hilton americas cs

7/31/2019 Hilton Americas Cs

1/12

CASE STUDYHilton AmericasHouston, Texas


2/12

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 digitallycontrolled systems, and by elimination of amplifier rooms the return of revenue-generating

floor space to the hotel operator.

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.

Property Profile

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


3/12

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 Benefits

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


4/12

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.

Meyer Sound Solution

Distributed system:

300 UPM-1P ultra-compact wide

coverage loudspeakers

Bass reinforcement:

12 M1D-Sub ultra-compactsubwoofers

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 InstallationFord 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


5/12

SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAM

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,



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


6/12

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 free-

standing 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 unitscan 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.

DESCRIPTION

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,




7/12

The smaller Ballroom of the Americas (26,000 square feet with 23-foot ceiling) employs 40 UPM-

1P 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 restaurantand 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 functionpushes 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


8/12

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 UPM-

1P 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 forcovering up to 700 square feet of ballroom floor space with

high fidelity sound.

The UPM-1P loudspeaker is a fully self-contained, bi-

amplified 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 low-

frequency 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.


9/12

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


10/12

When we did our SIM analysis of

the ballrooms, the response we

saw was amazing. Compared to

conventional systems, the UPM-

1P is much smoother, so you end

up with fewer spikes and dips.

That makes EQ-ing easier, andcontributes to significantly greater

gain before feedback.

Bill Schuermann,



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.


11/12

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 acousticalmodeling 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.

ABOUT MEYER SOUND

Helen and John Meyer

Meyer Sounds transducer manufacturing facility


12/12

18.9

90.2

30.0

1

Meyer Sound Laboratories Inc.2832 San Pablo AvenueBerkeley, California 94702

T: +1 510 486.1166F: +1 510 486.8356

www.meyersound.com

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

hilton americas cs

Documents