Preferred AV integrators, Promotiontime NE, carried out the technology design and fit-out of its main entertainment area, The Links Owners Only Bar & Entertainment Lounge, as well as the refurbished Old Storehouse restaurant/bar, turning exclusively to a Martin Audio AQ solution for all its requirements.
Brian Graham, who took over Promotiontime NE 10 years ago, has been a frequent user of Martin Audio systems over the years, and in particular the Blackline series - but the compact AQ architectural range has opened up a number of new opportunities for him.
"Martin Audio is generally our 'go to' brand for most requirements above a basic bar, and I would probably have specified Blackline again for the entertainment room. But when we heard the AQ series demoed we knew this would be equal to the demands of the room."
The stage system needed to reinforce small acts, as well as a resident DJ and karaoke, but also needed to be used for larger performances when required.
After sampling the AQ series Graham specified a pair of AQ28's, with dual 8in drivers, one each side of the stage, as the main front-facing PA with an AQ10 on each wing providing outfills. Recessed into the stage on each side is an AQ215 (2 x 15) bass enclosure and Promotiontime NE have incorporated a 42-way patch so that incoming productions carrying their own mixing console can plug straight in and override the house desk.
The Old Storehouse is divided into two areas - a restaurant and bar, with background music fed to eight AQ6 in the main restaurant, with its colour changing walls, and a pair of AQ5's in the overspill/annex area, while the dedicated bar area is served by a further combination of AQ8, AQ6 and pair of AQ112 (1 x 12in) sub.
The music extends to the outside patio area where Brian Graham has specified four Martin Audio C115 surface -mount weather-resistant speakers - designed with the same elegance as the AQ range.
The entire system is powered by Martin Audio MA5.2K, MA4.8Q and MA2.8Q amplifiers and fed by a 16 x 16 audio routing matrix, which allows any sound source to be switched to any zone via the Martin Audio Engineer 818 DSP. Limiting and EQ settings are also stored in the Engineer, with inputs recalled and switched between the different operating modes via the Control4 audio and lighting environmental control platform (linked to Mode dimming packs for the lighting).
The installation needed to offer ease of use and the site is configured so that all audio and vision can be switched and controlled from two touch screens, one located in the main bar and the other in the performance area, to allow intuitive use throughout the complex.
In summary, Brian Graham confirmed, "In addition to raising the performance level we had to make the installation look sleek which the AQ certainly does. And with only around 3m ceiling height in the entertainment room we are able to run the AQ28's in landscape orientation, flush against the ceiling. It was the perfect solution.
"Everything works seamlessly; the client is absolutely delighted, the feedback has been great and we have had nothing but positive comments."
(Jim Evans)
