Meyer Sound Covers Every Port for Volvo Ocean Race

Self-powered Meyer Sound systems play an integral role in the 2014-15 Volvo Ocean Race, the prestigious globe-circling yacht sailing competition. Serving three venues in a temporary “race village” at each of the 10 worldwide ports, Meyer Sound systems provide clear voice communication and musical backdrops. Bazelmans AVR of Veldhoven, the Netherlands is charged with system design and supply.

“Meyer Sound systems were chosen because we needed both the highest audio quality and proven reliability,” says Aart Habraken of Bazelmans AVR. “Excellent intelligibility and natural voice quality were critical, as both race officials and CEOs of corporate sponsors would be using the systems. Also, everything had to set up quickly and work every time.”

A total of six systems are required for two identical “race villages” that alternate stops. In a dome theatre, a surround system is built around three UPQ-1P and four UPJunior VariO loudspeakers, and two 700-HP subwoofers. A Galileo Callisto loudspeaker management system with a Galileo Callisto 616 array processor provides system drive and alignment.

In addition, a boatyard system incorporates eight UPJunior loudspeakers and a 500-HP subwoofer, while the twin boatyard lounge systems comprise eight UPM‑1P loudspeakers and two 500-HP subwoofers.

“Self-powered loudspeakers were mandatory for the boatyard lounge, as there was simply no place to put amplifier racks,” explains Habraken. “Of course, they are also inherently easier to set up and more reliable.”

First launched in 1973 as the Whitbread Round the World Race, the Volvo Ocean Race takes place over nine months. The 2014-2015 event began in Alicante, Spain and is scheduled to end in Gothenburg, Sweden, with seven yachts and competitors representing 19 nationalities.