Project
The University of Portsmouth is home to a 31,000-strong student population, living, learning, socialising and exercising both mind and body across a vibrant campus by the sea. As is conventional, a collection of lecture halls, labs and studios stand shoulder to shoulder with sporting facilities, separate yet complementary.
Until…
With a tweak to the status quo, the University had hopes of blurring the lines between the academic and the physical by lifting a typical AV setup from a teaching environment and placing it into a strength and conditioning gym. Executed with the right system and product mix, it had the potential to support academic tuition and live demonstrations but, equally, to deliver high-quality, distributed audio in a dynamic and acoustically challenging space.
Challenges
The University approached AV integrator Roche AV Pro to fulfil such a unique and highly specific request. Their primary challenge was to blend reliable audio-visual presentation and multiple input sources with the acoustic demands of a large gym space. The audio system needed to provide clarity at varying volume levels, support low-end performance for music playback during workouts, and remain discreet within the space’s physical layout. Additionally, the control system had to be intuitive, flexible, and automated for users ranging from academic staff to fitness instructors.
Solution
Roche AV Pro chose to work alongside Martin Audio to address the acoustic complexity of the space, with all the kit sourced and purchased from audio partner Leisuretec. To begin, they used EASE Focus simulation software to design a sound system tailored to the gym’s layout and sound reflection characteristics.
This prompted them to equip the main area with six Martin Audio CDD5 5” loudspeakers in black, capable of offering wide dispersion and even coverage. The inclusion of a ceiling-mounted Martin Audio slimline SX210 subwoofer extended the system’s low-frequency response, adding depth and power for music playback during gym sessions.
A Martin Audio DX0.4 system controller, responsible for EQ and level management, offered control, while a Martin Audio VIA2004 amplifier gave the necessary headroom and system reliability. A further two Martin Audio CDD5 speakers supported the teaching and presentation system, which had HDMI, 3.5mm hard-wired audio, and Bluetooth input options to give users the flexibility to present or stream content from various sources.
The entire system was fully automated and controlled via a 7-inch touch panel integrated with a control processor. This provided a streamlined user interface for easy operation, allowing staff to navigate both the teaching and gym audio systems with minimal training. It would also give them the freedom to either operate the presentation system and the gym audio independently, or link both systems when needed.
Key Kit From Leisuretec
EASE Focus simulation software
CDD5B 5" 2-Way Passive Loudspeakers with Brackets 100W Black
SX210 2x10" Direct Radiating Slimline Dual Subwoofer 500W Black
DX0.4 Networked Loudspeaker Management System 2 IN / 4 OUT
VIA2004 4 Channel Class D 4x500W @ 4Ω Power Amp 2U
Rackmount Bluetooth Receiver
Outcome
The result is a highly flexible, professional-grade AV system that meets the pedagogical needs of the university while also delivering a well-balanced audio experience to a gym environment. The University of Portsmouth’s refashioned gym is a strong example of how thoughtful design and engineering can bridge the gap between academic and athletic facility requirements.
About Roche AV Pro
Founded in 1973, Roche AV Pro have evolved in step with the AV industry and digital technologies to become a multi award-winning full-service AV integrator, offering consultancy, innovative design, and tailored project management across the UK.
About Leisuretec
Established in 1990, we are Trade Distributors of Professional and Commercial Audio, Lighting, Video, Special Effects and Ancillary. Through our AV Hire Production, AV Installation and Re-seller customers we address the live entertainment, leisure, commercial, residential and retail markets throughout the UK.
We support our trade customers with immense stock holding across a vast choice of products, knowledgeable technical support, competitive trade pricing, speedy delivery and attentive after-sales support.
