CLAIR BROS SOLVES AUDIO WOES AT HOLY SPIRIT COLLEGE

Established in 1983 as Emmanuel Catholic School, with classes ranging from year one to year seven, the school went through a renewal process and changed its name to Emmanuel College in 1990. Then in 1995, a second renewal led to its discontinuation, but in its place two schools were formed: Emmanuel Catholic Primary School for students, year seven and under and Holy Spirit College for students in years eight through 12.

As it works with so many schools, the sports hall at Holy Spirit holds more than just sports matches. The hall hosts numerous assemblies, from college band and choir performances to special ceremonies that include ANZAC Day, college mass, fashion shows, graduations, career expos, and much more. Explains Greg Duncan, business manager at Holy Spirit College, “Each of these events have their own requirements but the common thread to all is the need for high-quality audio and video. So, when we decided to upgrade our audio and video systems, we wanted equipment to take us to the next level and stand the test of time.”

Chosen for the task was Clair Brothers to execute the audio design upgrade and Videopro for the refreshment of the video system’s functionality, quality and longevity. “The new systems are part of an integrated A/V installation and the Clair Brothers equipment is the showpiece of the audio component. These loudspeakers provide a ‘wow’ factor every time they’re used,” explains Martin Ridley of Videopro. “Historically, these types of rooms have limited or poorly designed audio reinforcement. This Clair Brothers system shows what can be achieved.”

Overseeing the installation with an expert eye on Clair Brothers role in the audio upgrade was Wayne Grosser, the director of the company’s Australian office, whose approach to this particular venue system design was based on a long-term solution that would suit the multipurpose nature of the room. “The multipurpose hall always posed challenges because of its size and construction. It’s not necessarily set up to be a performance area, so setting up for different types of performances often proved frustrating.” Grosser points out that, “like any typical basketball hall the acoustics are very lively since the floors are hardwood and the walls are concrete. Plus, the stage is mobile and can vary in size depending on the event.”

The Holy Spirit College sports hall is 36m wide and 19m deep. In this case Mr. Grosser recommended an array of three Clair Brothers kiT12s (60° horizontal by 40° vertical per cabinet) plus one CS218 subwoofer per side. “This gear and configuration provide even coverage of the large width and long throw depth. The truth is, this wasn’t really an application for a line array system. But it works incredibly well,” says Grosser. Furthers Mr. Duncan, “The audio/video solution designed by Clair Brothers and Videopro suit our applications perfectly! We’ve already had a number of events since the installation and the feedback from staff, students and guests has been super positive. We can’t wait for our next event!”

Clair Brothers: www.clairglobal.com