CASE STUDY

Hilton Americas Houston, Texas

Property Prole

Hilton Americas 1600 Lamar Street Houston, TX 77010 Opened: December 15, 2003 Project cost: $285 million Project scope: 1.8 million gross square feet 1200 guest rooms 2 dividable ballrooms, 40,000 square feet and 26,000 square feet 30 meeting rooms 93,500 square feet total meeting and banquet space

If youre going to run fiber optic cable, then it doesnt make sense to run all those 70-volt lines as well. Using the self-powered Meyer Sound systems greatly simplified everything, both conceptually and logistically.
Bill Schuermann, Senior Design Consultant, HFP Acoustical Consultants Inc.

OVERVIEW
With its unprecedented level of embedded digital infrastructure, the new Hilton Americas in Houston, Texas, offers a first look at AV systems for the convention hotels of the future. Going beyond the now-familiar fiber optic backbone, Hilton Americas extends high-bandwidth connectivity for audio, video and data signals throughout the hotel, with dedicated fiber runs carried to individual wall and floor panel locations. Additionally, the hotel has adopted a revolutionary approach to distributed plenum loudspeaker systems, with nearly 300 compact, self-powered Meyer Sound loudspeakers installed throughout meeting rooms and public spaces. Compared to traditional 70-volt ceiling systems, these self-powered systems provide significantly improved audio performance: higher power, lower distortion and wider bandwidth. Other benefits include lower installation costs (because fewer units are needed), flexible integration into digitally controlled systems, and by elimination of amplifier rooms the return of revenue-generating floor space to the hotel operator.

Challenges High ambient noise in high traffic areas and for some events HVAC can restrict loudspeaker placement options Ceiling loudspeaker systems not normally a budget priority Key Requirements Long-term cost efficiencies Reliable performance, low maintenance requirements Conformity with electrical code requirements Key Benets Improve uniformity of coverage and voice intelligibility Provide greater dynamic range and extended bandwidth for music playback Reduce the need for portable rental systems Require fewer loudspeaker locations for a cleaner ceiling appearance Reduce or eliminate dedicated, air-conditioned rooms for amplifiers

Meyer Sound Solution

Distributed system:

SYSTEM DESIGN
Principal designer Bill Schuermann specified Meyer Sound self-powered loudspeaker systems as an integral part of the overall design concept for audio, video and data systems throughout the hotel property. The audio component of the system was designed to achieve two goals: first, to significantly improve audio quality in comparison to typical hotel ceiling systems, and second, to integrate seamlessly into the hotels unique, fully distributed digital fiber optic infrastructure. Using Meyer Sound MAPP Online acoustical prediction software, Schuermann discovered that distributed systems of UPM-1P ultra-compact wide coverage loudspeakers would provide substantial improvements in intelligibility and music fidelity compared to conventional approaches, even when using about half the number of loudspeaker locations. Also, because each UPM-1P is a fully self-contained unit, with amplifiers and signal processing housed within the cabinet, each loudspeaker is individually addressable by the Soundweb digital audio distribution network. This capability affords greater flexibility in reconfiguring the audio system for different ballroom configurations. As an additional benefit, the self-powered loudspeakers reduced both space and HVAC requirements for amplifier rooms.

300 UPM-1P ultra-compact wide coverage loudspeakers

Bass reinforcement:

12

M1D-Sub ultra-compact subwoofers

System Optimization:

SIM audio analzyer System Credits

System Design

Bill Schuermann, Senior Design Consultant Thaddeus Leopoulos, Design Associate HFP Acoustical Consultants, Inc. 6001 Savoy Drive, Suite 115 Houston, TX 77036 713.789.9400
AV System Installation

Ford Audio-Video 4800 W Interstate 40 Oklahoma City, OK 73128 405.946.9991

Bill Schuermann and Thaddeus Leopoulos

Control center for routing all video and audio

SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAM

Architects

Gensler (lead) 700 Milam Street Suite 400 Houston, TX 77002 713.228.8050 ARQ (design) 550 Brickell Avenue Suite 200 Miami, FL 33131 305.372.1812
Owner

Houston Convention Center Hotel Corporation

Operator/management

Hilton Hotels Corporation

Putting powered loudspeakers in a distributed ceiling system seems like a radical concept at first, but then you look at the one-line drawing and its remarkably simple. You have a wall plate, DSP and a powered device done!
Bill Schuermann, Senior Design Consultant HFP Acoustical Consultants Inc.

DESCRIPTION
Although the basic concept was pioneered earlier on a smaller scale, Hilton Americas marks the first major convention hotel to feature extensive utilization of high-quality, self-powered loudspeakers in ceiling audio systems. Nearly 300 Meyer Sound UPM-1P ultra-compact wide coverage systems are installed throughout the property, providing high fidelity audio in all meeting and banquet rooms, as well as in most high-ceiling pre-function and public spaces. In all applications, the self-powered systems provide improved overall audio performance while requiring only about half the number of installation points as would be needed using conventional ceiling loudspeakers. Also, each loudspeaker is a discrete, independently addressable unit, an advantage which greatly simplifies integration with the newest generation of computer-controlled digital signal processing and routing systems. To facilitate quick installation, each UPM-1P cabinet was fitted with audio and AC power pigtail wiring before being brought to the job site. Most of the loudspeakers are plenum mounted in fire code-approved backboxes, though in a few open-ceiling applications the units are mounted freestanding on an adjustable U-bracket. Ballroom Applications The largest Meyer Sound loudspeaker complements are installed in the hotels two main ballrooms. Here, the self-powered systems afford superior voice intelligibility along with the power and clarity required for the sound effects and music now incorporated into presentations of all kinds. Because fewer units are needed in comparison to conventional systems, problems with interference (comb filtering) between adjacent coverage zones are minimized. Also, because units can be controlled individually, delay times can be optimized for each available room configuration, something difficult or impossible to achieve with conventional systems. A total of 66 UPM-1P loudspeakers provide coverage in the Grand Ballroom: four in each of the 12 sub-sections plus six in each of the three corridors formed when the room is partitioned by Smart Walls. The full ballroom configuration offers nearly 40,000 square feet of floor space and accommodates up to 3,500 guests in theater seating. Because of the large room volume (27-foot ceiling height), the audio systems bass reproduction is augmented by 12 M1D-Sub ultra-compact subwoofers, one in each of the room divisions.

When you walk around the hotel, it just sounds good. For example, with background music, a piano sounds like a real piano, and a singers voice sounds completely natural. And when somebody is paged, you can clearly hear the announcement everywhere.
Bill Schuermann, Senior Design Consultant HFP Acoustical Consultants Inc.

The smaller Ballroom of the Americas (26,000 square feet with 23-foot ceiling) employs 40 UPM1P loudspeakers: six in each of the rectangular room divisions, and four over the corridor area formed when the room is split into two main sections. Meeting Room Applications Hilton Americas offers 30 meeting rooms, varying in size from 550 square feet to 800 square feet, all with 10-foot ceilings. Up to 4000 square feet of contiguous meeting space is available through room combining. Four board rooms are available, three on the third floor and one on the 24th floor. Audio for these rooms is supplied by UPM-1Ps in plenum enclosures, normally two per room section. In meeting applications, the flat frequency and phase response of the UPM-1P allows greater gain before feedback ensures high intelligibility with a natural voice quality even at the extreme rear of larger room combinations. Restaurant and Lounge Applications The self-powered UPM-1P loudspeakers are used exclusively for the first floor theme restaurant and lounge (Spencers for Steaks and Chops), as well as for the top floor Skyline Bar and Grill. In these spaces, the concert-quality UPM-1P loudspeakers provide exceptional music reproduction, allowing either conscious or subliminal enjoyment at levels conducive to normal conversation. Fitness Center Applications In the hotels Skyline Spa and Health Club, the wide dynamic range and flat power response of the UPA-1P allow exceptional flexibility to meet varying requirements. If patrons want a loud, energetic music program carried over high ambient noise levels, the ten UPM-1Ps have headroom to spare. However, when lower levels are desired (to allow individual listening on headphones), the UPM-1P system still maintains crisp, full-bodied response. Lobby, Pre-function and Other Public Space Applications The balance of the hotel complement of UPM-1P systems is in public spaces with higher ceilings, normally 12 feet or more. In these applications, the UPM-1P provides higher output levels with lower distortion than would be possible with conventional ceiling systems. The result is a much wider coverage area, greater intelligibility for paging announcements, and a more natural quality to the background music program.

We are still learning all the system can do. Each function pushes us a little bit farther as we explore our capabilities. I look forward to showcasing all we can do here.
George Rivas, Director of IT and Telecommunications Hilton Americas

SYSTEM COMPONENTS
UPM-1P ultra-compact wide coverage loudspeaker Remarkably compact and lightweight (6.69 w x 18.00 h x 7.70 d, 21 pounds) for a self-powered system, the UPM1P produces surprisingly high sound levels with extremely low distortion. The symmetrical 100-degree pattern provides uniform coverage across a wide listening area, with exceptionally flat frequency and phase response for high fidelity music reproduction. The UPM-1P loudspeakers extraordinary combination of high performance and trim dimensions have made it a favorite for a wide variety of demanding applications, including main speakers in smaller AV and theatrical systems, and for fill systems in premier Broadway productions and concert hall installations. In this hotel application, the UPM-1P supplies ample power for covering up to 700 square feet of ballroom floor space with high fidelity sound. The UPM-1P loudspeaker is a fully self-contained, biamplified system. The high-frequency section comprises a 1-inch metal dome tweeter, while the low/mid section utilizes two 5-inch transducers that function as a two-way system: both drivers work together for maximum lowfrequency power, while above 500 Hz one driver rolls off to prevent lobing and maintain a uniform coverage pattern. In addition to a two-channel amplifier with 350 watts total power and complementary MOSFET output stages, the modular electronics package includes an active crossover, proprietary frequency and phase alignment circuits, sophisticated driver protection circuits, and a robust power supply with internal transient voltage protection.

M1D-Sub ultra-compact subwoofer The M1D-Sub operates in the 35 to 160 Hz range, and is used in the Hilton Americas Grand Ballroom to augment low frequency power. The self-powered M1D-Sub can produce 130 dB peak SPL (at 1 meter), yet the cabinet is sufficiently small and lightweight to allow easy installation in ceiling plenum applications. The M1D-Sub incorporates dual 10-inch drivers with neodymium magnets and 2-inch voice coils, driven by a two-channel 450-watt amplifier. Integral peak and RMS limiters, featuring Meyer Sounds TruPower limiting technology, protect the loudspeaker components from overexcursion or overheating while still allowing maximum peak headroom.

Lowell model C30-0140 backbox The Lowell C30-0140 is an acoustic backbox and perforated grille specifically designed for secure, recessed installation of the UPM-1P ultra-compact wide coverage loudspeaker. The backbox is formed from 18-gauge steel and includes acoustical treatment, cooling fan, single gang EO box, built-in loudspeaker brackets, and eyebolts for suspension. Finish is black powder epoxy paint; the grille has a paintable white powder epoxy finish.
UPM Backbox Source

Lowell Manufacturing 100 Integram Drive Pacific, MO 63069 800.325.9660

When we did our SIM analysis of the ballrooms, the response we saw was amazing. Compared to conventional systems, the UPM1P is much smoother, so you end up with fewer spikes and dips. That makes EQ-ing easier, and contributes to significantly greater gain before feedback.
Bill Schuermann, Senior Design Consultant HFP Acoustical Consultants Inc.

Meyer Sound SIM audio analyzer The main audio systems at Hilton Americas were aligned and calibrated using Meyer Sounds SIM audio analyzer. In the ballroom systems, precise alignment using the SIM analyzer contributed to a flat system response with very high gain before feedback at all points in the room. In addition, the SIM analzyer facilitated fast measurement of delay presets in the DSP controllers, ensuring smooth system response regardless of room configurations. Created by Meyer Sound, SIM is a Meyer Sound trademark for a highly developed analyzer for source independent measurement. The technique is a dual-channel acoustical analysis method in which the excitation signal may be independent of not generated or determined by the measurement system. Source independent measurement uses faster, high-resolution algorithms that substantially decrease errors and achieve more precision than conventional dual-FFT techniques. Source independent measurement provides the information required to verify the components of a sound system including polarity, distortion, dynamic range, coverage and more. The combined components can then be precisely aligned using the SIM audio analyzers capability to guide the process of setting crossover parameters, delay times, equalization, level and speaker positioning. FInd our more at www.meyersound.com.

ABOUT MEYER SOUND

Established by John and Helen Meyer in 1979, Meyer Sound has been at the forefront of innovation in professional audio systems for more than a quarter century. Much more than simply a loudspeaker manufacturer, Meyer Sound takes a unified, all-encompassing approach to sound systems. The company not only manufactures the worlds most complete line of self-powered loudspeakers with all amplifiers and signal processing built into the cabinet but also develops advanced tools for sound system design and measurement, including the MAPP Online acoustical modeling program and the renowned SIM audio analyzer. As a privately owned and fully independent enterprise, Meyer Sound is uniquely positioned to respond quickly and creatively to the needs of the sound reinforcement market. Customer service is available through the companys headquarters in California as well as four U.S. field offices, six international subsidiaries, and a network of dealers and distributors in more than 100 countries worldwide. Meyer Sound systems can be found in the worlds premier concert halls, theaters, and performing arts centers, as well as in major sports stadiums and arenas, and on tour with internationally known musical acts ranging from opera to rock.
Helen and John Meyer

Meyer Sounds transducer manufacturing facility

Meyer Sound Laboratories Inc. 2832 San Pablo Avenue Berkeley, California 94702 T: +1 510 486.1166 F: +1 510 486.8356 www.meyersound.com
18.990.230.01

UPM-1P and M1D-Sub and all alphanumeric product designations are trademarks of Meyer Sound. Meyer Sound, Meyer Sound MAPP Online, SIM and the Meyer Sound wave logo are registered in the United States Patent