A Moving Nightclub Powered by Electro-Voice sound and SimpleMotion design
As part of Vivid Sydney 2024, the Tekno Train offered festival-goers a unique blend of music, light, and movement. Created by renowned Australian composer Paul Mac, this immersive experience transformed a Sydney Trains double-decker K Set into a moving nightclub. At the heart of the event was the combination of an expertly engineered lighting and audio system that responded to the speed and movement of the train, enhancing the sensory experience for passengers. Electro-Voice loudspeakers, distributed by Jands, played a crucial role in delivering high-quality audio across the train carriages, ensuring that every beat of the techno soundtrack resonated with clarity.
The Challenge
The Tekno Train presented several significant challenges in terms of both sound and lighting installation. The system had to be lightweight and compact to accommodate the limited space within the train carriages, while still delivering powerful, high-quality sound. Furthermore, the solution had to withstand the constant vibrations, speed variations, and challenging acoustics of a moving train. All components also needed to comply with strict safety standards set by Sydney Trains, including rigorous health and safety tests for the speakers and other equipment. Additionally, the integration between sound and lighting had to be seamless, with both systems reacting dynamically to the train’s movement and surrounding environment. With no cabling allowed between carriages, a robust wireless solution was essential for maintaining synchronisation across the train’s four carriages.
The Solution: Electro-Voice ELX200 Series
Electro-Voice loudspeakers were selected for the Tekno Train due to their compact size, high output, and durability. The Electro-Voice ELX200-10P loudspeakers offered the ideal combination of features to meet the unique demands of this project. With a high-efficiency Class-D amplifier capable of delivering up to 130 dB SPL and integrated QuickSmartDSP, the ELX200-10P provided the powerful, clear audio needed to fill the train carriages, despite the challenging acoustics of a moving environment.
The compact size of the speakers made them easy to mount in the limited space available, and their rugged design ensured they could withstand the vibrations and movements experienced throughout the train journey. Importantly, the Electro-Voice speakers met all Sydney Trains’ stringent safety requirements, including pHRR burn test data and vibration test data, which were supplied by Bosch Germany.
Jonathan Boer, General Manager of SimpleMotion.Lighting, explained the importance of choosing the right speakers: “Electro-Voice loudspeakers were chosen for their combination of durability, compact size, and superior sound quality. Their wide dispersion capabilities ensured even sound coverage throughout each carriage, while the high SPL allowed for clear, impactful audio.”
Seamless Integration of Light and Sound
SimpleMotion was responsible for designing and installing both the lighting and audio systems on the Tekno Train, ensuring a fully integrated experience for passengers. Using a custom wireless network, SimpleMotion developed a solution that allowed for real-time control of lighting and sound across all carriages, synchronised with the train’s speed and environment.
Jands, as the distributor of the Electro-Voice speakers, collaborated with SimpleMotion and the creative team to ensure the audio system met the project’s needs. Weekly meetings with Paul Mac and the rest of the creative team over the course of a year ensured that all technical and creative requirements were addressed, from the initial concept to the final installation.
Jonathan Boer described the complexity of the installation: “The Tekno Train presented several unique challenges, such as the inability to run cabling between carriages, which required a robust wireless solution for both audio and lighting. SimpleMotion engineered a wireless network that allowed for real-time control and synchronisation across multiple carriages without compromising performance.”
The Tekno Train offered two unique routes: a family-friendly route over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and a more intense, techno-driven route through the city’s tunnels. The music, written by Paul Mac, was designed to reflect the environment, changing tempo and intensity to match the movement and speed of the train. Electro-Voice loudspeakers ensured that every sound was crisp and immersive, enhancing the dynamic nature of the experience.
Audience feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many citing the synchronised sound and light show as a highlight of Vivid Sydney 2024. The Tekno Train sold out before the event began, despite minimal advertising, and became one of the most talked-about experiences of the festival.
