Innovative Sound Solutions for a Historic Venue
The Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, Morocco, recently underwent a significant audio makeover, thanks to the installation of 166 COSMO loudspeakers by HK Audio. This upgrade was executed in a remarkably short timeframe of just six weeks, ensuring the stadium was ready to host matches for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations football tournament in 2025/2026. With a seating capacity of 67,000, the stadium, which first opened its doors in 1955, is a cherished landmark in the Maârif district and has a storied history of hosting important matches, including six group games, a round of 16 match, and the third-place playoff during the tournament.
Challenges and Solutions in Sound Installation
The project faced unique challenges due to the stadium's acoustic environment. Notably, only one of the stands is covered, which imposed restrictions on loudspeaker placement and necessitated long-throw coverage capable of reaching distances up to 150 meters. This required careful engineering to ensure consistent sound pressure level (SPL) and intelligibility throughout the venue. The audio system was powered by over 250kW of Powersoft UNICA amplification, with system design executed using EASE 5 and Acousteer, complemented by Armonia+ for amplifier configuration. Local partner Algam Maghreb, integrator Maghrebnet, and audio consultant Melanie Ziska from SAVE Audio Solutions collaborated seamlessly to deliver a high-quality audio experience that meets the demands of an international tournament.
Kamal Fandi, BU manager at Maghrebnet, emphasized the significance of coordination and engineering prowess in delivering a project of this magnitude on such a tight schedule. He noted that the collaborative effort resulted in a future-proof audio solution designed to withstand the high expectations of elite sporting events. Additionally, Fabian Reimann, a senior application engineer at HK Audio, highlighted that the combination of long-throw capabilities and the adaptable horizontal coverage of the COSMO series ensured exceptional sound quality, affirming the stadium's status as a premier venue for high-profile tournaments.
As reported by installation-international.com.
