- The recently renovated Stade Sébastien Charléty now counts as one of the most modern and beautiful stadiums in France
- It boasts an extensive Electro-Voice and Dynacord sound reinforcement system
- This includes Sx600PIX loudspeakers and NetMax controllers from Electro-Voice as well as a Promatrix system and DL 800/10T loudspeakers from Dynacord
Located in the south of Paris, the Stade Sébastien Charléty is an arena with a long history: since 1939, the 20,000-seater stadium provides an outstanding setting for a wide variety of sporting events. In addition to its spectator- and athlete-friendly functionality, the Stade Sébastien Charléty is also notable for its beauty – a feature that won official recognition in 1994, when the stadium won the much-coveted Prix de l’Équerre d'Argent for outstanding architectural merit.
Last year, the stadium management embarked upon a series of major renovations. As well as an architectural facelift, they were keen for the stadium to receive a powerful sound reinforcement system capable of satisfying a wide variety of tasks. The invitation to tender was won by the Clichy-based company INEO GDF Suez for its Electro-Voice and Dynacord-based installation concept. "In addition to Electro-Voice and Dynacord’s numerous world-class references in the field of stadium sound reinforcement, a strong factor in our favour was that we were capable of performing the installation within the tight three-month schedule," says Ahmed Benali, manager of INEO GDF Suez's audiovisual division.
Simulations revealed the ideal solution for the Stade Sébastien Charléty to comprise 49 loudspeakers from the Sx600PIX series, twelve EVID C4.2 D ceiling loudspeakers (in each case from Electro-Voice), and 100 Dynacord DL 800/10T loudspeakers with compression drivers. These provide not only homogeneous sound throughout the entire stadium but also a high level of intelligibility – a decisive criterion in view of the frequent announcements essential to the smooth-running of athletic competitions.
The enclosures are driven by eleven CPS 4.10 and five CPS 4.5 power amplifiers from Electro-Voice. These state-of-the-art devices are remotely controlled and supervised via RCM-810 remote control modules and are able, thanks to their patented Variable-Load-Drive technology, to deliver 500 or 1,000 watts per channel as required into the nominal impedances of the various loudspeaker systems connected.
A key role in the sound reinforcement concept is played by the network-capable Electro-Voice NetMax N8000-1500 digital matrix with FIR-Drive. This system, which is used in numerous fixed installations as well as high-calibre concert sound productions, offers stadium operators comfortable and comprehensive control and supervision of the entire pro audio installation. Furthermore, the performance and power of the loudspeakers is considerably enhanced by the FIR-filter-optimized DSP.
About the Stade Sébastien Charléty
Situated in the south of Paris, the Stade Sébastien Charléty, or "Charléty" as it is usually called, has since 1939 provided the perfect environment for a wide variety of sports. In 2010, the arena was extensively renovated to bring it into line with the most modern international standards. The stadium is also the centrepiece of a large sports complex that includes a 1,500-seater sports hall, a football field and numerous tennis and squash courts.
The following systems were installed in the Stade Charléty 2010 (extract):
49 x Electro-Voice Sx600PIX (single-enclosure, dual-element line array)
12 x Electro-Voice EVID C4.2 D
11 x Electro-Voice CPS 4.10
5 x Electro-Voice CPS 4.5
1 x Electro-Voice NetMax 8000-1500
1 x Electro-Voice NetMax AI-1
3 x Electro-Voice NetMax AO-1
100 x Dynacord DL 800/10T
16 x Dynacord RCM 810
1 x Dynacord PROMATRIX 4000
3 x Dynacord DPC 4510
1 x Dynacord DPP 4004