If private universities have carved their own niche of reputation and excellence in the country, a very integral part of their ‘performance’ is also contributed by their carefully created multipurpose auditorium facilities. Proving this as a case in a point is Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Auditorium of Mahindra University in Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana.
In what was a unique challenge transformed into a very ‘sonic’ pleasure, the facility was treated with reassuring sound reinforcement system recently, with the New Delhi-headquartered CMPPL integrating its excellence in sync with the design expertise of Bengaluru-based Sonics.
An SIA exclusive:
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In the modern academic India, where private universities have carved their own niche of reputation for excellence, Mahindra University in Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana has emerged to be among the top performers in the country, rolling out quality professionals by the year.
With courses spanning engineering, law, media and design, the university is recognized for academic excellence and high-tech facilities.
An integral part of the campus is the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Auditorium, a multipurpose space developed as part of a wider campus expansion and used for events, musical performances, seminars and daily classroom lectures.
To support both teaching and cultural programming, the university needed a high-performance, high-fidelity sound reinforcement system for the auditorium. A diligent scan through the maze of solution providers led to the landing of the prestigious job with the New Delhi-headquartered Communication Media Products Private Limited (CMPPL) for AV systems integration and Bengaluru-based Sonics for design consultancy.
As a sheer matter of custom solution for the typically 1100-seat large auditorium, the designer-integration combo chose to install a combination of Renkuz-Heize C Series point source system, and Audio-techhnica microphones that are apparently designed to deliver excellent speech capture as well as intelligibility and high-quality sound across every application.
Mumbai-based AV distribution major Alphatec supplied the R-H audio for the purpose built design and integration.
The design brings together two passive CX151B Complex Conic loudspeakers, ten compact, passive coaxial CX61B loudspeakers and ten DRS18-2B subwoofers, creating a full-range reinforcement solution that provides even coverage, controlled output and reliable intelligibility throughout the crescent-shaped audi space.
System design and specification scheme was led by Sriram B.R., Design Director at Sonics, with CMPPL responsible for integration.
“The large hall required an audio system that delivers strong coverage without adding unnecessary complexity or visual intrusion,” explains Sriram. “The students hitherto had to share microphones during lectures and sessions, so improving voice reinforcement was also an important consideration.”
“The auditorium is an enclosed, air-conditioned space with no windows, making acoustic control especially important,” the Sonics chief explains. “We worked closely with the architects to ensure loudspeaker placement met both acoustic and aesthetic requirements,” he further elaborated.
By integrating the system around the stage and proscenium area, with key elements mounted high above the front of the stage, we were able to direct sound precisely into the raked seating area while maintaining clear front-to-back coverage and minimizing visual impact,” he explained. “The compact C Series form factor made this easier.”
Acoustic containment was also central to the design. “It was imperative that the sound stayed within the auditorium to avoid excessive sound spill,” explains Narasa Raju, Manager at Tech Mahindra. “The new system ensures every note and every word can be heard clearly within the room, without leaking into surrounding areas of the campus.”
System control is managed via Dante and a touch panel with presets, allowing university staff to operate the room with ease. “Only a small amount of training was needed, and staff now benefit from smooth day-to-day operation,” says Raju. “The intuitive system gives us confidence that, whatever the room is being used for, the sound will perform exactly as required.”
Beyond the loudspeaker system, the auditorium was equipped with a wider AV infrastructure, including wireless microphones, a pass-around microphone, mixing, DSP, switching, video systems, screens and cameras to support teaching, presentations and event production.
The overall installation was delivered against a strict deadline, with the auditorium needing to be fully operational in time for its inauguration. “With support from Karan Kathuria, Director of Sales & Business Development, and the wider Renkus-Heinz team, minor issues were promptly resolved, helping us to keep on schedule,” explains Sriram.
The C Series system has improved day-to-day operation across the auditorium’s varied program. “Staff can operate the system with confidence, while students benefit from clear, consistent audio whether they are attending a lecture, seminar, musical performance or cultural event,” confirms Raju.
“The system sounds spectacular and delivers exactly what the university needs,” Sriram agrees. “It has become a reference point for other projects, which is a strong indication of how successful the design has been. Mahindra University had very clear objectives from the start, and that clarity helped us deliver a solution that continues to perform while leaving room for upgrades.”
The auditorium remains future-ready, with the audio system providing a strong foundation for planned enhancements such as a large video wall. The university is also considering further development, including building two additional smaller halls. “Based on the performance of the auditorium system, we would definitely consider Renkus-Heinz again for future AV rollouts at the university,” says Raju. “The system has delivered the clarity, reliability and ease of use we needed, and it has given us confidence in the technology for other spaces across campus as it develops.”
For Mahindra University, the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Auditorium now delivers the flexibility required of a modern campus venue, combining clear speech reinforcement for daily teaching with the full-range performance needed for cultural and musical events. With reliable operation, discreet integration and consistent performance, the Renkus-Heinz C Series system has become a trusted foundation for future campus AV development.
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