Zero‑Ohm Systems for Sports Facilities
Zero‑Ohm Systems is a passive device that lets you run multiple low‑impedance speakers from a single amplifier without transformers or complicated load calculations.
We use it when a venue needs wide, even coverage and long cable runs but still wants the clarity of low‑impedance audio.
It’s a product that becomes obvious once you’ve used it. Many integrators default to 100V line because it’s familiar, but Zero‑Ohm lets us keep systems low‑impedance, which avoids the transformer losses found in 100V setups.
Why We Use Zero‑Ohm
Zero‑Ohm helps with high speaker counts, long runs and multi‑zone layouts. It keeps the wiring straightforward and avoids the compromises of transformer‑based systems. Because it’s passive, there’s nothing to power, configure or update. It works with standard low‑impedance speakers and reduces the number of amplifier channels needed, which often results in fewer physical amps and a cleaner, easier‑to‑maintain rack.
Installers tend to notice:
• Clearer audio because there are no transformer losses
• Easier system expansion
• Less rack space and fewer amp channels required
• Straightforward wiring and simpler fault‑finding
• No transformer hum or saturation
Where We’ve Used Zero‑Ohm
Below are examples of venues where Zero‑Ohm helped us deliver reliable, consistent audio without the usual distributed‑system compromises.
East Fife FC & Darvel FC
East Fife and Darvel are community‑focused football grounds with open-air stands, long cable runs and busy match‑day environments.
Challenge: Stadiums need clear announcements over crowd noise and long cable runs across stands and concourses. Both clubs wanted better clarity than typical 100V line installs.
What we did: We used Zero‑Ohm to run speakers of low‑impedance speakers from fewer amplifier channels. This gave us stronger intelligibility and more impact for match‑day audio.
Result: Announcements are clearer, music carries better and the rack footprint is smaller. The system can be expanded easily as the clubs grow or add new areas.
Installer notes: Zero‑Ohm handled the long runs without issue. Balancing coverage across seating was simple and there’s no transformer noise in open‑air stands.
Altrinham and Basingstoke Ice Arenas
These ice arenas host professional games, public skating and events. With highly reflective surfaces and constantly high ambient noise these can be tricky for sound installations.
Challenge: Ice rinks are loud, reflective and unforgiving. You need a lot of speakers to overcome the noise and echo and give good spread, and they need to sound good at higher volumes.
What we did: Zero‑Ohm allowed us to deploy high speaker counts around the rink and seating while keeping everything low‑impedance for better clarity and punch.
Result: Coverage is consistent around the rink and seating areas. Music reproduction is noticeably cleaner, and we reduced the number of amplifier channels needed.
Installer notes: No transformer saturation, which is a big improvement for music playback. Zoning between rink and seating was straightforward and the system performs well in cold environments.
Ayrshire Golf Club
The gold club includes a bar, lounge and flexible function areas that frequently change layout for events and gatherings.
Challenge: Large open areas with multiple seating zones needed flexible coverage without making the rack complicated or difficult for staff to operate.
What we did: We used Zero‑Ohm to create speaker arrays across the bar, lounge and function areas while keeping the system simple and scalable.
Result: Audio stays consistent even when layouts change for events. Equipment cost is lower and adding speakers later is straightforward.
Installer notes: Ideal for leisure venues with flexible layouts. Clean wiring and easy fault‑finding.
PlaySport Arena, East Kilbride
PlaySport Arena is a 1,600‑seat multi‑use venue, best known for SLB basketball games but also used for events, training and community activities.
Challenge: A multi‑use arena needing strong, even coverage for sports, events and public announcements in a high‑noise environment.
What we did: Zero‑Ohm enabled us to deploy large speaker clusters with consistent levels across the arena floor and seating.
Result: Announcements are clear and music playback is strong. The system uses fewer amplifiers and can be expanded easily.
Installer notes: Handles large arrays well and stays reliable under heavy use.
Video Overview
If you haven’t seen Zero‑Ohm in action before, this short video from the manufacturer gives a simple visual overview of how the system works. We use it in the projects above because it keeps wiring clean, reduces the number of amplifier channels needed and maintains low‑impedance audio quality across large spaces.