MARTIN BLACKLINE PUNCHES HIGH AT THE SCENE

A £200,000 conversion of the upstairs bar at Scenarios - a flagship pub in Halstead, North Essex - has presented owners Paul Maybank and John Craig with a luxurious, self-contained 250-capacity nightclub called The Scene.

Previously used as an overspill balcony bar after the owners had transformed the former Cooperative Society building five and a half years ago, Paul Maybank divulged his plans to Andrew Baldwin from locally-based specialists, Jedi Lighting & Sound, who had carried out regular maintenance work during the venue's five year history.

'He contacted us six months before the conversion became public knowledge, as a result of which we arranged a number of sound and lighting demonstrations,' said Andrew. '

Among these was the high-value Martin Audio Blackline range, which Jedi return to time and time again.

As a result, four Blackline F12's, with dedicated flying yokes, form the pivotal dancefloor sound, angled at 45° over the main floor, while four Blackline S15 subs are floor mounted behind purpose enclosures. Providing infill and peripheral sound (including the Chillout area) are eight Blackline F8's with dedicated Martin Audio flying kit, which Andrew Baldwin commends for sheer simplicity of use.

'You can't fault the sound quality of Blackline, while the service we get from Martin Audio is great,' says Andrew.

'We had to roll the subs out slightly but for the most part the system is run pretty flat, with hardly any time delay.' Although the owners wanted the system concealed high up in the ceiling, the sound is nevertheless contained very tightly over the main floor, observes Andrew. 'Despite this being a long rectangular room there are no dead spots whatsoever.'

The system operates under Proel Alto Maxi Drive 3.4 system management, and Jedi will use the system's remote diagnostic capabilities for permanent line monitoring.

Surveying the new Scene - and the queues of people snaking back along Halstead's Trinity Street - Paul Maybank and John Craig are delighted they decided to carry out the conversion.

'We spent £450,000 when we first converted the building,' Paul reflects, 'but we're equally delighted with the money we've spent this time around.'

Paul and his wife Lynne (also a licensee) manage all areas of this large site, which includes a function room and six room motel.

Further information from:

Maureen Hayes, Martin Audio
Tel: +44 (0)1494 535312
Fax: +44 (0)1494 438669

Jerry Gilbert, JGP Public Relations
Tel: +44 (0)1707 258525
Fax: +44 (0)1707 267140