Electro-Voice audio for new Qatar Cricket Stadium

Underlining Doha’s growing reputation as one of the Middle East’s leading sporting capitals, the adjacent municipality of Al Rayyan has been equipped with a new 13,000-capacity sports venue, the Qatar Cricket Stadium, designed to satisfy the highest international standards.

As part of the exacting fit-out process, Helmet Trading and Contracting was enlisted to install the sound system. After a series of tests and comparisons, the company opted for a solution based around Electro-Voice equipment.

Mahmoud Fahmawi, Helmet’s project manager, explains: “First of all, the quality of Electro-Voice equipment is outstanding. Secondly, it represents the finest possible value for money. And thirdly, after a whole series of prestige installations in sporting venues throughout the world, Electro-Voice has an unassailable lead in the field of stadium sound reinforcement.”

The extensive support available from Electro-Voice was another key factor. “Tony Sawyer from Electro-Voice’s Tech Support Team was present to share his advice and expertise with us during the tuning of the system,” says Fahmawi. “This enabled us not only to do the job right, but also to have the system up and running ahead of the tight deadline.”

The bulk of the installation comprises 45 Sx600 loudspeakers from Electro-Voice; these feature a dual element vertical line array that achieves remarkable levels of clarity and intelligibility. These are complemented in the VIP area by six Sx300 cabinets, with 12 Electro-Voice CPS 4.10 and one CPS 8.5 amplifier providing power.

The installation is governed by an Electro-Voice NetMax N8000 digital matrix controller, which since all the amplifiers are equipped with RCM-810 remote modules is able to control and supervise every signal remotely. Meanwhile, in the commentary booth, equipment includes an Electro-Voice REV wireless microphone system as well as a CMS 1600 mixing console from Dynacord.