Having worked with Mark Metcalf at Notting Hill Arts Club for five years, he chose Blue Box Company to specify and install the audio system. Based around the principle of creating a hi-fi sound environment, Metcalf chose Funktion One Resolution loudspeakers for the main system and Genelec studio monitors for the bar area.
Two Funktion One Resolution 2 cabinets are flown left and right of the stage, augmented by two F118s supplying low bass, and a rear fill of one Res2 hi pack and two additional F118 bass enclosures. "One of the main briefs for the architects," comments Metcalf, "was sound insulation as the venue is in the heart of a residential block. The consequent sound proofing, coupled with the compact size of the venue, has resulted in some very neutral acoustics and the Resolution system fills the space effortlessly with very clean dynamic sound."
Early on, one of the other prime drivers behind the project, DJ and musician Ben Watt had commissioned ‘Cherry Picked’ pre club music compilations from various local dignitaries (Jurgan Teller, Tracy Thorn and the like) and as these were to be an important part of the venue's programming, it was essential that these hand-picked tunes came over with equal clarity and drive as the main DJ and band programming. Res 2s allow this as they perform equally well at lower levels without losing their fundamental characteristics. Likewise, the live programme is benefiting from the dynamics of these tight punchy loudspeakers. Genelec 1029As supplement the main system to provide balanced sound throughout the venue.
New QSC Powerlight2 series amplifiers and XTA DP226 digital processors drive the system, whilst the ubiquitous Pioneer DJM600, fed by two Technics SL1210s and two Pioneer CDJ 500S CD players, comprises the DJ front end. A Cloud CX242 zoner provides central control with DJ monitoring provided by Nexo PS8, with a Nexo LS400 providing copious low end, all driven by the Nexo PS8 amp and controller. Ben Watt designed the DJ area and was keen to keep its profile at a low level to allow the DJs to blend with the crowd.
Band equipment is fronted by the new Midas Venice 32-4-2 mixing console chosen for its high spec and compact size. Monitor and FOH band EQ is supplied by XTA GQ600 graphics with gates and compressors from the new PreSonus ACP88 that is fast gaining ground in live and studio applications. FX are provided by the industry-standard Yamaha SPX990s. Monitor wedges are Funktion One PSM 115s and all microphones are Shure including the Beta 52 kick drum mic and Beta 98s for drums and percussion. The usual complement of 58s and 57s, two SM81s plus BSS DI boxes complete the inventory.
