Fred Olsen Cruise Lines recently engaged England’s EW Production Services Ltd.
(EWPSL) to address ongoing audio issues aboard MS Braemar, the most modern
among the company’s fleet of four cruise ships. Its Neptune Lounge hosts a wide
range of activities, including live music, comedy, cabaret and full theatre
productions. EWSPL’s system design improves the entertainment experience for
customers while addressing unwanted sound transmission affecting passenger
cabins on adjoining decks above and below.
“When we saw the Neptune Lounge and its old system, we knew we could improve
the situation dramatically,’ says Paul Byrne, Operations Manager for EWPSL. “The
tricky bit was to accomplish that while at sea, and without interfering with the
entertainment schedule. Fortunately, our friends at Electro-Voice UK provided an
ETX loudspeaker system as a temporary sound system, and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
welcomed two of our technicians, who installed the complete system during a
cruise.’
To tame the rooms hard to control sound, EWPSL designed a system based on
models from the Electro-Voice EV-Innovation family of installation-dedicated
loudspeakers and the Electro-Voice N8000 NetMax digital matrix controller. The
primary loudspeakers are four EVU-2082 mains hung above the stage and sonically
matched with two EVA-1151D subwoofers.
Three Electro-Voice CPS series multi-channel amplifiers power the entire sound
system. Outfitted with RCM-810 remote control modules from Electro-Voice, the
amps integrate via IRIS-Net software into the N8000 digital matrix controller from
Electro-Voice enabling complete tailoring of each channel. In addition, the
equipment rack was reduced from 48 to 16 rack units in height, creating more free
space while reducing the amount of heat generated.
“The old system was under-powered and lacked proper signal processing,’ explains
Byrne. “With the N8000 controller and IRIS-Net software, we could provide perfect
tuning and control of each speaker. It also allowed us to easily incorporate the
ship’s emergency notification system as a system task in the network.’
To address unwanted noise transmission to adjacent rooms, EWPSL isolated the new
speakers with rubber. The four ceiling-mounted EVU-2082 speakers from Electro-
Voice use rubber washers in each bracket connection. Large rubber feet were added
to the floor-standing EVA-1151D subwoofers from Electro-Voice, and both are
housed in small alcoves with a carpet and rubber pad to further deaden vibration.
Not a single passenger noise complaint has been registered since the installation.
Richard Walker, Senior Technical & Compliance Manager & Superintendent, Cruise
for Fred Olsen Marine Services, expressed the company’s delight in the result: “The
new sound system in Braemar’s Neptune Lounge is a great improvement to our
guests’ showtime experience. EW Production Services came up with an ideal
solution, and we thank them for a speedy and trouble-free installation.’
