Those who attended the Carolina Hurricanes’ opening night last week probably noticed something different. Some may have even felt it when “Rock You Like a Hurricane” was played. The RBC Center has a new sound system in place–a renovation that will be noticeable when men’s basketball season starts up. The old system has a new home on campus in Reynolds Coliseum.
KAD Construction, Inc. of Raleigh and Davidson Audio Visual of Winston-Salem are implementing the system that will provide improved sound quality and reliability, which has been lacking in Reynolds’ current system.
Barry Joyce, assistant athletics director of indoor facilities, said the sound system should be fully installed within the next few days.
“The new system is going to be great,” Joyce said. “It’s going to sound 1,000 times better.”
The companies are completing a design that will utilize the technological components acquired from the RBC Center. The location of the speakers will enhance the sound. Eighteen three-horn clusters will include double 15-inch bass speakers and four EV sub-woofers. An amplifier will provide 2,500 watts per cabinet to the sub-woofers.
Current amplifiers will be rewired and relocated near the catwalk, closer to the main speakers, to cut the cost of additional cluster speaker cables.
Luke Allen, a sophomore in sport management, attended many women’s basketball games last year and is looking forward to an improved experience on game nights.
“It was really muffled and sometimes hard to hear, so you couldn’t get into the game,” Allen said, “So being able to hear the play by play will make the game more entertaining.”
In addition to the speakers, the sports announcer will also have a headset, rather than a small mic stand, and separate system inputs, including ones for general purposes, music and the sports announcer.
Reynolds’ athletic events’ staff will be trained to properly use the system and will be required to attend at least one athletic event in order to have a hands-on experience.
Reynolds’ new system is set up to accommodate potential future additions, such as a video board.
Reynolds will be louder. The system will be programmed with different operating modes for the corresponding sports and provide an electric experience for fans and players.
Joe Check, a sophomore in sport management, is ready to see the men’s basketball team showcase their skills in the “Old Barn”, as State hosts four games in addition to the Red & White Scrimmage. He said the new system is an extra incentive for students to be even louder.
“It’s going to be exciting to actually hear the PA announcer when someone scores so everyone can understand what’s going on,” Check said. “The RBC Center is a nice venue, but there’s nothing like the long standing basketball traditions in Reynolds Coliseum.”
