When deciding upon a suitable audio solution for the venue, Steve Sidd (general manager) wanted great sound but was under the impression that a JBL/Crown/BSS solution may have not been within his budget. Fortunately Con Constantinou, managing director of Constant Technology Pty Ltd, recommended a quality JBL audio solution which the client was delighted to learn was affordable.
"Steve's perception of the JBL brand was that it would be too expensive," explained Constantinou. "Once we presented the quote to the client he was really surprised how much of a cost effective solution it was."
The main challenge was that the client didn't want the speakers to be visible and so Constantinou had to find speakers that would fit in with the design of the venue, whilst still delivering quality sound and sound distribution throughout the restaurant.
The venue is divided into six audio zones: entry, bar, dining, veranda, tapas area and toilets. Each zone is powered by a range of Crown amplifiers. A BSS BLU-100 networked signal processor is used for control and instead of using the BSS wall controllers, the BSS software was customised and loaded to the computers.
"We loaded a custom interface onto their PC's so that they can control all the zones, inputs and volume from every point of sale terminal and managers PC" said Constantinou.
Six black JBL Control 47LP ceiling speakers take care of the entry zone whilst the main bar area utilises four JBL Control 52 plus a sub-woofer.
The ceiling in this area is an expanse of wood with recessed strips to house lighting and also the JBL Control 52 speakers which had to be mounted on the ceiling facing down. Luckily the width of the recess strip was exactly the width of the JBL Control 52.
The dining zone is serviced by seven JBL Control 47LP ceiling speakers as well as a couple of JBL Control 40CST ceiling sub woofers.
The veranda houses six JBL Control 25AV surface mount speakers with Weathermax stainless steel grilles providing an IP5 weather rating as they directly face the beach and ocean.
The tapas area has two JBL Control 47LP ceiling speakers, two JBL Control 25AV surface mount speakers (as the client didn't mind visible speakers in this area) and a JBL Control 40CST ceiling sub-woofer.
A couple of JBL8128 8"ceiling speakers in quick fit frames with grilles take care of the toilet zone.
"It sounds great and the sound distribution works really well," commented Constantinou. "Our client was initially surprised by the amount of speakers we wanted to install but it was necessary to ensure there were no dead spots. The client trusted us and is very happy with the sound distribution in his venue and the functionality of the BSS."
(Jim Evans)
