TOA install Splash Proof Sound at The World's First Cartoon Network Themed Water Park
Posted on: 19th June 2017
The Cartoon Network Amazone waterpark, located in Pattaya, Thailand, is a theme park catering to both children and adults. The venue offers a range of attraction to visitors and gives everyone a chance to escape the sweltering heat. AV systems are crucial to how the waterpark operates and delivers on its promise of excitement and fun for all.
The end-user had specific objectives in mind when selecting AV systems. When it came to video, the end-user wanted to ensure that it met all building and safety regulations associated with theme parks. For this purpose, a total of 128 Canon IP cameras have been installed around the premises. This number includes both PTZ and dome cameras spread across outdoor and indoor areas. NEC monitors and Dell PCs can be found in the control room and these are used by two operators to constantly monitor the video feeds from the IP cameras. Kavin Chinawong, head of IT at Cartoon Network Amazone says: “The IP camera system was procured and installed by the waterpark itself. Canon gave a lot of support and training to make sure the system functioned properly. We are also planning to increase the CCTV system in the near future.”
For audio, a TOA system was chosen. Taking into account the size and the scope of the project, TOA decided to install and integrate the audio system itself. Thongchai Charoenchaichana, sales manager at TOA, talks about the project: “TOA was one of many manufacturers bidding for this project. From the start I was keen on providing the end-user with a solution that met their requirements and fit their needs.”
Charoenchaichana continues: “The main requirement was quality sound across all the different areas of Amazone. The sound also needed to fit the zone’s characteristics and this meant that we had to tailor the characteristics and this meant that we had to tailor the audio systems to suit the area they were installed in. All of the audio systems for the waterpark were first designed using EASE modelling to ensure that they theoretically functioned as needed.”
Zoning for the audio system is handled by the TOA SX-2000SM system manager. It is supported by the TOA SX-2000AI input, which has a built-in DSP, and the TOA SX-2000AO output unit. This setup converts analogue signals to digital. TOA DA-250FH and A-230 amplifiers can also be found in the eight server racks in the control room. A Soken DV-788 CD + DVD player, along with TOA EV-20R sound repeaters, is used as the input.
Besides public address and BGM duties, the audio systems at Cartoon Network Amazone also have to ensure the sound effects for the park’s attractions are properly activated. To accomplish this TOA RM210 and RM200SA remote microphone systems have been provided. These units can be used for public address and have also been programmed to control the sound effects across the park. Charoenchaichana says: “The remote management system helps the staff a t Amazone as the staff can control the sound effects from the control rooming without having to move.”
A number of control boxes can also be found around the park to handle the audio for various rides. These boxes comprise TOA A230 amplifiers and the SX-2000AO and SX-2000AI combinations. Where management for sound effects is required additional TOA 9000 M2 series processors are used.
With regards to indoor areas, the ice-cream shop and bakery were simple to design and implement. TOA F2352C ceiling speakers have been used. However, Charoenchaichana adds: “While the audio requirements of the ice-cream shop and bakery were straightforward, we had to ensure that the audio from the staged events outside could be fed and handled by the speakers in this area.”
Outdoor areas provided much more of a challenge. Charoenchaichana says: “Speakers at Amazone are heavily taxed and have to deal with multiple functions such as PA, BGM and sound effects. They must perform all these duties. In addition, the speakers also have to deal with the harsh environment. There is a lot of heat and a lot of water.” All speakers were chosen with these variables in mind.
The Cartoonival water slide provides a good example of the challenges TOA faced. The end-user requested audio to be provided inside the structure as well as in the surrounding areas. A total of 24 TOA SR-S4S speakers have been installed. Charoenchaichana details how some deviation from original plans was required: “After designing the audio system for Cartoonival, the end-user informed us that sound reinforcement for a daily parade was also required for the area. This meant that the entire system had to be tweaked and tuned for the new requirements.”
For the parade at the Cartoonival area a special DJ area has been setup. This comprises of a Pioneer XDJRX console, TOA HX-5BWP speakers and four TOA FB-120 subwoofers. The main stage at the Amazone has a different audio system. There are daily performances at the location and hence TOA SRC8 line arrays have been installed. Charoenchaichana says: “The sound from the stage needs to be heard across the park up to distances of 100m. This is why the selection of the line arrays was extremely important. The SRC8 line arrays have been carefully calibrated to ensure the best performance.” Audiences near the stage areas can hear the audio from the performances on the stage courtesy of the line arrays. To ensure that the audio reaches the other areas of the park, the audio systems from the different zones help out. Charoenchaichana explains: “Speakers around the water park reinforce the audio from the stage. For example the speakers at the Cartoonival zone provide 20% to 30% reinforcement.”He continues: “For the reinforcement, we had to ensure that all the speakers were in phase with the right delay. This was accomplished with extensive trial and error through testing.”
Audio from the performances is captured by TOA WT5800 wireless handheld and clip-on microphone systems. A Pioneer CDJ-850 mixer manages the audio levels. TOA amplifiers and DSP complete the racks. Another interesting aspect of the Amazone installation can be found at the Humangasaur slide. The attraction has a high level of sound effects which are managed by a TOA 9000 M2 processor. The audio system has also been designed to take advantage of the attraction’s unique characteristics. Charoenchaichana explains: “The Humangasaur slide has been fitted with sensors. When the users of the slide reach a certain point the sensors trigger the sound effects. This solution has been working well and the park is looking into implementing it for other attractions as well.”
Two TOA SR-S4LWP speakers provide audio. These speakers have been mounted under slide head to use the construct as a horn in order to amplify the sound. Two TOA SR-C15BWP subwoofers provide bass. TOA CS-304 semi-horn speakers around Amazone are used for announcements. Other smaller areas of the park, such as the retail outlet and Foodville food court, also have their own dedicated speaker systems. Charoenchaichana says: “We are still improving the sound in various areas. For example, the retail outlets initially had subwoofers. But the end-user found the sound to be too punchy and these were removed.” Besides minor changes as the need arises, the Amazone project has been completed. Charoenchaichana concludes: “The end-user is happy with the performance of the systems and is also considering it for future planned expansions of the park.”
Further Information
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