Acoustic targets and speaker zoning
Define STI and SPL envelopes, produce coverage maps and DSP delay plans to manage speech clarity and reduce noise bleed between service areas.
Technical detail
Explore AV engineering, operational and delivery considerations in more depth.
What sector-specific AV must achieve
Venue AV must balance operational resilience, audience experience and maintainability. We set measurable acoustic and visual objectives against trading states (peak service, quiet trading, events) and produce system documentation, control strategies and maintenance plans that preserve uptime and simplify staff operation. Designs account for room acoustics, mounting restrictions, power and HVAC interaction, network policies and future serviceability.
Clear zoned audio for mixed-use floors
Distinct area volumes and DSP zones maintain speech intelligibility in dining areas while preserving higher SPL for live events. Intuitive local controls enable front-of-house staff to change presets quickly.
Consistent multi-screen sport and signage
Grouped display routing and CMS scheduling deliver low-latency live-sport distribution and centrally managed promotional content across screens and LED walls.
Robust lighting and effects for programmed events
DMX-addressable stage and architectural lighting integrated into show presets gives predictable, repeatable events with managed power and control interlocks for safe operation.
Acoustic zoning, SPL targets and DSP configuration
We specify coverage maps and define target speech intelligibility (STI) goals and maximum SPL envelopes per zone. Deliverables include CAD coverage plots, recommended speaker models, DSP block diagrams and delay calculations. DSP programming details: zone grouping, crossover settings, FIR/IIR equalisation where required, time-alignment delays to match speaker arrays and measurement locations for tuning. Commissioning checks include walked SPL measurements, real-time FFT and STI verification at representative audience positions. Maintenance notes: maintain spare transducers list, document cabinet access and provide exported DSP presets and firmware baselines.
Video chain, latency and content management
We select display technology by viewing distance, ambient lux and mounting limits. For live sport we design low-latency chains using hardware decoders and AV-over-IP matrices, with bandwidth allocation and multicast planning for networked video. Deliverables: signal path diagrams, matrix routing schedules, codec and license lists, and display calibration targets (brightness, colour temperature). Integration points: ticketing or POS triggers to change content groups, CMS schedules for promotional loops and grouped power control. Commissioning checks: frame-locked signal routing, lip-sync testing using test patterns and audio delay compensation. Support: provision of spare modules, LED panel replacement plan and centralised CMS user roles for multi-site content consistency.
Control systems, user interfaces and operator workflows
We produce control architectures that simplify common tasks for non-technical staff: source selection, preset recall, zone volume and event mode activation. Deliverables include control logic flowcharts, touch-panel mock-ups, button naming conventions and backup restore procedures. Interfaces: serial/IP control for amplifiers, matrices, lighting controllers and third-party systems (POS, booking). Security: VLAN separation for management networks and authentication for remote access. Commissioning: user acceptance tests with FOH staff and locked operator accounts. Maintenance: change-log for control logic edits and a restore image for rapid rollback.
Power, rigging and physical constraints
We audit venue power distribution and rigging capacity before equipment selection. Design constraints include dedicated circuits for amplification, in-rack UPS for network and control devices, and compliant rigging points for LED panels and speakers. Deliverables: single-line electrical diagrams, rack elevations with cable schedules, and anchor load calculations. Commissioning checks: inrush current assessment, thermal checks within racks, and load testing of rigging. Maintenance: schedule for periodic rigging inspections and recommended spare fuses and PDUs kept locally to reduce downtime.
Commissioning, test evidence and handover
We deliver a defined commissioning protocol: system smoke-test, certified measurements for audio coverage and display calibration, control UAT and a signed handover pack. Pack contents: As-built drawings, equipment serials, exported device configurations, operator quick-steps and warranty/maintenance contact details. Acceptance tests: measured STI and SPL charts, DSP preset checks, matrix route verification and failover checks for critical stream sources. Post-handover options include tiered maintenance contracts with firmware management and annual re-tuning where required.
Risk management and serviceability
We identify single points of failure and specify mitigations: N+1 network switches for matrix links, redundant audio paths for critical zones and documented fallback source sequences. Provisioning: spare LED modules, replacement speaker drivers, and a repair centre service pathway for component-level faults. Service documentation includes contact SLAs, escalation routes and recommended spare-parts kits sized to venue footprint.
