For the optimum solution in a raucous, challenging environment (incorporating three separate bars with different requirements) he turned to the catalogue of the Harman Professional brands, and then called on the company's UK and Ireland distributors, Sound Technology, to provide sales and installation support.
Ian Davis's company based its audio design around a matched Crown / JBL VRX line array system, with process and control provided by premium Soundcraft, BSS and dbx digital components, along with AKG mics. This forms part of a full AV package.
The venue itself is split into three main areas on the ground floor of Stadium Plaza - the Bierkeller, Shooters Sports Bar and Around The World In 80 Beers (ATW). "In the Bierkeller area we needed to have a good, solid, front of house sound system for the oompah bands to play through without too much sound bleeding through the ceiling to the fitness club above," explained Ian Davis. A directional flown JBL VRX line array system, suspended from the ceiling on anti-vibration mounts, provided the answer.
As for ATW, this has a performance area with a small stage for live acts but also needed to function equally well with a DJ, piped audio and individual performers.
Shooters combines sports screens with a stage area for small bands. "This needed to have a clear sound flowing evenly across the room to accentuate vocal frequencies that would allow punters to be able to hear commentaries clearly, but at the same time be able to accommodate live performers," continued Davis.
As for Sound Technology, he says, "They supply equipment that I believe to be the best quality gear at a price point that makes economic sense. It works seamlessly together with [Harman's proprietary] Audio Architect integration, and the support I get from the sales and technical staff is exemplary." In particular he singled out project engineer, Hugo Burnard. "He put a lot of time into helping with the design and getting the waveguides right. The challenge was to deliver a similar, or better, experience for the clientele than previous Bierkellers. And I think we have succeeded."
With all the furnishing back in place, the system was fine-tuned using Harman's proprietary Audio Architect software to eke out the final audio parameters, causing Ian Davis to state that he believes the sound quality to be among the best in the area, with each room tuned to give maximum performance and minimum bleed.
"Sound Technology were with me all the way to final commissioning - from sales executive Scott Blakemore assisting with product selection and delivery, to the technical department who supported the design. I cannot praise them enough for the time and effort they put in to ensure the project was completed on time - and as a result we have not had a single complaint from the neighbours upstairs."
And Burning Night Group operations director, Peter Robinson agrees. "The sound quality is excellent," he says. "As a multi venue site we use the sound system for sporting events, DJs and a range of live music, so to have an easy to use, high quality system is imperative. The one we have had installed fits the bill perfectly."
(Jim Evans)
