Peter Smith of PSL reports, "The management not only started with high ideals, but as opportunities were realised, these expanded the specification and flexibility required as the project developed. This made for an interesting installation and we had to be fast to react as requirements increased with tight deadlines. This in turn placed high demands on my suppliers so I was pleased I had chosen Community for the core loudspeaker systems; their range could meet any requirement and their distributor, CUK Audio, were well up to meeting our needs."
The main bar on the ground floor changed from its original specification of background music to a high-level foreground system, with high quality live music and DJ's forming a key part of the programme of events. As the bar also forms the entrance to the venue, aesthetics were an important consideration and the system had to merge with the décor as much as possible. PSL chose Community's new VERIS loudspeakers for this area. The first UK installation of this new loudspeaker range,
Four VERIS6 and three VERIS8 loudspeakers are distributed around the perimeter of the bar. These are augmented by four Community Cloud 6 ceiling speakers, to add fill in the centre of the room, with two Community CPL51 15-inch subs adding powerful bass reinforcement. The Cloud 6 ceiling loudspeakers are also custom coloured to match the décor and the subs are built into the room's structure and appear completely hidden from view.
"The effect of the colour matched VERIS, ceiling speakers and hidden subs is superb", comments Smith, "When you walk in the venue you're almost unaware there is a sound system in the room, but turn it up and it's stunning; it really rocks the place. Audio quality is also excellent at low levels during the day."
A Cloud Electronics 263 Zone Controller, which gives inputs for TV, CD, DVD, MP3 and two for DJ/live use, provides flexibility for the music bar. All of these sources are also made available to the second floor restaurant, which has a low-level background audio system.
On the third floor is the nightclub. Two Community CPL42 loudspeakers with a CPL55 twin 15-inch sub provide the main dance floor sound. A Community I/O8 is used for DJ monitoring and I/O5 compact full-range loudspeakers are distributed to provide in-fill in the seating booths and along the bar area.
For the he fourth floor roof terrace bar, PSL chose two Community R.5 all-weather loudspeakers as the main system, and these can be open to the full force of the elements. Distributed around the perimeter of the space are a further four Community I/O5 indoor/outdoor loudspeakers, providing additional coverage and infill. For everyday use, no subs are required, but the roof terrace also houses a powerful Community Tandem Drive TD218S twin 18-inch sub for events with a DJ.
Smith concludes, "Rarely does any entertainment venue pose the need for such a wide range of solutions as Ko Ko's, and I'm pleased we've been able to meet every demand with the help of CUK and Community. Since opening, Ko Ko's has been regularly packed to capacity, and it gives me a lot of satisfaction to be a part of making the venue a great success."
(Jim Evans)
