"At Buddha-Bar, our sonic signature is a subtle combination of world and electro-ethnic music," observes Franck Fortet, vice president for development at George V Eatertainment, the parent firm of Buddha-Bar. "It's an infinity of sounds that requires the perfect sound system, and the effect as distilled through the new Meyer system has made a remarkable difference at Buddha-Bar Paris."
The Buddha-Bar systems were designed and installed by John Pouzet of Paris-based Sonosystem, with design assistance from Cyril Ubersfeld of Meyer Sound's French distributor, Best Audio. Resident DJ is Ravin.
"I specified a Meyer system to realize a particular sound quality with detailed resolution that goes beyond the ordinary," Pouzet explains. "We wanted a sonic character that evoked warmth, and even mystery, something only a Meyer system could do in this space."
The main restaurant, with tables spread beneath the gaze of a serene Buddha, is an acoustically challenging space with high ceilings. Here, dynamic musical energy permeates the room via eight UPJ-1P VariO loudspeakers, while solid bass fundamentals exude from dual USW-1P subwoofers underneath the Buddha statue. To assure uniform low frequencies at all tables, seven MM-10 miniature subwoofers are concealed in banquettes. The overall audio response of the space is optimized by a Galileo loudspeaker management system with one Galileo 616 processor.
The intimate Red Room employs eight discreet UP-4XP loudspeakers augmented by two MM-10 subwoofers, again placed under banquettes. For the upper level bar and lounge alcoves, Pouzet specified a dozen strategically placed UPM-1P loudspeakers, with bass boosted by four M1D-Sub and two UMS-1P subwoofers in the larger spaces and around the bar. The live DJ controls his own Meyer Sound monitor rig, comprising dual UPM-1P loudspeakers and a close-proximity MM-10 subwoofer.
According to Fortet, Meyer Sound has become a key partner in refining the remarkably successful 'eatertainment' concept. "We are thrilled to collaborate with Meyer Sound, not just in Paris but also at other locations around the world," he says. "We have worked hard to create our own musical signature, and Meyer continues to collaborate with us in improving on the optimum rendition of sound."
In addition to the Paris retrofit, Meyer Sound systems have been installed at the two newest Buddha-Bar locations in Mexico City and Manila, as well as at two other George V Eatertainment locations: Little Buddha in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt and Barrio Latino in Paris.
(Jim Evans)
