Project Outline
£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.
