When we first got the request to get involved with CBC’s (Christian Brothers College) in Bloemfontein’, quad sound system we didn’t have any information apart from a few photos of the aria,

and a general description of what they needed, and wanted to accomplish with speech in their quad aria. What we did, and how it worked in the end, is quite special, I think.

We suggested - “Option One” – six, DSPPA DSP455 – 60W RMS, 100V, Outdoor IP66 rated speakers, each with an individual speaker cable attached to it. This gives us level control over each individual speaker which in turn makes it very easy to adjust the rear speakers,

(where the risk of feedback from the radio microphone is the least) louder, left or right, front speakers (where the risk of microphone feedback is the highest) softer, and centre left / right (to fill in the gap). This level of control is easy to do with the right sound equipment and the correct installation.

Amplifier of choice - the DSPPA MP610 BT – 250W RMS, with six individual level attenuators, on the six individual speaker outputs, bluetooth connectivity, build in tuner and SD / MP3 (USB) music playback. Other sound mixer inputs include 3 microphone inputs, which two are “ducked” (automatically lowering the music volume to make the microphone channel more prominent) and two RCA Inputs; to connect a phone system or PABX, video conferencing system, smart phone or laptop.

Microphone – Samson Wireless, Concert88X CL6 Hand-Held Microphone in the UHF band.

“Option Two” – four DSPPA DSP455 outdoor speakers, the DSPPA MP610 BT Bluetooth Amplifier and the Samson Concert 88X CL Wireless Microphone.

“Option Three” resembled more a music playback system (Which wasn’t really in the specification but was fun to see on paper anyway) – Two Wharfedale Titan 8” Speakers, on wall mount brackets, powered by the Wharfedale CPD1600 audio amplifier, Audio mixing for this system was to be done with the Allen&Heath ZED6 Audio Mixer and the microphone, still the same workhorse – Samson Concert88X CL6 Handheld microphone.

The principal at the private school, CBC Bloemfonfein chose our Option Two as the sound system that will satisfy his needs in the school’s quad aria and fit his allocated budget.

The reason why I say this is quite a special sound installation for us is the fact that the microphone sound so “neutral” or “normal” anyplace in the quad aria, the amplifier has enough headroom so the system never sounds strained and it was possible to hide the cabling well enough so as not to be obtrusive.

One added feature the principal insisted on was to switch the “mic” on with a single switch. No settings on units, not three power switches to make it work, just one flick-of-a-switch, and I’m glad to say we could accomplish this with very little cost added to the project.

Please feel free to contact me directly – Francois du Plessis -082 2254 860 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., should you need the same or a similar system at your school or business. This is but one example of how creativity and Audio / Visual systems can make your life easier. We support South African Schools 100%.

Production Wise Contact Details – +27 (0)82 2254 860, +27 (0) 072 486 7447 – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. – www.productionwise.co.za

RENT-TO-OWN OPTIONS - BLOEMFONTEIN, FREE STATE, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA