Defected Records switches on to Pioneer
- Details
Defected’s vision sees the brand set its sights on becoming an influential broadcasting and media hub.
Integral to this ambition has been the full renovation of Defected’s East London HQ, which is set on two levels, and houses offices for the majority of its workforce. Fully renovated in 2020 by design agency Brinkworth, the centre also has a basement floor with events facilities, as well as a recording studio.
Defected’s basement hub will host a weekly programme that brings together artists, fans, creatives and entrepreneurs. The hub has been equipped throughout with a comprehensive, zoned sound system from audio partner Pioneer Pro Audio.
Integrator Cosmic Electronics was chosen to carry out the audio system installation, having worked with Pioneer Pro Audio on many occasions, including the deployment of its XY-Series loudspeakers at Defected’s London pop-up store.
A total of 13 different spaces were covered by loudspeakers from across the Pioneer Pro Audio range.
In order to achieve an immersive club sound, Defected’s main events space in the basement was equipped with four horizontally flown XY-122 12” two-way full-range speakers, complemented by a single horizontally flown XY-81 8” two-way full-range speaker and an XY-218S high-power subwoofer. A further two XY-81 units were deployed in the DJ booth in combination with a single XY-115S 15” bass reflex subwoofer, whilst the chill out area also benefited from two horizontally flown XY-81 speakers.
Mark Damon, technical director of Cosmic Electronics comments: “The XY speakers are much more compact than those of other manufacturers and very much suited the venue’s design because they’re discreet, yet formidable. They’ve always exceeded our expectations without the requirement for excessive tuning as they’re exceptionally flat in acoustic design. They’re also extremely well built and reliable.”
For complete audio coverage of the entire building, Pioneer Pro Audio CM-C56T 6.5” ceiling speakers housed within custom pendants designed by Cosmic Electronics were installed across all of the offices, meeting rooms, WC and kitchen facilities. In the main office, two XY-115S subwoofers supplemented the ceiling speakers and, similarly, a single XY-115S was installed in the main meeting room to enhance low end. These could be easily removed if not required. A total of 32 x CM-C56T ceiling speakers were deployed throughout, wired to deliver high-quality stereo sound into all areas.
The system is powered by Powersoft DSP amplifiers and controlled via a fully adaptable Dante system. Wall-mounted source and volume controls are also located in the offices and meeting rooms.
Simon Dunmore comments, “Everyone is wowed! When we bring people downstairs, they see the environment is amazing and when you align it with the sound system they’re just blown away. Across the rest of the building the sound is clear and that’s great because it doesn’t interrupt your thoughts, so you can work. The dynamics are consistent wherever you are in the offices, creating a great environment for working and listening to music at the same time.”
