A South African university has opened an on-campus cinema equipped with an AUDAC solution.

AV Distribution was appointed to design and supply an audiovisual solution for a university in South Africa. The Department of Media Communications and Culture within the School of Social Sciences planned to open its own cinema, where students could experience the work they have directed and produced in a professional and immersive environment.

As part of a major technology upgrade, the university had already enlisted audiovisual specialists Digital Fabric to define the solution for the new cinema. The 18.5-metre by 8.5-metre venue is fitted with 140 raked seats and will be used for film and video screenings as well as everyday lectures and presentations. Therefore, additional functionality was required for microphones, audiovisual presentations, and a central control system that could be easily operated by university staff.

“Our goal was to create an environment where students can view their own work with the same impact and sound quality found in professional cinemas”, says Sagrys Fourie, Consultant at Digital Fabric.

With the intention of creating a Dolby Atmos 7.1.4-capable theatre, AV Distribution was chosen to supply and assist in the design of this comprehensive system, while Ubuntu Technologies — the university’s integration partner — handled the installation of the audiovisual solution.

To maximise power and clarity throughout the theatre, we used an AUDAC VEXO system. Three full-range AUDAC VEXO112 loudspeakers were deployed at the front of the stage for direct audience coverage, while ten VEXO108 loudspeakers were installed along the side and rear walls to deliver a surround sound experience. In addition, four VEXO108 loudspeakers were mounted to the ceiling for overhead audio, explains Fred van der Merwe of AV Distribution. 

Low-frequency effects are provided by two AUDAC BASO15 bass reflex subwoofers.

In the technical room, an AUDAC SMQ1250 quad-channel amplifier delivers 630W RMS to each front-stage loudspeaker, while a second SMQ1250 is bridged to provide 2500W RMS to each subwoofer. Four SMQ500 amplifiers supply 200W RMS to each surround loudspeaker.“Each amplifier includes an AUDAC ANI44XT Dante card for a fully digital signal path”, continues van der Merwe. “After commissioning, the SPL measured at the Reference Listening Position was set at 85 dB, with a maximum capability of 100 dB”.

Alongside the AUDAC sound system, AV Distribution and Digital Fabric also specified a Christie M 4K15+ RGB laser projector and a Da-Lite Cinema Contour screen with a HDPro1.1 perforated surface.

The projector showcases student work in 4K, providing an authentic cinema experience, while the ambient lighting is essential when the venue is used as a lecture theatre. We have been able to craft a system that elevates the learning and creative experience for Media Communications and Culture students, notes Sagrys Fourie, highlighting the close collaboration with AV Distribution. 

The installation partner, Ubuntu Technologies, was also impressed with the well-balanced system: “This space will allow students to fully immerse themselves in the work they have created”, says Johan Burger, Operations, Technical & Project Manager. “The equipment supplied by AV Distribution was perfectly suited to the project’s needs, resulting in a venue that delivers professional-grade sound and visuals. Our installation teams had the preparation and resources necessary to complete the work in line with the client’s requirements”.

The collaboration between the three companies ensured that every aspect of the project was executed with precision.

It was a privilege for AV Distribution to be part of this project and work alongside Digital Fabric and Ubuntu to create a unique cinema solution for the university. The selected AUDAC products deliver a powerful experience at an affordable cost. We believe this cinema will reflect the university’s commitment to creativity and teaching excellence, comments van der Merwe.