A suite of Powersoft amplifier platforms is at the heart of a newly upgraded public address and voice alarm (PA/VA) system at Elland Road Stadium in Leeds, England, home to Leeds United Football Club.
UK-based systems integrator ImPerium Integration designed and delivered the new EN 54-compliant PA/VA system using a mix of Powersoft’s Ottocanali, Unica and Mezzo series amplifiers. The update was designed to meet modern safety standards while enhancing audio clarity for match days, concerts and live events.
Opened in 1897 and home to Leeds United since 1919, Elland Road is one of the most historic venues in English football. Its asymmetrical layout and multi-era construction presented unique challenges in delivering consistent audio across its nearly 38,000-seat capacity.
To meet those demands, ImPerium deployed 24 Ottocanali amplifiers—comprising 4K, 8K and 12K models—across the stadium. Each model delivers 4,000 to 12,000 watts of power across eight channels. In addition, two Unica 4K8 amps were installed in the Pavilion banqueting hall, while a Mezzo 604 serves the East Stand banquet space. All amplifiers used are EN 54-certified for use in critical PA/VA applications.
The Ottocanali amplifiers drive 102 Martin Audio TORUS T1230 line arrays placed throughout the stadium: 18 each in the North and South Stands, 24 in the West Stand, 30 in the East Stand, and 12 additional units in corner zones. Complementary gear includes Martin Audio CDD12 loudspeakers, SXCF118 subwoofers and various ceiling loudspeakers from Bosch and RCF. Peavey MediaMatrix servers provide zoning and system control.
According to Alan Inkster, both he and the client are satisfied with the amplifiers’ performance at Elland Road, where the new PA/VA system is already a hit with club and fans alike. “Leeds United wanted a system that not only complied with modern safety legislation, but also matched the club’s ambition to offer fans the best possible audio experience,” he concludes. “Powersoft’s Ottocanali amplifier platform gave us the ideal foundation for consistent coverage and superb audio quality throughout Elland Road.”
System equipment list:
- 24 × Powersoft Ottocanali
- 2 × Powersoft Unica 4K8
- 1 × Powersoft Mezzo 604
- 102 × Martin Audio TORUS T1230
- 10 × Martin Audio CDD12
- Martin Audio SXCF118 subs
- 1 × Martin Audio CDD-LIVE
- 8 × Martin Audio CDD5
- Martin Audio Blackline X12
- 180 × Bosch EN 54 ceiling loudspeakers
- 50 × RCF ceiling loudspeakers
- 40 × Optimal Audio Cuboid 6
- 20 × Optimal Audio Cuboid 5
- 2 × Peavey MediaMatrix NION n3
- 2 × Peavey MediaMatrix nCIE PILOT
- 1 × Peavey MediaMatrix sDAB 16i
- 1 × Peavey MediaMatrix sDAB 8×8
