CLIENT
Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC)
LOCATION
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Victoria, Australia
YEAR
2019
PROJECT TYPE
Stadium Infrastructure Upgrade
Scope
Design and delivery of a new bowl-wide audio system and control infrastructure in a 100,000-seat stadium
Services Provided
- →Audio system design and modelling
- →Acoustic treatment specification
- →Control system design
- →Operator interface and user control
- →Onsite commissioning support
The Brief
The Melbourne Cricket Ground is one of the most revered sporting venues in the world. With a capacity of over 100,000, the MCG plays host to everything from AFL Grand Finals to international cricket and major ceremonial events.
The MCC engaged Auditoria to lead the design and commissioning of a comprehensive audio system upgrade that would deliver consistent, high-quality sound across every seat in the venue, including hospitality spaces and public concourses. The system also had to meet stringent standards as a certified emergency voice evacuation system.
The Challenge
The previous audio system had become outdated and difficult to manage, with patchy coverage, inconsistent tonal balance and limited flexibility. The goal was to design a modern, future-proof system that delivered clarity, coverage and intelligibility, no matter where a patron was seated.
Physically, the MCG presented several architectural hurdles:
- A roof structure that varies in height and geometry across the stadium
- Tight construction windows due to the venue’s year-round operation
- Distinct acoustic environments between the bowl, concourses, and enclosed spaces
Any solution had to navigate these challenges while preserving the character of the venue and allowing seamless operation by stadium staff.
Our Approach
We began with precise 3D acoustic modelling, using EASE and manufacturer-specific software to explore loudspeaker placement and coverage. With 44 new bowl arrays designed for optimal throw and consistency, we selected d&b audiotechnik loudspeakers, taking full advantage of their ArrayProcessing technology to fine-tune frequency response and ensure uniform listening experiences across the stadium.
Given the highly variable roof distances to seating areas, each array was individually optimised to match its geometry and listening distance, maximising impact while minimising reflections and excess energy.
In parallel, we proposed the inclusion of acoustic treatment to address the excessive reverberation in the concourse and under-balcony areas. Custom 100mm absorptive panels, manufactured by Megasorber, were integrated into the architecture to significantly reduce echo and improve speech intelligibility in these enclosed zones.
The control system was designed around redundant Q-SYS cores, supporting both day-to-day operations and emergency paging. User interfaces were tailored for stadium control rooms, security teams, and hospitality operators, ensuring intuitive access to announcements, pre-show playback and local audio feeds.
For premium experiences, touchscreen interfaces were installed in hospitality bars and restaurants, allowing real-time control of background audio, live feeds and audience mics, enhancing the atmosphere and engagement during major events.
Technical Highlights:
Audio Design
Loudspeaker System
· 44 d&b audiotechnik arrays for bowl coverage
· Extensive use of d&b ArrayProcessing for consistent frequency response
· Integrated acoustic treatment in atria and under-balcony areas with Megasorber panels
Operator Control and Signal Distribution
· Digico SD9 at the control position
· Signal routing via Digico 4REA4 and Optocore network
· Stage location racks connected via Optocore ring
· Crowd microphones with adjustable directivity based on occupancy
Installation Process
· Off-site preassembly of arrays
· Crane-lifted into position from field level during limited access windows
· Rigging solutions allowing precise alignment and final tuning
Show Control Design
Q-SYS redundant core architecture
Custom paging and playback stations
Touchscreen control interfaces for hospitality areas
Zoned control for crowd mic levels and local source selection
The Results
The upgraded system delivered a step-change in audio quality for the MCG. Feedback from both patrons and stakeholders highlighted the transformation, from the previous inconsistent and echo-prone sound to a clear, even and immersive experience across the entire stadium.
Hospitality and concourse areas, often overlooked in stadium audio upgrades, now benefit from a more welcoming and intelligible sound environment, with tailored control and better integration with bowl activity.
As a live venue, it is now equipped with a robust, flexible and future-ready audio system that meets both performance and safety needs.
Acknowledgements
Our Client
Our sincere thanks to Rey Sumaru for giving us the privilege of this iconic project and for trusting us with the sound of the G. Thanks to Susi, Tim and Raman who were with us all the way and thanks to Emma from Case Mealin for managing this project so well.
Our Team
The audio system design was by Scott Willsallen and Luis Miranda with Justin Arthur assisting with the commissioning of the system. The project design team included Irwin Consult and Wonder Works with Emma Pearce from Case Mealin as project manager.
Our Supplier
Congratulations to Dan Woodward and Matt Edgecumbe from Ruteldge AV, a Diversified Company, and their amazing team for their high-quality work and delivering such a complex installation in a venue as busy as the G. There was plenty of personal and company pride involved in this project and it shows in the quality of the installation.
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