The iconic Lloyds Banking Group buildings in Aylesbury required an audio system installation to provide improvements to staff communication. General use Public Address (PA) / Tannoy was required to notify staff about any serious issues or security measures (including lockdown).

To support security and incident alarm strategy, our client also asked us to install system inputs and microphones in defined secure locations, easily accessible by local site security, fire marshals and to visiting external emergency agencies.

Audio Applications

• Public Address (PA) / Tannoy
• Audio message playout (security and alarm)
• Lockdown with enhanced system input / control measures

Audio Specification & Technologies

• 100v line, high impedance
• Traditional and IP speakers
• Audio matrix
• SIP / IP Telephone interface
• Secure microphone input locations

Installation Details

Our particular challenge for this project came from the glass wall construction of much of the perimeter of the building. This restriction limited choice for speaker locations and also cable containment plans. To add to this, the office ceilings were made using a suspended bespoke long length slotted metal grid and sectional tiles. It was possible to remove short sections to install cables and associated containment but we elected to install wall mount speakers to internal walls/fixing areas (it was not possible to cut and install recessed ceiling speakers).

An audio matrix was installed to provide flexible routing of audio to different floor levels throughout the building. The primary input for making announcements was via telephones (no microphone). We installed an IP SIP interface (IP decoder) which was registered for service from the building IP telephone system.

A series of secure wall interface panels were installed to key security locations and stairwells to provide local security staff, fire marshals and any visiting security and emergency agencies access to the system and to make building wide announcements.

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BBC IP sound system installation. The BBC media office in Belfast, Northern Ireland required an IP audio based sound system to provide flexibility, functionality and capability not available using traditional audio products and design topology.

Working with customer project management teams and supporting IT technical authority, we defined the scope of the project and assessed suitable IP audio system and product devices. Flexible audio routing and physical deployment of speakers were the primary required capabilities (mostly due to staff re-locations and office changes).

Audio Applications

• Office Announcements: Public Address (PA) / Tannoy

Audio Specification & Technologies

• IP Speakers
• IP Microphones
• IP Audio message player
• IP / SIP telephony interface

Installation Details

IP audio is used exclusively throughout this project. IP speakers were specified against capability and acoustic performance. Prior to the project installation, the supporting IT security authority rigorously tested the IP speakers (access vulnerability, authentication and penetration testing) to ensure compliance to their network security policies. Abletek support was provided throughout the project, regular communication was also made with the supplying manufacturer for additional technical detail in support of device security and future firmware upgrade migration.

A screenbased, PoE powered IP microphone was supplied and installed for this project. This device was used as the primary method for central audio announcements. In addition, the firmware and configuration load for the IP speakers contained a SIP client. This enabled secondary access for users to make PA/tannoy announcements via telephones (local office phones and mobiles).

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The Ford parts & distribution site in Daventry is simply ‘Huge’. Having previously provided contracted technical support for this site, we were asked to specify and install an audio broadcast system within the new training building facility.

Our customer required an audio system to serve different work place and environment settings throughout the training building. The system was designed to afford flexible routing of multiple input audio sources to numerous output zones / areas.

Audio Applications

• Public Address (PA) / Tannoy
• Radio Back Ground Music (BGM)
• Audio message playout (security and alarm)

Audio Specification & Technologies

• 100v line, high impedance
• Traditional and IP speakers
• IP / Network Audio Player
• Internet streaming / curated music
• Audio matrix

Installation Details

With previous installation experience about this site and the existing installed sound systems, we were able to interconnect and extend service into the new training building facility. Primarily, 100v line audio was used for audio distribution to speakers. Two small areas within the main training ‘showroom’ required regular direct control for various user functions – IP audio and IP speakers were used and installed to meet this demand. User control of these areas and selective audio / music source playout including volume control was provided using the web interface of the IP speakers running specialist firmware.

Full frequency range, 2-way music speakers were installed throughout to provide best possible audio quality and audibility.

To provide music options for playout to the majority of the speaker locations and zones, we installed an 8×8 audio matrix. Users were able to remotely select, route and alter volume levels using wall mount controllers.

The IP speaker areas required regular background music (BGM) with flexible playout, scheduling and music content options. We discussed a number of local and hosted BGM options with our customer, before settling on an internet hosted service offering curated music – removing potential time burden for the site personnel in the creation / alteration of music libraries and playlists.

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