James Hall, Liquid's general manager comments: "The state-of-the-art projection kit and Pioneer's DVD turntables enable our DJs to create a completely new and immersive audio-visual experience. When people enter the space and see the video in time with the beat for the first time, they are genuinely awed."
Liquid opened in 2004 following an extensive period of refurbishment. The previous club had operated since the 1970s and its décor and entertainment urgently needed bringing up-to-date. The intention was also to create an innovative AV platform. James Hall and the club's DJs attended PLASA in London in September 2004 to assess the latest light and sound technology. Hall comments: "As soon as we tried the DVJ-X1 we were blown away with its potential. Mixing video in time with audio is simple, but the effect is jaw dropping and it will change the way clubs entertain for good."
Skye James, Liquid's technical manager, adds: "Anything you can do with CD decks, like reverse, pitch and loop, can be easily achieved with the DVJ-X1. We wanted to make these video capabilities a central asset of the club experience."
In addition to the DVJs, Liquid purchased 10 fixed video projectors to distribute the video over the circular wall surrounding the dance floor. A range of 17 lights was also installed to provide fixed beams, strobe, laser and image effects including three MAC 250s, three MOS 7001s and five MX10s. The lighting system is controlled by ShowCAD software, which also feeds the DVJ-X1's video from the mixer to the projectors.
The installation is having a dramatic impact on both performers and customers. Hall comments: "When customers come into the main auditorium the video envelops their eye. The feedback has been really positive - people realise that they are seeing something genuinely ground-breaking and it is a main part of the club's attraction."
Liquid uses commercial video and white label DVDs to add video to DJ sets. As well as the DJ, Skye James works in the lighting booth to add dramatic light sequences to the shows. The Liquid team also produces its own video and images on PC which it knits together with DJs' tracks. By linking to the ShowCad software, the light rigs can be timed to complement the DVD to connect all of the club's principal entertainment assets.
James Hall concludes: "We create innovative video which we complement with the tunes we select and top it all off by a light display that seems to move with the AV. The DVJ-X1 has changed the way that we think about clubbing and, over time, people will start to seek out the best video venues and DVJs much as they do music DJs now. Our customers' reaction tells us that we are at the edge of a revolution that will see clubbing becoming a visual as well as audio experience."
(Lee Baldock)
