Germany - The Weekend is arguably Berlin's hippest house and techno club, and with its high-flying location on the 12th floor of a Soviet block on Alexanderplatz in the former East Berlin, it's easy to see why. The outside might not win any design prizes, but the inside is all geometric lines and minimal chic with breathtaking views out over Berlin - perfect for seeing in the sunrise.

As for the sounds, Atlantic Audio had already put in a powerful, top of the range Crest-driven Martin Audio system into Week12end (on the twelfth floor, naturally), followed by a second system complete with Digitool processing from Peavey into Week15end (yes, on the 15th floor) in February of this year, and have just completed an extension of the system onto the brand new roof terrace on the 17th storey.

Jörg Sandmann, project manager for Atlantic Audio, has specified Martin Audio throughout, (Wavefront W3 for Week12end and W8LM mini line array for Week15end) all driven by Crest Audio CC Series power amplifiers. "If ever there was an amplifier that you can put in your rack and rely on to do its job for ever, even in harsh environments like a club, then CC Series is it," remarked Sandmann.

He took a slightly different approach for the roof terrace, opting for four Martin Audio LE1200 high power, low profile stage monitors which deliver high levels at close quarters that drop off rapidly once out of range, and two Blackline S218 subs powered by three Crest Performance CPX 3800s, the recently launched flagship model of the CPX range. This enables the club to stay within the bounds of noise control regulations yet still offer a club-like atmosphere. Processsing and control for the entire system is handled by a Peavey Digitool MX programmable digital processor via a D1V remote panel.

Jörg Sandmann explains, "All the electronics of the club are situated on the 15th floor, except for the D1V remote panel which is installed on the roof terrace. This gives the DJ remote source selection and level control. He can choose between a feed from the 15th floor or his own music locally and vice-versa. This means that Week15end clubbers can join terrace events such as Perfect Sunday with a surprise guest DJ, or alternatively, when the temperature rises to the max on the 15th floor, guests can enjoy some open air grooves under the stars of the roof terrace.

There are two possible locations for a mobile DJ set-up on the roof terrace, which consists of a Martin Audio Blackline F12 monitor powered by a Crest Performance CPX 1500 amplifier.

Weekend is a unique concept in Germany, with club owners Oskar Metzer, Marcus Trojan and Philip Götz taking full advantage of the club's originality and striking award-winning interior design to attract an international DJ list and clientele.

Oskar Metzer is delighted with the results. "We have created a fabulous environment for dedicated clubbers. The 12th floor offers a true club atmosphere combined with panoramic views over the city. The huge windows are key elements of the simple yet striking architecture that won us the architectural prize of the City of Berlin. The 15th floor is our design temple - black with intricate lighting, a piece of art in which you can dance; and finally, our latest oeuvre, the roof terrace. The unlimited view across Berlin literally takes your breath away.

"Naturally, a large part of our budget has been invested in the state-of-the-art sound system," continued Metzer. "With the combination of Crest, Peavey and Martin Audio we have established a new standard which sets us apart from other clubs. The sound is awesome, and it's had a noticeable effect on our clientele; they keep coming back in ever greater numbers."

(Jim Evans)


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