Sennsis install Sennheiser Infrared Hearing System at Symphany Hall

SENNSIS

SIMULTANEOUS TRANSLATION AND HEARING SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Infrared systems at Symphony Hall, NIA and NEC

Newtown based sound specialists, Sound Induction Systems (Sennsis), have completed installations of Sennheiser infrared systems in 3 of the world-class venues operated by The NEC Group in Birmingham. With infrared installations in Symphony Hall, The NEC Arena and The NIA (National Indoor Arena), hearing impaired visitors are now provided with Sennheiser Neckloop or Stethoset receivers as required.

Sennheiser 10 watt infra red radiator in white

The auditorium of Symphony Hall, acknowledged both as the UK's finest concert hall and one of the best in the world, is a model of modern concert hall design. Well equipped for people with disabilities the NEC Group were keen to ensure that the infrared system provided 100 percent coverage for hearing impaired visitors.

Sennheiser infrared modulator in rack with custom gain control

With 1 x Sennheiser 1029-10 10W transmitter (left) each side of the stage, 2 x Sennheiser 1029-10 10W transmitters forward of the main curtains and 2 x Sennheiser 1029-5 5W transmitters covering the stage area, Sound Induction Systems were able to provide that complete coverage was achieved.

The system input is from a Sennheiser rifle microphone (K6P with ME66 capsule) mounted on the lighting grid above the stage area. This is fed through a custom gain control with LED display mounted with the modulator in the control room (shown below).

The second installation was at the NEC Arena, renowned for its blockbusting concerts and worldwide sporting events. Located within The NEC complex, the 12,300-seat NEC Arena receives around one million visitors every year and Infrared coverage was installed for 100 percent of the specified seating blocks, again using a combination of Sennheiser 1029-5 and 1029-10 transmitters.

The final infrared installation was at the National Indoor Arena (NIA), one of the busiest large-scale indoor sporting and entertainment venues in Europe. Located in Birmingham City centre, adjacent to the ICC, The NIA facilities have been enjoyed by over 4 million visitors since opening in 1991. Infrared at the NIA is provided by entirely with Sennheiser 1029-5 transmitters, located to provide complete audience coverage within specified seating blocks.

Phil Dyke of NEC Group Operations confirmed their satisfaction with the Sennheiser infrared, commenting, "All systems work perfectly with excellent audio, meeting or exceeding our coverage specification. They are a great improvement on our previous systems and meet the standards we set in operating these 3 world-class venues".

In addition to the 3 main systems, SIS has also supplied a further 17 Sennheiser infrared systems to the NEC Group. 5 of these are fixed installations in conference rooms at the NEC and ICC and 12 are portable Sennsis systems for multi-purpose use in conferences and other visitor facilities.

Commenting for SIS, MD Phil Nicholes said, "Loop and infrared systems are one of our main specialist areas, so we were particularly pleased to have been chosen to supply and install the systems in 3 of the countries leading venues". He added, "Choosing Sennheiser products ensured quality and long term reliability and the technical support, particularly from John Willett, was first class".