German audio technology and solutions company d&b audiotechnik has partnered with theatrical and creative sound designer, Autograph, to co-develop and launch a stadium sound application that will be first utilised at the home of English Championship football club Queens Park Rangers (QPR).
Dubbed d&b Fanblock, the venture, which is powered by Autograph Stadium Sound, delivers a real-time controlled, sound solution to venues without fans, or with a reduced number of fans on site.
Using a d&b sound system design positioned within a stadium or arena, d&b Fanblock creates a multi-channel surround sound system which, when combined with Autograph’s playback software, means venues can again be filled with the sound of fans.
The basic audio content consists of non-team specific sounds including background ‘bed’ loops to provide a continual atmosphere within the stadium and a library of sound cues that can be triggered by operators in reaction to the action on the pitch. The custom sound design package offers club-specific chants made possible through Autograph’s content partner, FanChants.
Designed and developed by long time theatrical and dramaturgy experts, Stadium Sound by Autograph creates a live crowd atmosphere at sports events that can be dynamically controlled in real-time to directly respond to the events of the game. The system is operated live by engineers in the stadium in order to follow the energy levels and punctuate the dramatic moments as they happen.
“By partnering with Autograph, we’ve come up with revolutionary new sound solution,” said Amnon Harman, CEO of d&b audiotechnik. “No longer will sports teams hear the echo of empty stadiums and venues. Instead with d&b Fanblock, they will once again hear the strength and passion of their fans while on the field.”
Fanblock aims to not only bring atmosphere back to empty sports stadia, but also provide a new business opportunity and revenue stream for d&b rental partners during the current economic uncertainty.
“While we are facing an increasingly challenging time in the industry, here at d&b we continue to innovate and address the needs of the market,” added Harman. “Today’s introduction is yet another example of our dedication to continuous improvement and providing new opportunities for our partners and end-users alike.”
The system is scalable and can be put in any stadium or arena. Its first scheduled full-scale use will be at QPR’s Championship games at Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium in London.
Images: QPR
