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ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY: An Atlantic City landmark, the Trump Taj Mahal Casino in Atlantic City has catered to gamblers and fun-lovers for years.
But when it came time to look at the property's sound system as part of a long-awaited
renovation, the owners weren't interested in rolling the dice. They wanted the odds in their favor. Powerhouse Sound, a Mt. Laurel, New Jersey-based AV sound systems contractor hired to handle the sound system upgrade, clearly recognized the casino's needs. As a starting point, the old analog-based sound system, cumbersome and highly inflexible, had to go.
In its place, Powerhouse opted for a digital processing and routing system that has distinguished itself in other demanding environments, including
other casino projects the company has managed. Powerhouse recommended SymNet, the Network Audio Solution from Symetrix.
"The property needed a fully digital matrix system for handling audio distribution of paging and music for the floor areas of the casino, as well
as for conference rooms," says Powerhouse owner, Scott Kemly.
Initially deploying four SymNet 8x8 DSP units, Powerhouse was able to lay
the groundwork for distributing audio more efficiently and reliably across
the property. Interconnected over the SymLink bus, these four units function
as a true 32 x 32 hardware configuration. The fully digital SymNet runs on a
PC in the control room allowing the staff to easily observe the condition of
the system, and quickly make any desired routing or processing changes.
"The system the casino's been using had become a disaster," Kemly
says.
"SymNet will give it the ability to do away with manually plugging in patch
cables and controlling audio distribution over analog distribution amps in a
huge matrix. It will replace all of that using a fully digital package."
Initially, SymNet is managing audio for MPEG video on plasma displays, DMX
and satellite music, and paging functions into the lobby lounge area of the
casino. The system can automatically switch audio sources in the lounge, and
uses custom logic to increase ducker release time to 40 seconds. The open
lounge space adjoins the lobby so care was taken to localize MPEG playback
to the lounge. Eventually, facility-wide management of these functions will
migrate from the current analog system to SymNet, allowing the casino to
direct audio to multiple zones in virtually limitless configurations.
SymNet outputs are fed into eight-channel QSC CX 108V eight-channel
amplifiers, allowing for precise zone control of audio to the Tannoy CMS60
TDC-60 dual concentric six-and-a-half-inch ceiling speakers and the Tannoy
110TB ten-inch 70-volt ceiling subs.
The casino's complement of SymNet units will be expanded as more existing
audio distribution tasks are converted to digital. Ballroom and function
areas will take advantage of updated room combining functions included in
the processing system. SymNet will play a central role in managing audio
processing, mixing and routing, Kemly says.
Having worked with SymNet on other projects, Kemly says he knew it would be
an ideal solution for the Trump Taj Mahal's audio system needs. "The casino
management didn't know anything about the product going into this job, but
they quickly became impressed with how fast it is to set up and use, no
matter how much processing is needed," he says. "After just some basic
training, their staff has been able to use the system for day-to-day
operations."
ABOUT SYMETRIX
For more information on professional audio signal processors from Symetrix,
Lucid and AirTools please call (425) 778-7728 or refer to websites,
www.symetrixaudio.com, www.lucidaudio.com, symnetaudio.com and
www.airtoolsaudio.com.
Four SymNet 8x8 units form the groundwork for distributing
audio at the Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, New Jersey. Installation is being done
by Powerhouse Sound, a New Jersey-based AV sound system contractor.
