In Detail | Fulcrum Acoustic

Fulcrum Acoustic | AHS Series T

he AHS Series is a modular, scalable system targeted at applications where very high output and precise pattern control are required. This new series of products represents a leap forward in achieving digitally configurable coverage for long-throw applications, all within a surprisingly compact envelope. Long-throw applications, such as those encountered in stadium end-zone/scoreboard/video display deployments, pose unique challenges. Substantial acoustic output is required to achieve SPL targets at distance. Additionally, high-frequency air loss can be significant at stadium-scale distances. All aspects of the AHS Series products were designed with these particular challenges foremost in mind. Building on the AH family of high-sensitivity, high-output systems, AHS packs a lot of output into a 36” wide x 31” tall package. AHS high-frequency sections were specifically conceived to provide the extreme high-frequency output necessary to combat air loss. Four high frequency horns (AHS440) or 3 high frequency horns (AHS460) are each paired with a coaxial compression driver; the horn stack is coaxially mounted in the mouth of a low frequency horn. The low frequency horn is driven by 4 high-power 10” woofers loaded by Oculus™ phase plugs. The Compression Head™ extends the low frequency horn length, allowing for low frequency extension to 60 Hz in a modest 28” of depth. There are currently two available AHS models, the AHS440 with 45° horizontal dispersion and the slightly wider AHS460 with 60° horizontal dispersion. The horizontal patterns were specifically chosen to optimize the coverage for stadium-type applications without requiring an excessive quantity of loudspeakers to cover a typical stadium horizontal footprint. Fulcrum Acoustic’s TQ processing combined with beam-forming DSP algorithms configures AHS vertical dispersion to match a venue’s specific geometries and throw distances. The digitally steerable vertical dispersion allows the AHS to cover precise vertical angles of seating across the length of a stadium while avoiding sonic intrusion to neighboring facilities or energizing reflective surfaces. The modular design allows for stacking multiple AHS speakers to create larger arrays, thereby achieving more vertical pattern control, higher output, and increased high-frequency projection. When multiple AHS units are stacked, the stack is configured as one digitally steerable array. The compact dimensions of AHS enclosures allow them to be maneuvered relatively easily within cramped support structures. This is especially beneficial for addressing design challenges presented by endzone/scoreboard/video displays. The ability to seamlessly integrate AHS Series products into existing architecture make them an ideal choice for stadium applications. Their compact size has the added benefit of streamlining what can frequently be a complicated installation process.

AHS Series at Crusader Stadium

AHS loudspeakers made their project debut at Crusader Stadium at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas. Daktronics was selected to design and install a new scoreboard system that doubled the size of the video display while maintaining high fidelity sound. The new video area consumed all available space within the existing structure. Additional structure was added above the video display to house the new sound system. Due to wind loading concerns, the height of this additional structure was restricted to about 6’ tall, thereby limiting the space available for loudspeakers. For long-throw coverage, Daktronics deployed six Fulcrum Acoustic AHS speaker modules in the horizontal “ribbon” above the video area of the scoreboard. The available space within the scoreboard structure allowed for three stacks of two modules each; this provides sufficient output to achieve the project’s sound level goals for the seating areas. “Even when stacked, Fulcrum’s AHS products easily fit within the space provided,” said Applications Engineer, David Sturzenbecher. Two stacks of two AHS440 modules are splayed left and right of center to cover the far seating along the sides of the stadium. The middle stack features an AHS440 stacked on an AHS460 (60° horizontal) aimed down the centerline of the field to provide long-throw coverage of the far end as well as coverage of the playing field. The precise pattern control from the AHS products keeps sound within the seating bowl, avoids excessive sound levels on the field and at the seats, and minimises sound reflecting off of the Bawcom Student Union building behind the seats on the east side of the stadium. “It’s an impressive full-range system with a remarkable level of control,” added David. “I can already imagine utilising the AHS for many more applications, particularly stadiums, going forward.”