Clear-Com and Q-SYS integrate intercom and audio in the multipurpose installation Harpa

Home of the Icelandic Opera and Symphony Orchestra, Harp It is an innovative installation that has integrated the intercom of Clear-Com and the audio of Q-SYS to improve functionality, Location and security in all its spaces.

Harp is a multipurpose facility, headquarters of the Symphony orchestra and the Icelandic Opera, as well as the Reykjavik Big Band, city in which it is located, which is a benchmark both for its unique and award-winning architecture and for its function as Concert hall and conference center since its inauguration, in 2011.

The enclosure has an advanced communications technology of Clear-Com, using bands and soloists, dance groups and theatre companies performing in its four main spaces, with Ability to enter 200 and 1.800 people, and in other smaller multipurpose rooms.

Initially, This complex for performing arts had the systems Clear-Com Encore Analog Partyline (PL) and Eclipse HX Matrix, which has since been expanded with keyboards V-Series Iris; the wireless intercom FreeSpeak II; Capabilities E-IPA and the mobile app Agent-IC.

The recent integration between Clear-Com's intercom and the amplification platform Q-SYS of QSC has provided a substantially higher level of functionality and compatibility between location systems, Intercom and audio of the enclosure.

After changing your infrastructure to Dante interfaces to deal with virtual and broadcast events, the objective of those responsible for Harpa with this project has been to strengthen the integration between the Public address and intercom systems To allow access, Immediate selection and playback of pre-recorded ads, Music and other resources (including security messages), in each of the approximately 33-36 Public address areas of the installation.

The project consisted of replacing the Harpa location system and reusing part of the existing infrastructure, including original Clear-Com Eclipse and Encore systems. Upgraded to FreeSpeak II and added E-IPA cards for remote connectivity to broadcasters, additional Agent-IC licenses for future use by reception staff, and E-Dante cards for the interface between the intercom matrix of this manufacturer and the new Q-SYS distribution system.

The result is "an enormous degree of Flexibility and programming -Says Andri Guðmundsson, technical director of events and technical management of Harpa- to route almost anything, to anywhere, without having to make any physical interconnection. Although the integration is quite complicated, The end user gets a simple interface".

Harpa is still working on the full implementation of Agent-IC for use by its ushers and venue staff. "They don't want to use bulky radios," he adds.- but an application. In addition, the ability to use mobile and Wi-Fi eliminates the need for additional infrastructures and components".

One of the differentials of this project has been the development and implementation of a plugin tailored by Atendi ehf, local distributor and integrator of Clear-Com in this project, which allows Eclipse to route audio in Q-SYS, activate pre-recorded messages and provide information on the status of the public address system through an Iris panel or a beltpack FreeSpeak.

This integration offers the venue a Granular control of individual or combined warning zones (including shared backstage areas); streamlines and provides new workflow options and increases communication between staff and, if necessary, the public itself.

The source of plugin created by Atendi ehf provides a "starting point for others using the HCI Eclipse/Q-SYS interconnect; Crucial versatility and scalability, given the pace of technological advances and innovation, the growing expectations of the public and the changing needs of the artists and the events that are held", says Andri Guðmundsson.

Other articles on Atendi ehf, Clear-Com, Harp Iceland, Q-SYS, QSC