Client: School Auditorium

Request: A reliable, professional audio system for assemblies, concerts, and school events
Scope: Consultation, system design, equipment specification and supply, installation, commissioning, and user training

Issue

The existing audio system in the school auditorium was unreliable and unsuitable for the range of activities hosted in the space. Persistent popping, humming, and buzzing were present, and the system lacked the clarity, coverage, and control required for concerts, performances, and larger school events beyond daily assemblies.

What Was Happening

The system suffered from electrical noise and inadequate loudspeaker coverage. Sound levels were inconsistent across the auditorium, with insufficient output and clarity for listeners seated toward the rear and in the balcony area, which is approximately fifteen feet above the main floor. The mixing setup also offered limited control, making it difficult for staff to manage microphones and overall sound levels effectively.

Constraints

The new system needed to be affordable, robust, and simple enough to be operated by non-technical users. It had to support a wide range of events, including school concerts, Carnival activities, and assemblies, while delivering clear sound to all seating areas, including the elevated balcony. Reliability and noise-free operation were critical requirements.

BEXtronics’ Approach

Following consultation, the system design focused on achieving even coverage across both floor and balcony seating, eliminating electrical noise, and providing a flexible, user-friendly mixing solution. The approach prioritised intelligibility for speech, sufficient headroom for music and live performances, and straightforward control to ensure consistent results regardless of the event type.

Solution Implemented

Two Bose F1 loudspeakers were installed at approximately fifteen feet at the front of the auditorium. The adjustable array configuration was set in a “J” profile to provide focused coverage to the main floor while maintaining a straighter upper angle to effectively cover the balcony area. This configuration allowed the system to operate comfortably at low levels for assemblies while delivering higher output and impact for concerts and performances.

Power distribution for the system was reorganised through dedicated breakers and a Furman voltage regulator, eliminating the hum and electrical noise present in the previous installation. At the core of the system, a Soundcraft Ui16 digital mixing console was installed, providing wireless control via a supplied Lenovo laptop. This allowed full control of microphones and speaker output from a simple, intuitive interface. Shure SM58 microphones were provided to ensure versatility and durability for speech and live performances.

Outcome
The upgraded system delivered clean, consistent sound throughout the auditorium, including clear coverage to the rear of the balcony. Electrical noise was eliminated, and the system now supports a wide range of school activities, from daily assemblies to concerts and cultural events. The installation was fully commissioned, and user training was provided to ensure staff could operate the system confidently and reliably for all events.