The Crystal Bar manifests all the Dorchester's themes of luxury, quality and high service standards; opening directly onto Park Lane, the venue is compact and opulent, and finished to a high degree of craftsmanship. The Hotel asked Chris Gunton of CGA Integration to provide an audio system that reflected the Dorchester's signature values through high quality, attention to detail and intuitive operation.
The installation had to fit with the design brief, be invisible and yet provide a dynamic audio range and usage flexibility for many different occasions. Interfacing with the hotel fire alarm and procedures was also essential.
The brief from the Dorchester identified an extremely varied scope for events and entertainment. Everyday opening required background music, yet the venue anticipated demand for special occasions, ranging from live sporting and news events, film and product launches, to DJ nights, private parties and karaoke. Live acts should be able to play through the house PA or use their own.
CGA Integration created three zones in the bar, including an optionally secluded VIP area, allowing flexibility, sound quality control and customisation. Inputs from DJ console, two radio microphones, live band and customised music solution, create a mix of opportunities for normal operation or high-profile unique occasions. Even, balanced audio is delivered from a carefully specified mix of Electro-Voice S40 wall speakers and EViD 4.2 ceiling speakers, warmed by EViD 10.1 bass bins, driven by EV Q Series amplifiers.
(Chris Henry)
