchild of global award winning DJ Black Coffee and rock band Prime Circle, who chose The Venue to launch their new album.

‘The final client was dancing around the room to Dire Straits,’ Robson says. ‘So I think it’s safe to say they are extremely happy.’