RCF Unveils Stuttgart’s MHP Arena Mega-Watt Audio Upgrade

The new cutting-edge sound system at the MHP Arena Stuttgart serves its 61,000 seats and public areas with unparalleled RCF sound quality. Meeting UEFA and FIFA standards, the system has received high praise since its debut in August 2023. Over 11 tons of equipment, featuring more than 400 speaker modules that deliver over 1 megawatt of continuous power. The audio system also functions as a voice alarm system to bolster safety protocols.

Stuttgart is renowned as the first regional stadium to host 1,000 Bundesliga matches. Established in the 1930s, it has been a cornerstone for Bundesliga sporting events since 1963. The renovation project, which includes a new media infrastructure, signifies a leap towards enhancing Stuttgart's position on the global stage for sports. After rigorous demonstrations and assessments, RCF was chosen for its superior performance.

Ebert Ingenieure's Managing Director, Matthias Zorn, led the project, while Richard Merget of RM Audio Engineering ensured adherence to all specifications. AVEO GmbH, a leading firm in media technology, managed the installation, working closely with Marcus Bretschneider, Head of Arena Operations and Services at VfB Stuttgart.

“The roof structure of the MHPArena is based on ring-shaped and radial steel cables. Both the attachment and the dimensioning of the loudspeaker systems and their mounts were therefore subject to considerable restrictions. The use of standard rigging components was not possible.” comments Wolfgang Huber from AVEO, as he describes a few of the challenges during the early stages. "Despite this, the installation was worth the effort, we developed special components for rigging and our collaboration with the RCF ESG team made the integration much easier. The focus was on optimizing the weight of the overall system."

Georg Hofmann of RCF Germany's Engineering Support Group offered his expertise in planning and implementing logistical and technological requirements. Hofmann noted the need for a system capable of handling extreme sound levels while ensuring clear speech intelligibility throughout the stadium. "The dual use of the system as a voice alarm plays a crucial role, as it aids in the efficient evacuation of the stadium during emergencies without the need to install a secondary audio system," Hofmann explained, highlighting the importance of tailored solutions.

The installation includes [187] HL 40WP line array modules, [36] HL 38-S subwoofers, [16] HL2290/HL2260 horn speakers, [73] P 4228W speaker modules, and [32] Compact C45. Powered by [66] RCF’s XPS 16KD amplifiers connected on a Dante™ network, the system boasts 264 channels, each with 4,000 Watts of continuous power. Specifically designed Q-Sys plug-ins allow sound system control and monitoring for seamless media management. Since being operational, the new RCF system has garnered positive feedback for its exceptional coverage and sound quality