NEWSROOM

10/19/05 03:05pm pst
Taj Mahal Goes With a Powerhouse for Sound Upgrade

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ—Powerhouse Sound, a Mt. Laurel, N.J.-based AV sound systems contractor, was hired to handle the sound system upgrade at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino in Atlantic City. As a starting point, the old analog-based sound system, cumbersome and highly inflexible, had to go.

In its place, Powerhouse opted for a digital processing and routing system that has distinguished itself in other demanding environments, including other casino projects the company has managed. Powerhouse recommended SymNet, the network audio solution from Symetrix.

"The property needed a fully digital matrix system for handling audio distribution of paging and music for the floor areas of the casino, as well as for conference rooms," says Powerhouse's owner, Scott Kemly.

Initially deploying four SymNet 8x8 DSP units, Powerhouse was able to lay the groundwork for distributing audio more efficiently and reliably across the property. Interconnected over the SymLink bus, these four units function as a true 32 x 32 hardware configuration. The fully digital SymNet runs on a PC in the control room allowing the staff to observe the condition of the system, and make any desired routing or processing changes.

"The system the casino's been using had become a disaster," Kemly says. "SymNet will give it the ability to do away with manually plugging in patch cables and controlling audio distribution over analog distribution amps in a huge matrix. It will replace all of that using a fully digital package."

Initially, SymNet is managing audio for MPEG video on plasma displays, DMX and satellite music, and paging functions into the lobby lounge area of the casino. The system can automatically switch audio sources in the lounge, and uses custom logic to increase ducker release time to 40 seconds. The open lounge space adjoins the lobby so care was taken to localize MPEG playback to the lounge. Eventually, facility-wide management of these functions will migrate from the current analog system to SymNet, allowing the casino to direct audio to multiple zones in virtually limitless configurations.

SymNet outputs are fed into eight-channel QSC CX 108V eight-channel amplifiers, allowing for precise zone control of audio to the Tannoy CMS60 TDC-60 dual concentric six-and-a-half-inch ceiling speakers and the Tannoy 110TB ten-inch 70-volt ceiling subs.

The casino's complement of SymNet units will be expanded as more existing audio distribution tasks are converted to digital. Ballroom and function areas will take advantage of updated room combining functions included in the processing system. SymNet will play a central role in managing audio processing, mixing and routing, Kemly says.

For more information, visit http://www.symetrixaudio.com/.