Essex Sound & Light's Mike Glover found everything he needed to provide audio for this spacious and versatile venue in Vieta's catalogue, from super-compact full-range cabinets to ceiling speakers, and beefy PA systems for DJ nights and parties. Working closely with Andy Austin-Brown of KV2 Audio, distributor of Vieta products in the UK, Glover found that the Ivory Rooms were perfectly suited to Vieta's subtle design approach.
"Because it's located in a predominantly residential neighbourhood, the Ivory Rooms had to specify high-quality loudspeakers that would sound good at lower levels, rather than products that only excel when they're driven hard. Vieta's compact Do-2 units are perfect for the restaurant, where they can provide excellent coverage at low level. I'm really really pleased with these, they're tiny little boxes that produce a big big sound."
Glover has used a BSS Soundweb to organise the club's audio system into eight zones, providing local volume control and input choice in each of the areas. The installation in the restaurant features 10 white Vieta Do-2 compact full-range cabinets, wall-mounted in the corners of the room, and supplemented by four Mi-10 white ceiling speakers, and two Do-110SW white subs, hidden away underneath the seating. The Do-2 is a discreet success - although the loudspeaker uses four 2" full range drivers, it measures barely 10 inches high but provides excellent coverage, says the company.
With its open beams and galleries, the design and function of the impressive double-height main bar called for a different approach. Glover chose Vieta's Do-10 2-way passive bass-reflex speakers for sound quality and SPL. Supplemented by Do-8s, the spec allows the club to put DJs on and crank it up in the main bar. Smaller Do-5s can be found in the Havana Bar, the small smoking room which adjoins the main room.
The Ivory Rooms has a substantial private function facility. Equally usable for conferences or for club nights, the space has its own bar and dancefloor, and Essex Sound & Light has installed the same projection and video facilities as in the rest of the club. "Although this facility can be divided into two," explains Glover, "we specified the same Vieta Do-10 cabinets in both, so that there is coherence when it is used as one space." The Do-10s are teamed with KV2 Audio's own ES1.5 subs. Throughout the Ivory Rooms, the loudspeakers are amplified by Ecler DPA Series amps.
(Chris Henry)
