£18m new build project site at the Peterborough Gateway. Smart Garden Products (SGP) required audio sound system installation throughout the huge warehouse, within the office block, showrooms and also external for security through CCTV playout / talkback. Working through the primary project M&E contractors with the appointed engineering architect, we scaled our design solution to create a new audio system design. Specification for this project as follows:

Audio Applications

• Public Address (PA) / Tannoy
• Background Music (BGM) / Radio
• Mass Notification
• Security & CCTV Talkback
• Perimeter Door Security – Message Announcement

Audio Specification & Technologies

• 100v line, high impedance
• IP Audio / Message player & scheduling
• IP / SIP telephony interface

Installation Details

For the warehouse areas, our design solution for this project was based on traditional 100v line for primary distribution to speaker line circuits and loud speakers. Three audio zones were created and installed. Multi-zone, multi-channel power amplifiers were specified to provide independent zone volume control. Importantly, this design approach also provided improved resilience should one speaker zone and/or speaker line fail, the remainder of the system to continue functioning. The installed loudspeakers were positioned at a high level throughout the warehouse (positioned away from possible contact with fork truck rack loading). Full frequency, 2-way music pendent ‘sphere’ speakers were installed to provide excellent audio quality reproduction and a wide distribution at ground / ear level.

For the office and showroom areas, again our design was based on 100v line audio. A simple, single zone was installed, with local volume controls for levels within the different rooms / areas.

For the CCTV and external areas, we worked with the appointed CCTV contractors to connect and interface a series of externally mounted loud speakers around the perimeter of the building. A mix of traditional 100v line and IP audio was used to provide efficient and flexible routing of audio.

For the perimeter doors, working with the appointed security contractors, we installed and interface into the building security system. Opening any of the doors the security system provided a relay combination state change which enabled us to trigger corresponding MP3 and WAV audio message files for playback. For example: “door 12, North is open…..” As a result, local site management and security staff could immediately target any possible security issues to a specific door.

An IP / SIP telephony interface was installed to enable announcement and audio routing from telephones – providing additional location flexibility for users.

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GXO is a multi-national world leader in leading logistics services. The warehouse background music project site is located in Ivatt Way, Peterborough. This large site is formed of interconnecting ‘sheds’ essentially creating a very large central building with various goods loading, packing, storage and offices.

The site (known locally as Peterborough 01 as there are multiple GXO sites in Peterborough) provides strategic logistics services for two primary GXO clients (Mountain Warehouse and Marks & Spencer / M&S). This project focused on providing warehouse background music to the Mountain Warehouse section of the site – with the M&S planned to follow at a later date.

Our warehouse background music system design solution utilised both traditional and IP audio technology to deliver user and management flexibility via a multi-zone system. Connected to the GXO LAN, the rack-mount audio system equipment was installed with a central 8 x zone audio processor / matrix. This unit was configured with the various inputs, outputs as well as the zonal, DSP, priorities and audio routing details. LAN and local extension to a dedicated WiFi network, simple user control for music/radio, scheduling and volume control was provided via a mobile app (android and iOS devices – PC’s, tablets and phones).

Audio Applications

• Public Address (PA) / Tannoy
  • SIP / VoIP Integration
  • iOS/Android Paging App
• Background Music (BGM)
• ‘Lockdown’ / Mass Notification
• Class Change / PIP’s

Audio Specification & Technologies

• Network / LAN, IP 16 x Audio Matrix Processor
• Network / LAN, IP Power amplifiers
• SIP VoIP integration / SIP Gateway
• ‘Lockdown’ – Dedicated wall buttons

Installation Details

To provide zone based playout, music selection and volume control (audio processing and routing control), we installed an IP/network based audio matrix. This unit is accessed, configured and controlled via the LAN/network and provides the primary controls for mixing, pre-amplification, DSP, input-output routing and zone volume controls.

High impedance, 100v line speakers (wide frequency range, 2-way for music), were installed throughout. Careful consideration was also made to speaker choice to reflect any local challenges or concerns for water ingress (eg. outdoors or any areas that would be subjected to water).

The audio system was configured to interface with the site SIP telephony service. This integration allowed users to ‘call’ into the system to make audio broadcast / tannoy announcements from desk phones and mobiles. In addition, tannoy announcements via a mobile app was enabled using a wifi tannoy gateway. This allows users to make tannoy announcements from their wifi connected smart phones or tablets.

The academy sound system was configured to include scheduled Class Change / PIP’s. A series of MP3’s audio tones/messages and music files were created with the customer and uploaded to the system. Class change tones with an interlude of music was scheduled for playout during class change periods. The music choice was carefully selected by the school management to help keep the students calm with less noise during these class change periods (at least that was the theory!).

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The Lidl Regional Distribution Centre (RDC) in Northfleet near Gravesend is a very large storage, warehousing and distribution facility. Our client required a site wide audio system to help co-ordinate the various logistics processing as well as playout of radio based Background Music (BGM).

Audio Applications

• Public Address (PA) / Tannoy
• Background Music (BGM) / Radio
• Mass Notification / Security Messages

Audio Specification & Technologies

• 100v line, high impedance
• IP Audio / Message player & scheduling
• IP / SIP telephony interface

Installation Details

For the warehouse areas, our design solution for this project was based on traditional 100v line for primary distribution to speaker line circuits and loud speakers. Six audio zones were created and installed. Multi-zone, multi-channel power amplifiers were specified to provide independent zone volume control. Importantly, this design approach also provided improved resilience should one speaker zone and/or speaker line fail, the remainder of the system to continue functioning. The installed loudspeakers were positioned at a high level throughout the warehouse (positioned away from possible contact with fork truck rack loading). Full frequency, 2-way music projector speakers were installed to provide excellent audio quality reproduction and a wide distribution at ground / ear level.

For the office areas, again our design was based on 100v line audio. A simple, single zone was installed, with local volume controls for levels within the different rooms / areas. Voice only audio was limited to this zone (no radio/music required).

An IP / SIP telephony interface was installed to enable announcement and audio routing from telephones – providing additional location flexibility for users.

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Large logistics and distribution centre for schools, academy trusts, colleges, nurseries and business. Our client required an audio system to provide a variety of audio applications. Public Address (PA) / Tannoy was the principal requirement to help management staff with the various packing and shipping processes. Specification for this project as follows:

Audio Applications

• Public Address (PA) / Tannoy
• Background Music (BGM) / Radio
• Mass Notification
• Security & CCTV Talkback
• Perimeter Door Security – Message Announcement

Audio Specification & Technologies

• 100v line, high impedance
• IP Audio / Message player & scheduling
• IP / SIP telephony interface

Installation Details

For the warehouse areas, our design solution for this project was based on traditional 100v line for primary distribution to speaker line circuits and loud speakers. Three audio zones were created and installed. Multi-zone, multi-channel power amplifiers were specified to provide independent zone volume control. Importantly, this design approach also provided improved resilience should one speaker zone and/or speaker line fail, the remainder of the system to continue functioning. The installed loudspeakers were positioned at a high level throughout the warehouse (positioned away from possible contact with fork truck rack loading). Full frequency, 2-way music pendent ‘sphere’ speakers were installed to provide excellent audio quality reproduction and a wide distribution at ground / ear level.

For the office and showroom areas, again our design was based on 100v line audio. A simple, single zone was installed, with local volume controls for levels within the different rooms / areas.

For the CCTV and external areas, we worked with the appointed CCTV contractors to connect and interface a series of externally mounted loud speakers around the perimeter of the building. A mix of traditional 100v line and IP audio was used to provide efficient and flexible routing of audio.

For the perimeter doors, working with the appointed security contractors, we installed and interface into the building security system. Opening any of the doors the security system provided a relay combination state change which enabled us to trigger corresponding MP3 and WAV audio message files for playback. For example: “door 12, North is open…..” As a result, local site management and security staff could immediately target any possible security issues to a specific door.

An IP / SIP telephony interface was installed to enable announcement and audio routing from telephones – providing additional location flexibility for users.

The post Kent County Supplies appeared first on Abletek.

Lifeplus Europe is a leading international wellness, health & nutrition manufacturer and supplier with world wide factory production and product distribution. Opened as part of development and expansion plans, the Lifeplus Europe site in Bedford was a completely refurbished industrial site to accommodate factory production and warehousing / distribution activities.

After initial project discussions to define functionality and capability, Abletek was selected to design and install a new audio sound system throughout the site, with a focus on quality background music (radio) to the factory production and wider workplace settings (packing, warehouse and distribution areas).

Our customer required an audio system solution to provide a means of communication (tannoy, pa, paging) between the office staff, the production management team and technical / maintenance team. Background music (radio) was required throughout the wider production areas to offset the production noise and to lift the overall mood / ambiance. Priority audio playout was also required to indicate shift change and break times.

As with all production facilities, our installation works were arranged and closely controlled to mitigate any possibility of contamination with the production process and supporting workplace activities. Working with the production manager and local site maintenance team, we were able to carry out much of the main installation works without disturbing or restricting production (a large percentage of our works were carried out along central and peripheral girder runs).

Audio Applications

• Public Address (PA) / Tannoy
• Radio Back Ground Music (BGM)
• Shift / Break change message playout

Audio Specification & Technologies

• 100v line, high impedance
• IP Audio / Media Player
• Audio message player

Installation Details

Utilising main structural girder ‘runs’, we installed the distribution 100v line cabling. Existing appropriate cable containment was used where possible, small sections of new cable containment (mostly to speaker points) were installed on a speaker by speaker basis. Cabling at all speaker points was terminated through small industrial enclosures and glands ensuring protection and longevity.

Wide frequency response, 2-way ‘music’ speakers were installed throughout to provide best possible audio quality and audibility. Speakers were strategically positioned to provide best results against variable and sometimes high level ambient noise levels.

Background Music and radio was derived from an IP based audio player. This device was installed connected to the customer IP network, enabling simple secure browser access for configuration, music / radio channel and playlist selection as well as scheduling (eg. radio 1 in the morning and radio 2 in the afternoon).

A traditional MP3 audio store & playback device was used to provide shift change and breaks audio playout. Partnering with this device, we installed a specialist programmable timer with user LCD display – to provide user controlled time based scheduling and trigger for message playback.

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The Wren Kitchens site near Scunthorpe is a kitchen manufacturing production factory facility. This a large industrial site comprising numerous production buildings, logistics, warehousing and support / office buildings.

Working through contracted support and directly through the local maintenance and engineering team, we were initially contracted to survey, assess and report against the existing site audio system/s. Further investigative works led to large scale improvement works and new audio systems installation throughout much of the site.

Audio Applications

• Public Address (PA) / Tannoy
• Background Music (BGM)
• Mass Notification

Audio Specification & Technologies

• 100v line, high impedance
• IP Network player / streamer (IceCast BGM music source)
• Full range, 2-way speakers installed throughout

Installation Details

The manufacturing production areas of this site presented a number of audio design and practical installation challenges:

1. High ambient background noise
2. EX / ATEX areas
3. Limited access

These challenges were not unique and were somewhat expected. Having previously installed sound systems into many similar factory and production projects these challenges were discussed with the client and supporting project teams, with a number of provisioning and protective measures put in place to assist the installation whilst mitigating possible disruption to the production.

Given the relative high audio ‘power’ requirements for this project, our design solution was somewhat dictated. 100v line, high impedance audio was specified and installed to provide robust and powerful quality audio transmission over long distance cable runs. Multiple audio zones were created. These provided targeted audio with separate volume control to the different production areas. Supporting multi-power amplifiers based on these zones were installed – providing resilience, should any one speaker zone fail, it wouldn’t affect another speaker zone.

Wood and MDF processing can create ‘dust’ which is defined combustible. Any such defined areas requiring audio system equipment and / or loud speakers therefore required specialist EX / ATEX rated equipment and speakers.

The high ambient background noise for the production activities was a significant challenge to a small amount of areas that presented competitively to any audio generated from the project audio system. This noise competition is outside of our control to reduce or control. In some instances, extremely high ambient areas, it was simply not possible nor sensible to add further audio. However, for the vast majority of the production areas we were able to strategically identify and install loud speakers close to staff work stations and activity areas, increasing overall audibility and sound quality.

Our client utilised internet streaming for their background music within their retail stores. We installed a network player / streamer to enable extension of this service for local playout at this site.

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