AV Case Study: Ascot Racecourse
Ascot Racecourse’s journey into digital audio zone control and paging wasn’t straightforward but with Biamp Tesira has found its ‘forever DSP’.
26 February 2025
Photos:/ Stephen Parkins
It’s hard to think of another sport where the commentary is so important. The call of a million-dollar Group One horse race is beyond crucial… it’s sacrosanct. Which is to say, to understand the installed audio setup of Ascot Racecourse you must understand the importance of the race call. Every zone, every loudspeaker takes the race call – fortunes are won and lost, and the call not only provides in-the-moment specifics, it’s crucial to the atmosphere: “After a photo-finish race the silence in the stands is deafening,” explains Jessie Ash, the AV Manager at Ascot Racecourse. “And 20,000 people are waiting for the announcement on the adjudication. Or, if it’s a close race, the noise down the home straight is deafening. The excitement is off the hook, and a lot of that excitement is whipped up by the call. The call is everything.”
ANALOGUE SOUND BARRIER
Ascot Racecourse’s journey from analogue to digital audio was no gallop – it was a hard-fought slog.
“The old audio system was an absolute nightmare,” recalls Jessie Ash. “Heavy amps, interference, overheating, and frequent breakdowns. It was frustrating and outdated.”
The transition to digital wasn’t plane sailing either. The first attempt was frustrating and error prone.
Enter Integrate Perth with a game-changing proposition: Biamp’s Tesira platform. Andrew Anderson-King, Sales Director at Integrate Perth, explains the rationale:
“The legacy system required two technicians/programmers for every adjustment – one for audio DSP and another for control. It was time-consuming and costly. Tesira, with its unified platform for audio processing and control, streamlined everything,” says Anderson-King. “Plus, Tesira’s Canvas software offers an intuitive interface that’s simple for staff to operate.”
The flexibility of the Tesira system meant Ascot Racecourse could finally transition into a user-friendly version of the digital era. With its AVB and Dante compatibility, alongside analogue input options, the system proved its adaptability across Ascot Racecourse’s sprawling campus.
Ascot Racecourse comprises dozens of distinct venues, spaces and events centres.
CANVAS IN THE LEAD
“Biamp’s Canvas software is like Tesira’s friendly public face,” says Anderson-King. “For starters, it’s free of charge – no license fee. It mirrors the Tesira configuration and makes operation straightforward. Staff can activate presets to adjust zones or configurations with a single button press.”
For Ascot Racecourse, this means staff can tailor the sound across the grandstand, restaurants, outdoor decks, and picnic areas with ease.
“The presets are a game-changer,” adds Jessie Ash. “On race days, our operators manage everything via a touchscreen. It’s so intuitive that we’ve cut down the learning curve for staff.”
AUDIO ZONING: FROM WHISPER TO ROAR
Ascot Racecourse comprises dozens of different buildings and venues indoors and out. There are some 50 audio zones in all.
“The Tesira server handles all inputs – microphones, music, race calls – and routes them to specific zones via amplifiers,” Anderson-King explains. “Whether it’s addressing the excited buzz of the balconies or the quieter member’s lounges, we can adjust the audio to suit each space.”
This granular control isn’t just about comfort; it’s about maintaining the energy and engagement of the crowd. As Jessie Ash notes, “When the call comes in during a tight race, you want every person –whether they’re in the restaurant or at the track – to feel the tension and excitement.”
Tesira handles the 50 audio zones, paging and audio DSP for Ascot Racecourse.
THINK LOCAL
Various venues within Ascot Racecourse serve as events centres and Biamp Tesira makes life easy for AV events crews. They can plumb into the local I/O and have local audio level control using the house PA, often saving the expense of bringing in additional audio.
Key to the local control are the TEC-1 wall panels from Biamp. The ‘press and turn’ based interface is instantly familiar, allowing staff or visiting AV events techs to select a source and adjust volume.
Jessie Ash. “Biamp’s TEC-1 wall panels are futuristic-looking yet simple, giving staff zone-specific control. It’s the perfect balance of cutting-edge and user-friendly.”
PAGING: LOUD & CLEAR
While paging wasn’t Ascot Racecourse’s primary focus, it’s a feature they’re glad to have.
“The Biamp Tesira system offers configurable paging with priority levels,” says Anderson-King. “You can broadcast venue-wide or target specific areas. For urgent announcements or operational updates, it’s invaluable.”
FUTURE-PROOF & FLEXIBLE
Ascot’s AV infrastructure is now at once rock solid and built to evolve.
“Tesira’s expandability ensures we can adapt as our needs change,” says Jessie Ash.
And the verdict on race day?
“The Biamp system is the unsung hero of the Ascot Racecourse race experience,” Jessie Ash concludes. “It ensures every call and every announcement is heard clearly, creating an atmosphere that’s unmatched. It’s more than audio – it’s the heartbeat of our venue.”
Biamp: biamp.com
Integrate Perth: integrateperth.com.au
Jessie Ash demonstrates the Biamp Canvas control software.
RESPONSES