The newest addition to London’s Heathrow Airport, Terminal Five is a massive £4.3 billion (US $8.5 billion) project as large as the city’s Hyde Park, and is designed to handle 35 million passengers a year. With glass walls offering a fantastic view of Windsor Castle, the Terminal boasts modern technology including advanced baggage handling and a state-of-the-art Meyer Sound audio system which enhances the traveler’s experience at the World Duty Free stores throughout the terminal.

Designed and installed by Bradford, UK-based Pro Audio Systems, the integrated AV system was commissioned by World Duty Free to provide a multimedia marketing and entertainment package for its seven elaborate stores, which feature cocktail bars and beauty events areas. The sound system employs four Meyer Sound UPM-1P loudspeakers, seven M1D-Sub subwoofers, and a total of 74 four-inch cube MM-4 miniature loudspeakers, many of which are custom-painted to match the décor.

As Pro Audio’s Managing Director Brian Lumb explains, the system is designed to be heard and not seen. “Aesthetics has been a major consideration,� says Lumb. “And the brief specified a design that integrated visually into the semi-open ceiling structure. The MM-4 is a natural choice due to its size and stunning performance.�

The system is grouped into 13 zones across the seven stores. Most of the zones comprise a single M1D-Sub grouped with a pair of UPM-1Ps or multiple MM-4s. The system is designed to function as an integrated network to deliver special music presentations and soft ambient sound.

As Lumb explains, system flexibility is key. “Live events will be held occasionally, such as a musical performance or a celebrity makeover,� says Lumb. “The new sound system can be zoned to integrate with one or more digital screens. It can also run a single program or multiple programs simultaneously, depending on what’s going on at any given time.�

With the tight scheduling for this scalable project, Lumb reports that the low profile and the outstanding sound quality of the Meyer Sound system have made a strong impression on the team. “The Meyer system exceeded even our own expectations. People couldn’t believe what they were hearing when they encountered the MM-4s.�

Mark Riches, managing director of World Duty Free adds, “We’re delighted with the results. Pro Audio Systems and Meyer Sound have helped us to realize our ambition of a world-class store with world-class systems. The audio system is second to none.�

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