The work was carried out by Phil Clark and Neil Kavanagh of UK-based Old Barn Audio. They were commissioned by the owners, who also operate the Oon.Dah Restaurant below it in the Edifício Escom, Luanda's tallest tower.
Phil Clark takes up the story. "We had already designed the original system 18 months ago, with assistance from Nigel Meddemmen at Martin Audio, but it was such a roaring success that we were asked to return and make the system louder to satisfy the DJs. This we did by upgrading the nightclub with more subs, bigger amps and processing."
Doo.Bahr is one of Luanda's chicest cocktail bar/lounges with an outdoor terrace offering spectacular views. It was originally designed by leading British firm Julian Taylor Design Associates and the venue exudes sophistication, class and glamour.
The outside terrace is now fed with six Martin Audio AM15 speakers, installed using custom-made brackets high up on the steel roof, pointing down towards the dancefloor.
These are supported by four Martin Audio AS118 subwoofers. Powered by Martin Audio MA5.2K and MA12K amplifiers, the sound is described by Fernando Rosa, DooBahr's manager, as "nothing short of amazing". "Having spent many hours tuning the system, the end result was welcomed by all," states Clark.
The complementary inside bar features an array of Martin Audio AQ12's in black, along with floor standing Martin Audio AQ215 (2 x 15") subs. Powered by MA5.2K and MA3.0 amplifiers this simple zone works seamlessly.
All peripheral zones complement the two main spaces with background sound delivered via Martin Audio AQ8s, Martin Audio AM12s and Martin Audio C6.8T ceiling speakers. Control is provided by a single Martin Audio Engineer 418 4-in/8-out digital processor/router - with numerous patches allowing differing inputs and outputs to be combined in various ways.
Isak Ewert, the project manager for the upgrade of the new Doo.Bahr Nightclub, was thrilled with the attention to detail offered by Old Barn Audio. He states, "It was a pleasure to have them undertake this installation in Luanda and everyone involved is impressed with the professional execution of the work."
Old Barn Audio is now anticipating further work in Luanda with the proposed building of a much larger Oon.Dah/Doo.Bahr venue in an upmarket part of the city.
(Jim Evans)
