Having installed a Martin Audio public address (PA) system at Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium more than a decade ago, Alan Inkster and his company Imperium Integration returned to the project to completely renew the PA/VA infrastructure—this time using the British manufacturer’s latest technologies. At the heart of the upgrade were TORUS constant-curvature line array systems.
As part of a broader stadium refurbishment in preparation for Leeds United’s return to the Premier League and an increase in capacity, more than 100 Martin Audio loudspeakers were meticulously positioned throughout all four stands—including the corners—as well as across TV production studios, hospitality areas, and ancillary spaces to ensure seamless coverage. This investment reflects the growing vision of club owner 49ers Enterprises, enhancing the matchday experience while fully meeting all life-safety requirements.
Project Approach
Alan Inkster summarizes the process as follows:
“The club’s existing PA system had reached the end of its operational life. In the first phase of the contract, around three years ago, we evaluated various solutions. However, by the time the order was placed, TORUS had been launched, and we switched the project to TORUS. The timing was perfect. As a constant-curvature line array, it delivers outstanding performance in a stadium of this scale—almost as if it were designed specifically for this environment. We tested it alongside other systems, and the results were genuinely impressive both sonically and acoustically.”
Imperium’s recommendation was approved by the club, and each stand was equipped with TORUS T1230 (12-inch, 30° constant-curvature) line array systems.
“With TORUS, we maintained tonal consistency across all stands. When different loudspeakers are used, tonal character changes. We needed more low-frequency energy, and thanks to TORUS’s reasonable weight, we were able to include subwoofers in a flown configuration without placing excessive demands on the structural engineers.”
System Configuration
East Stand:
Six three-box TORUS arrays, each supported by an SXCF118 cardioid subwoofer, with dual TORUS arrays for the upper tier.
North Stand:
Six TORUS arrays (every alternate array supported by an SXCF118 subwoofer).
West Stand:
Eight TORUS arrays (every alternate array with subwoofers); due to physical obstructions created by the press gantry, CDD12 loudspeakers were used at the rear.
South Stand:
Six TORUS arrays (with subwoofers on alternate arrays).
To ensure continuous coverage in the stadium corners, additional three-box TORUS T1230 arrays were installed. These arrays were designed to be lowered and removed when required. As the club did not want cranes or heavy machinery used for PA system adjustment, the system was fully flown, with dual-drum electric hoists integrated into each array.
Other Areas
In the remaining areas of the stadium, Imperium selected Martin Audio’s CDD Series and Blackline loudspeakers.
- In the broadcast studio—also used as private hospitality suites—eight CDD5 loudspeakers were installed.
- In the 2,000 m² Centenary Pavilion event space, Blackline X12 loudspeakers were used.
- In Yeboah’s Crossbar, the hospitality area opposite the East Stand, CDD LIVE 12 systems were specified.
- Approximately 40 banqueting rooms, executive boxes, bars, and other areas were equipped with Optimal Audio Cuboid 6, along with 20 Cuboid 5 loudspeakers installed throughout the stadium.
Result
Alan Inkster highlights how TORUS addressed many critical project requirements:
“Each stand is completely different in terms of structure and materials, which creates significant acoustic challenges. TORUS answered around 95% of the questions the stadium posed. The ability to implement semi-permanent flown installations, the robustness of the metalwork, and the ease of installation made the entire process extremely efficient.”
Considering load-bearing limitations in older stands, TORUS’s lightweight design proved to be a major advantage:
“The weight savings we achieved with TORUS allowed us to incorporate subwoofers into the system as well.”
Inkster also praises TORUS’s build quality, aesthetics, and its 15°–30° curvature options (although only one angle was used in this project).
To further enhance intelligibility, Martin Audio DISPLAY 3 software was actively employed:
“Direct SPL control is critical in a noisy stadium environment.”
Overall Assessment
“The feedback from the club was outstanding. The moment we installed the first array in the South Stand, the difference was immediately apparent. Compared to the old system, the improvement was incredible. When you work with uncompressed sound, the true performance of the system really comes through.”
Inkster also emphasizes the importance of partnership in projects of this scale:
“Martin Audio was fully involved from start to finish and extremely collaborative throughout the process—just as they were during the original installation. That’s one of the reasons we chose Martin Audio… because we don’t forget that.”
