Sydney Girls High School

St Vincent College: Outdoor Audio Upgrade for a School’s Courtyard Space

Set among a beautiful backdrop of manicured gardens and a charming chapel, this open courtyard sits at the heart of the school’s community. It’s a space for assemblies, masses, and ceremonies — moments that bring the whole school together.

Our team was engaged to bring modern performance and functionality into this unique setting. The goal was simple: to deliver crystal-clear, flexible, and user-friendly audio while preserving the courtyard’s heritage charm.

Outdoor environments require careful acoustic planning and robust, weather-resistant equipment. For this project, we installed JBL Control 31-WH speakers with MTC-30UB-WH brackets, providing even, high-quality sound coverage across the entire courtyard without visually dominating the space.

Powering the system are Crown CDI DriveCore 4x1200 and 2x1200 amplifiers, delivering strength and reliability for every event. A Yamaha TF-Rack digital mixer serves as the control hub, giving precise audio control through a clean, professional interface.

To complement the system, we installed a Shure ULXD wireless microphone package, combining handheld, lapel, and lectern microphones to suit every type of presentation, service, or performance. The inclusion of rechargeable battery docking, antenna distribution, and gooseneck bases ensures reliable, professional-grade operation throughout.

All equipment was connected to the school’s dedicated AV VLAN, allowing full system control over the network. This integration enables staff to operate the entire audio setup wirelessly from anywhere in the courtyard using a tablet or mobile device.

Custom audio presets were commissioned to suit different types of events, creating multi-zone configurations for flexible use of the courtyard. This means the venue can easily switch between small ceremony setups and full-area assemblies — all at the touch of a button.

To make playback simple, we added an Aero Link Bluetooth module and Neutrik wall plate connectors, allowing for quick connection of laptops, tablets, or phones. All components were securely installed into a ShowCase 18RU rack cabinet with integrated power distribution, ensuring tidy presentation and long-term protection of the system.

This project beautifully bridges the gap between tradition and technology, blending the school’s heritage architecture with a cutting-edge AV system. The result is a versatile, high-performance space where sound carries naturally, control is simple and wireless, and every assembly, mass, and ceremony feels elevated. From the first speech to the final note, the courtyard now delivers a modern audio experience worthy of its timeless surroundings.

Technology Highlights:

• JBL Control 31-WH speakers with MTC-30UB-WH brackets
• Crown CDI DriveCore 4x1200 & 2x1200 amplifiers
• Yamaha TF-Rack digital mixer (AV VLAN integrated, wireless control capable)
• Shure ULXD wireless microphone system (handheld, lapel & gooseneck mics)
• Shure SBC battery docking station, power supply & antenna distribution
• Aero Link Bluetooth audio input
• Neutrik wall plate connectors
• ShowCase 18RU rack cabinet with vertical PDU power distribution
• Custom audio presets & multi-zone configuration

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Services Provided:

• Design and installation of a complete outdoor audio system for assemblies, masses, and ceremonies
• Integration with the school’s AV VLAN for wireless system control from any location in the courtyard
• Configuration of custom audio presets and multi-zone operation for flexible event setups
• Installation of wireless microphone systems and Bluetooth connectivity for versatile use
• Supply and commissioning of all equipment, full system testing and staff training

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