TG Baker for The Twickenham Stoop
TG Baker for The Twickenham Stoop
Established in 1973, TG Baker (Sound) has a proven track record in designing and installing stadium sound systems that provide full compliance with Green Guide PAVA standards, while delivering a thrilling sonic experience that builds excitement for the fans and makes them part of the matchday action.
So, when Premiership rugby club Harlequins decided that the sound system at their iconic south-west London ground The Twickenham Stoop needed an upgrade, they approached a trusted industry leader
“We’d recently installed a NEXO system using PS-R15 point source speakers at Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Molineux ground, where Harlequins CEO Laurie Dalrymple was involved in upgrading their sound system” explains TG Baker Regional Director Jason Longworth MInstSCVE. “Harlequins were keen to replicate the enhanced fan experience at The Twickenham Stoop, while addressing an immediate requirement to bring the system into compliance with the latest Green Guide codes”.
In the intervening time, NEXO had replaced the PS-R2 Series with the new P+ Series. Working in partnership with Carole Marsaud of the NEXO Engineering Support team using the company’s NS-1 system configuration and performance prediction software, TG Baker was able to propose a system using P12 cabinets and NXAMPMK2 networked powered processors that met fully the brief from The Twickenham Stoop, and the budget.
In a configuration successfully deployed by TG Baker at other stadium installations, the NXAMPMK2s connect to a Baldwin Boxall voice alarm system via their GPIO outputs, monitoring and reporting the data necessary to ensure that the system performance remains in compliance with the strict criteria set out in the BS 7827 Code of Practice for emergency sound systems at sporting venues. “It’s a simple interface that we developed in conjunction with the team at NEXO and it works really well” confirms Jason.
The full system at The Stoop comprises thirty-two P12 cabinets flown in the stands, powered by four NXAMP4X2MK2 and one NXAMP4X1MK2 powered controllers, fitted with Dante network cards. Operational control is provided by a Q-Sys system, configured for different users with appropriate levels of access. And to ensure the most efficient use of the available budget, some of the existing speakers were re-tasked for use in the turnstile and fan zone areas.
“This is the latest in a series of installations at sports venues where we’ve used NEXO speakers” says Jason. “There’s a speaker for almost every job, the balance of performance and price is perfect for these types of application, and the support we receive from the NEXO team really helps, both before and after the installation.”
Commenting on the new sound system at The Twickenham Stoop, Head of Operations Peter Cooper says, “obviously the safety of our fans is our first priority, but we also want to give them the best possible matchday experience, building their excitement so they really get behind the team. The new sound system helps us do both. It sounds fantastic!”
