Opened in 2002, Federation Square is one of Melbourne’s most distinctive architectural landmarks and was added to the Victorian Heritage Register in 2019. The Edge, one of Federation Square’s performance venues, is a striking glass-walled space that hosts talks, performances, presentations and public events for audiences of up to 450.
When The Edge’s existing hearing loop became nonfunctional and beyond repair, Federation Square needed a new assisted-listening approach.
Infinium controller, transmitter, and receiver.
The Challenge
The heritage status of The Edge presented a significant technical challenge. Replacing the existing system wasn't as simple as installing another hearing loop. Strict heritage requirements limited the ability to deploy traditional assisted listening infrastructure or make invasive changes that could compromise the space's architectural integrity.
Federation Square needed a reliable, high-quality assisted listening system that could integrate with the existing AV infrastructure, provide consistent coverage throughout the venue, and preserve its visual and structural character.
Technology Selection & Deployment
Amber Technology, Williams AV's distribution partner in Australia, worked closely with Federation Square's production team to find a solution that met the venue's accessibility requirements without invasive construction.
They selected Infinium®, an Auracast™ broadcast audio system, for its ease of deployment, flexibility, and scalability. A rack-mounted Infinium controller connected easily to the venue’s existing audio sources, while a single CAT5e cable carried power, audio, and system control to the transmitter. This streamlined architecture simplified installation, and the compact transmitter could be positioned discreetly within the venue.
A single Infinium transmitter provided coverage throughout the entire space, minimizing the equipment required within the heritage-listed venue. The system delivers low-latency program audio to Auracast-compatible hearing aids, cochlear implants, earbuds and headphones, as well as dedicated Infinium receivers.
Onsite integrator Kwun Ki Lo installed and commissioned the system, working with Amber Technology and the venue team to integrate Infinium into The Edge's existing AV infrastructure while preserving the space's visual and architectural integrity.
The Results
The new Infinium system restored assisted listening capability throughout The Edge while providing a flexible platform for the future. Audiences can receive clear, low-latency program audio regardless of seating position or acoustic conditions using Auracast-compatible hearing aids, cochlear implants, earbuds or headphones. For guests without a compatible personal device, the venue provides dedicated Infinium receivers with headphones or neck loops
Just as importantly, the upgrade was accomplished without compromising the distinctive architecture that makes The Edge unique. With a single transmitter providing coverage throughout the venue, Federation Square now has a modern, scalable approach to accessible audio that preserves the character of this landmark space
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