SOLUTIONS: PRAIRIE MEADOWS, IOWA
More than 40 Renkus-Heinz TRX121 two-way Complex Conic loudspeakers have been installed in the spectator area
adjustable zones that they had to work with.” In the casino area, several
VA-8600 amplifiers to change the output level accordingly. As Pedersen explains, one of the objectives behind the complex signal processing is to increase intelligibility and directionalise the sound source.
“When things get exciting, when the announcers get excited, we want the spectators to be turning their heads towards the direction of the audio,” he says. “The goal was to draw the ear, and the eye, towards the racing action. So even though the speakers are mounted where the glass
and ceiling meet, we needed to create the sonic impression that the sound was coming from down on the track.” More than 40 Renkus-Heinz TRX121 two-way Complex Conic loudspeakers have been installed in the spectator area.
ZONE CONTROL Improved zoning was another key aim. “We wanted to provide a higher zone count than they had before, and give them a more accurate way to adjust audio in smaller areas as needed. We’ve probably doubled the number of
dozen Renkus-Heinz TRX81 loudspeakers are flown from the ceiling to provide music and paging coverage. “It’s a very high, open, unfinished ceiling, which limited our choices of loudspeakers,” says Taylor. “The TRX81 has a very tight, controlled dispersion pattern, and by mounting them in a grid pointing straight down, we were able to achieve seamless coverage across the entire open seating area, with no overlap or dead zones.” Other speakers used in the complex include Community R2-52Z-CTO and R.5-66TZ outdoors and TOA F-2352CU2 and F-2852CU2 in the ceilings. Customisable audio presets
allow the IT team to easily configure audio as needed. On race night, the team simply selects the proper preset and all areas automatically receive the appropriate audio at customisable volume levels. When the races are over, they select another preset button and everything reverts back to BGM and casino mode in those same areas – or
concert mode if there’s a concert in the casino. In addition Tim Taylor, designer at Mechdyne, created a control option where the system can be monitored and adjusted using iPads with Crestron technology. Pedersen explains: “There is a visual map of every floor. They can walk around with the iPad, choose the relevant map and it shows all the zones. They can touch a zone on the iPad and adjust the audio in that area. It’s really slick.” One major challenge during the installation was that the casino operated 24/7 and could not be shut down at any point during construction. Mechdyne took a phased approach to the project, installing the new infrastructure side-by-side with the old system. Every audio zone in the casino remained fully operational until it was time to make the switch to the new system. Taylor remarks: “Guests and staff have noticed the increased sound quality of the new system. The improved audio is actually drawing more
people to the races. I think it is going to be a good revenue generator for them.”
In addition to better control
and greater clarity, the new system has also improved safety at Prairie Meadows. Pedersen remarks: “We’re in the Midwest of the US and there are occasions when there could be tornado alerts. They’re really thrilled to have the ability to make sure every one of their guests is clearly warned of whatever safety concerns may exist there.” Last word goes to Tony Guzman, IT director at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino Hotel: “We wanted the overall experience, especially the audio, to reflect our reputation and our image in the racing industry. We’re known as a premier racing venue in the country, and we wanted that to be a 360º experience. Thanks to Biamp and Mechdyne, it truly is.”
www.biamp.com www.communitypro.com www.mechdyne.com www.renkus-heinz.com www.toa.eu
74 October 2013
www.installation-international.com
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