Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena, one of the Middle East’s most high-profile multi-purpose entertainment venues, has just completed a major sound system upgrade using the latest loudspeaker system technologies from d&b audiotechnik. Including the extraordinary full-bandwidth directivity of the GSL, KSL, XSL and SL-SUB products from the SL-Series, plus the very latest Compact Cardioid Line Array (CCL), the finished system delivers clean and consistent sound across the entire 17,000-capacity venue. “At Coca-Cola Arena, we aim for five-star quality in every detail of the audience and artist experience. Choosing d&b audiotechnik was about more than technology – it was about partnering with a brand that our team and our technical experts truly trust. This installation represents the pinnacle of audio performance, ensuring that every seat in the house receives the same exceptional standard,” said Mark Jan Kar, General Manager of the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai and SVP of Entertainment, Content, and Programming for Legends Global (MENA).
The d&b team was led by Brad Maiden, General Manager of the Middle East office in Dubai and included Steve Jones, Head of Education & Application Support (EMEA). They worked closely with the Arena’s sound crew and representatives from Coca-Cola Arena and Legends Global to refine the system design, then brought in one of the world’s most respected live sound engineers, Marc Carolan (Muse), to fine-tune the installation. Carolan commented: ”I’m very familiar with GSL and KSL systems in arenas, but being part of a permanent installation and having the time to really listen and refine things – without my production manager shouting at me – has been great. Steve and the whole team have done a fantastic job. The system is world-class.” Jones added: “In an arena, controlling sound is notoriously difficult. That’s why the SL-Series is so valuable: its signature cardioid behaviour ensures that as you move to the sides or behind the arrays, levels drop off consistently across all frequencies.”
Of the new CCL, he adds, “Despite its compact size, it still delivers cardioid control down to the lowest frequencies, which is remarkable. It slots in perfectly with the larger SL-Series cabinets, meaning we can provide effective cardioid solutions for any space, maintaining intelligibility and clarity from front to back.” The new solution, aimed at giving the venue’s audiences the best possible sound experience while being rider-friendly, is designed with multiple levels of coverage that can be activated or deactivated as needed by the multi-purpose venue, enabling flexible control for any type of event, without compromising sound quality. The main system was finessed using d&b’s ArrayProcessing software. On the control side, a complete Milan network is implemented. “Consistent coverage is critical. I’ve been a long-time d&b user, and I know I can rely on their systems to deliver coverage as promised. Tonality is equally important. What I love about GSL in particular is that it isn’t just a technical tool – it feels like a musical instrument. It has a very natural, musical quality that allows the art to really shine,” said Carolan.
Mark Jan Kar added: “Having d&b’s modular audio systems allows us to seamlessly transform the Arena from concerts to sporting events to corporate shows, at speed and without compromise. That flexibility is critical given the volume and diversity of our business. This upgrade ensures we can compete with the world’s top venues – not only in terms of sound quality for artists and audiences, but also in the efficiency with which we deliver events. Our ambition is to be the region’s must-play venue, and investing in the best possible infrastructure, including audio, gives us that edge.”
“At d&b we work with the world’s top tours, venues, and artists,” says Maiden, “and it’s been a pleasure collaborating with Coca-Cola Arena and Legends Global to help create this benchmark for entertainment in the Middle East. The installation of our flagship SL-Series further elevates Coca-Cola Arena on the global stage, as a venue known for technical excellence and world-class quality, something we’re thrilled to be part of.”
