For audio, a range of JBL speakers and Crown amplifiers were chosen including surface mount JBL Control 25's along with JBL SB-210 and JBL ASB-6115 subs, which have been discreetly integrated into the walls and cabinetry making it as aesthetically pleasing as possible. Twenty-two JBL-8124 in-ceiling speakers provide background music in the toilets and hallways, along with the TAB area.
"We always prefer to use JBL speakers because they constantly deliver quality and Jands always provide great back up," commented Con Constantinou, director of Constant Group. "Basically whatever the application, JBL have a speaker to suit."
BSS London signal processing has been installed including BLU-10 and BLU-8 wall controllers that give staff control of the audio system from behind each bar. From there they can conveniently choose input sources, zones, adjust volume, etc. The wall controllers are programmed to meet council requirements with regards to noise restrictions and are also programmed with a maximum dB in order to eliminate the possibility of staff turning the system up too loud thus causing damage to speakers.
"As an install company we love the BSS London BLU processing as it is so simple to install and program," said Constantinou. "Plus it is easy for the client to operate."
All speakers are powered from Crown amplifiers and all processing is done by a BSS BLU-160 Digital Signal Processor. All hardware has been installed in a lockable rack cabinet located within in a purpose-built and fully air-conditioned communications room along side another two rack cabinets with the rest of the electronics hardware installed by Constant Group.
A Soundcraft FX16ii mixer has been installed into cabinetry on a custom slide-away draw for storage when not in use. When required for a live performance, the cabinet is simply unlocked and the mixer slides out into position allowing the sound engineer to pull up a seat and get to work.
(Jim Evans)
