As the room is used for both live bands and club nights, the brief was for a versatile and compact system that was capable of handling a wide variety of music. It also had to offer very precise pattern control, as the previous system had a problem of sound spillage into the bar area which rendered any form of conversation impossible. Stage Electrics' Davie Bell looked at several products from a number of manufacturers, and finally decided to approach EAW. EAW's Steve Badham promptly recommended the new AX system. "Although I've been an EAW fan for years, I'm willing to listen to anyone who puts forward a good argument for a good product," said Bell, "but Steve [Badham] really came up trumps on this project. Not only did he react very quickly, but he also had the perfect product for the job in the form of EAW's new AX Series loudspeakers with some radical new technology for nigh-on perfect coverage."
Two EAW AX366 cabinets offering a dispersion pattern of 60° x 60° form the main left and right system, flown at either side of the stage. A pair of Avalon DCS2 subs featuring dual heavy-duty 12" sub woofers provide low frequency sound reinforcement. In live mode they are situated on stage below the AX's, but in club mode, the subs are moved to the side of the dancefloor in a single block for added punch. A pair of JFX560 compact, multi-function full range loudspeakers act as rearfills when the room is in club mode. The entire system is controlled by an EAW MX8750 digital electronic processor and powered by a pair of Lab.gruppen C48:4 power amplifiers.
"The client is absolutely delighted with the quality of the sound, and in particular, the superb pattern control. There is now a marked drop-off in SPL between the dancefloor and bar area, which is exactly what they were looking for. The combination of the AX which sounds really clean and clear for live music with the sweet-sounding JFX adding clarity at the back of the room plus the purpose-designed ass-kicking Avalon subs makes for a great club sound when they need it and a really top quality live system as well. It's a great example of a multi-purpose system that sounds excellent throughout whilst meeting the very specific technical requirements demanded by the client."
(Chris Henry)
