Tau recently visited the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA), where innovative audio solutions were implemented in collaboration with Phanta Visual. This successful partnership has provided an audio upgrade for the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences.
Phanta Visual is a leading advisor, designer, and provider of innovative audiovisual (AV) solutions. They offer high-quality system integration services for sectors such as education, business, entertainment, and healthcare. With their expertise, they deliver custom AV solutions tailored to the specific needs of their clients.
Project Description: Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
Niels Peerdeman, Account Manager and Project Coordinator at Phanta Visual, gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the Corry Tendeloohuis, the business campus of the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences.
During the tour, he explained how Phanta Visual has been a trusted partner for HvA over the years, working closely on AV solutions from design to execution.
For this specific project, Phanta Visual was tasked with solving audio issues in two auditoriums. The challenge was that teachers’ speech intelligibility was not optimal, requiring extra effort to ensure they were heard clearly.
Solution
In collaboration with Tau, they selected the Pan Acoustics PB08-Dante column speakers and SoundTube IPD-CM2s ceiling speakers.
Pan Acoustics PB08-Dante
The Pan Acoustics PB08-Dante column speakers, part of the Pan Beam series, are renowned for their impressive sound directionality and outstanding speech intelligibility, even in acoustically challenging environments. With integrated Dante technology, these speakers can be easily managed over IP networks, enabling straightforward installation and maximum flexibility. Using innovative beam-steering technology, the PB08 speakers direct sound precisely towards the audience, regardless of the room’s acoustic characteristics, making them particularly well-suited for auditoriums where clear, even sound coverage is essential.
Wilfred de Zoete, AV Engineer at Phanta Visual, said, “The Pan Acoustics Pan Beams sound pleasant and clear. The software is intuitive and provides a good view of coverage; you can even draw the ear height as a line in the space. You can then optimize the beam(s) for the highest sound pressure or minimal side lobes. Adjustments are instant, so you can immediately listen to find the best settings for the space. The PB08 reaches surprisingly low frequencies; as long as you’re using them for presentations without needing to feel the bass, a subwoofer isn’t missed.”
SoundTube IPD-CM2s
The SoundTube IPD-CM2s ceiling speakers provide an elegant solution for dispersing sound from above. These in-ceiling speakers are specially designed for IP-based audio applications and also support Dante. Despite their compact size, they deliver powerful and detailed audio, making them perfect for spaces where unobtrusive design is essential. Being network-enabled with Dante allows seamless integration with other IP audio equipment, ensuring efficient and centralized management.
Wilfred added, “The SoundTube Dante Series speakers are familiar to me; I’ve set them up in many museums and auditoriums. In this case, we had limited depth, so the shallow IPD-CM5 2s were the best choice. The wide opening angle helps achieve maximum coverage despite the relatively low ceiling.”
The combination of Pan Acoustics and SoundTube speakers, along with advanced microphone technology, provides the ideal blend of direct sound coverage and overall immersive audio quality. This is especially valuable in the auditoriums of the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, where speech intelligibility is critical.
Result: Audio Upgrade for the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
The final result was warmly received by the teachers, who appreciated not having to move around with a microphone to be heard. The speakers were easy to integrate into the space, creating a seamless experience for both teachers and students.
The successful collaboration between Tau, Phanta Visual, and the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences serves as an excellent example of how innovative audio solutions can contribute to an improved learning environment. Through the careful selection of technologies and close cooperation among all parties, a custom solution was achieved—one that meets the requirements of both the users and the space.
