Ashton distributed 12 Work Studio 5 two-way full-range loudspeakers, around the venue - finished in white and powered by Work SV series amplifiers. All were supplied by Fuzion plc, and Rob Ashton confirms that he used a similar combination recently to drive the Taff Bar at Cardiff University.
"I have been using Work products for the past three years. The loudspeakers offer great value for money and blend into these surroundings well, while the amplifiers just never break down," says Ashton. In fact, AB have sufficient confidence in Work amps to deploy them on their proprietary hire rigs.
The highly-specified DJ booth (using industry-standard playback devices and background CD multiplayer) are matched by intelligent mood lighting (featuring colour changers and water and fire effect lights, plus a pair of moving yoke disco effects. Fed a diet of sport and VH1 type music from both satellite, terrestrial and DVD split feeds, are a combination of six 15" LCD monitors behind the bar, a pair of 42" plasmas, and the centrepiece - an 84" plasma display up on the raised dining area.
Originally a Lloyds Bank, the building was given a contemporary flavour during conversion by Keith Lander Designs, for owner and local businessman, Serj. The designer has opted for natural parchment and off-white colours as a backdrop to the mood lighting, with a clever use of split levels, while an infusion of steel work allows the ceiling to be dropped. At night the striking concealed blue neon fascia marks the building out.
Operated by experienced bars man (and co-director) Steve Corten, the Banc is already reporting a brisk trade between 11am and 11pm, with the result that the owners are now attempting to purchase the adjacent property to facilitate further expansion.
(Lee Baldock)
