Know-how

NMM: NEXUS macht's möglich (Driven By NEXUS)

May 1999: With their two state-of-the-art broadcasting studios, thirteen audio-networked fair halls, and countless large and small event locations featuring digital audio facilities, the NMM (»Neue Messe München«, New Munich Fairgrounds) and the International Congress Center Munich (ICM) are raising the international standards for fairs and conventions. This extensive CANTUS/NEXUS installation includes not only seven digital main consoles and four CANTUS slave consoles but also a NEXUS audio net composed of thirteen (partly mobile, partly fixed) base devices in the ICM plus another 26 NEXUS base devices for intercom and sound reinforcement on the fairgrounds.

Thirteen exhibition halls, an outdoor exhibition area, and the International Congress Center Munich (ICM) were erected on the site of the former airport Munich Riem.

The Fair Within the Fair

The requirement was a flexible yet reliable system able to deliver a clear signal over long distances. An installation based on NEXUS should prove to be the ideal solution. NEXUS delivers the sought-after flexibility, can easily be programmed, and yields a high level of reliability; due to the fibre-optics, long-distance signal transmission is less of a problem.

A total of 26 NEXUS base devices and 120 input devices form the heart of the installation. They can be configured in many different ways, creating 23 local control units. Each of these units is integrated into a hierarchical structure. The individual unit either controls a very narrow paging zone but can also address one or more of the other »local« units. This setup provides the flexibility needed for the »fair-within-the-fair« concept.

Prerecorded Announcements Prevent Panic

All control units work independently and can restrict paging functions to a very small area. By this means, announcements are made only for a specific part of the exhibition ground. Prerecorded messages stored to each of the 23 control units are helpful to the staff; they can be triggered by the push of a button and are available not only in German, but also in English, French, and Spanish. This is a very efficient method for preventing panic in the event of an emergency evacuation.

Besides giving the alarm to people on a local scale, more than one station may be addressed by a dedicated priority system. Designated input devices are located throughout the entire exhibition site, giving emergency crews access to the paging system.

Easy Setup in the Routing Center

All the programming is done in the routing center on a regular PC. A graphical user interface makes it easy for the operator to configure the entire system, and it takes only a few days of training to be able to perform all tasks. Large exhibitions like »SYSTEMS« require a lot of planning. Once implemented, the setup for »SYSTEMS« is stored to a hard disk and will be available for next year's »SYSTEMS«, with no need for reprogramming. A big advantage of the fully digital installation.

The Key Feature: Reliability

NexPage continuously monitors of all components. Any error will be indicated immediately in the routing center. Automatic monitoring includes all loudspeakers, amplifiers, and wiring. Extra fibre-optic cables provide redundancy, and in combination with UPS units guarantee uninterrupted operation. If a situation arose that the Munich staff cannot handle, SAAVS Salzbrenner will provide for instant remote service.

Sound Reinforcement Included

Being a digital router, NEXUS not only provides the heart of the paging system but also surprises with superior audio quality. All signals are digitized with 22-bit resolution at 48 KHz and are distributed without any deterioration. It soon became clear to the management that the »Neue Messe München« had a sound reinforcement system at no extra cost thanks to NexPage.

During the opening ceremony, NexPage was used to transfer audio signals from hall B1, where the event took place, to all other exhibition halls. All this was achieved without additional wiring, amplifiers, or mixing consoles. Just using NexPage! Today, the management can offer this feature to all exhibitors. A communications network is used to connect an input device located on an exhibition booth to the nearest NEXUS base device. This network usually provides telephone lines, Ethernet connections, etc. for the exhibitors but it can also be configured to give access to NexPage. Now, with an input device right on the stand, an exhibitor can address his visitors directly via the microphone. He can announce special events, host a panel meeting, or hold a press conference. The input device allows for external inputs as well. So it is easy, for example, to hook up a CD player. The input devices also provide talkback lines, so communication between two or more exhibition booths of one company becomes very easy. There is no hassle with renting and installing a separate PA system. The exhibition-grounds management can offer a unique service that generates additional income without further investment. General or emergency announcements always have a higher priority and will mute all other signals. There is enough capacity to run all 120 input devices at the same time.

The »Neue Messe München« proves that more than the paging requirement can be achieved with a system based on NEXUS. NexPage yields some extra benefits: flexible paging zones, prerecorded announcements, central programming and monitoring, remote servicing, and last but not least a high-quality sound-reinforcement system.
It should come as no surprise that many other installations of NexPage will follow soon.