SSE AUDIO GROUP TAKE LO-PROFILE APPROACH WITH MAR
A joint venture between QSoft Consulting and Vince Power Music Group (VPMG) has led to the opening of the plush new Lo-Profile gay bar in Soho's Wardour Street. This becomes a sister club to the operators' nearby flagship, Profile.
Opening seven nights a week Lo-Profile aims to inject new life into the current gay London nightclub environment and represents part of a total £1.6 million total investment.
The SSE Group were contracted to provide the new audio infrastructure for this 450-capacity basement venue. Emma Barwell, who runs SSE's London operation, says that the company worked seamlessly alongside VPMG's regular venue designers, Shaun Clarkson ID, choosing a Martin Audio AQ system for its ability to meet both the aesthetic and dimensional requirements.
Industrial in design and intimate in feel, Lo-Profile is approached via an infinity tunnel which is lit with a range of alternating colours. The interiors feature a range of materials including black glass, leather, steel rivets and studs, giving the space a much sexy, cruisier edge than its Frith Street counterpart.
'The new design concept, which incorporates a lot of LED panelling, dictated that the old sound system would need to be replaced,' Emma explained. The design also picks up the star and circle motifs of the Gaydar.co.uk logo, who are owned by QSoft and who promote the venue.
But the real cause for concern was brought about by restrictions placed by the raised seating area, and the ability to site the subwoofers discreetly. 'We were aware that of all the PA companies Martin Audio have traditionally made low-profile enclosures, and so we looked closely at their catalogue.'
Emma reports that Martin Audio responded magnificently for the request for a custom solution, turning round black finished AQ series loudspeakers inside seven days. 'In fact we managed to complete the whole fit-out, including a new DJ system, in just ten days,' she said.
The venue is divided into three separate sound zones - main dancefloor and bar, main bar and a seating area.
The SSE Group have used a total of 12 wall-mounted AQ8 ultra-compact, full-range enclosures to provide a discreet and sonically-excellent solution. Three AQ210 2 x 10" low-profile subs are recessed under the raised seating area, with a further sub in the DJ booth.
The system operates under the management of Martin Audio's dedicated AQX system controller, and is powered by Crown Macro-Tech amplifiers - which Emma Barwell describes as being impressively compatible.
In the DJ booth SSE have installed a Pioneer DJM 800 mixer and CDJ-1000 tabletop CD players, with Technics SL1210 turntables and powered DJ monitors, while a remote zone controller, located at the bar, makes provision for volume control and source selection. Since Lo-Profile also functions as a live entertainment club, radio mics have been provided.
Each night at Lo-Profile will be themed, the music ranging from classic, funky dance and electro-house to more progressive house. Lo-Profile will be a showcase for first class local and international DJ talent together with live PAs and artists, dancers and hostesses.
Summarising, Emma Barwell states that SSE have provided VPMG/QSoft Consulting with a practical solution for their various sound reinforcement requirements. 'The installation has been extremely well received.'
Further information from:
Maureen Hayes Jerry Gilbert
Martin Audio JGP Public Relations
Tel: +44 (0)1494 535312 Tel: +44 (0)1707 258525
Fax: +44 (0)1494 438669 Fax: +44 (0)1707 267140
E: maureenh@martin-audio.com jerry.gilbert@ntlworld.com
Emma Barwell
SSE Group
Tel: +44 (0)208 569 0100
Fax: +44 (0)208 569 0300
E: emma.barwell@sseaudio.com