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Optimal Audio

Optimal Audio feeds the Mediterranean theme at Da’s Lupo restaurant

The mediterranean flavours of Cologne’s Da Lupo restaurant – one of five owned by the restauranteur, Gabriel Zanchetti – were reflected in its requirements when a new audio system was sought out. The restaurant opted for the Optimal Audio ecosystem that AV specialists, Starpoint recommended to suit their palate.

Spread across two floors, Da’s Lupo’s restaurant features a large dining room divided into two areas with a separate bar. A function room with dancefloor occupies the lower floor.

For Da’s Lupo, music is an integral part of the dining experience and the restaurant needed an audio system that met three criteria. The first of these was that the system was customisable for each of the three distinct areas of the restaurant, so that the music fitted the flavour of the day and time; the second was that the system was simple and intuitive so that operation followed the same fluidity of the restaurant processes and that even untrained staff were able to simply and effectively control the volume levels in the different areas.

The third requirement was for an audio system that delivered exceptional sound quality both upstairs in the main restaurant and downstairs in the function room space, where there was a need for significantly higher volume levels to cater to events.

Starpoint specified and installed an Optimal Audio system comprised four each of the full range Cuboid 5 and Cuboid 6 loudspeakers in the restaurant area, powered by two 2 x 350W Amp 100 amplifiers.

In the basement event space four full range Cuboid 8 loudspeakers, supported by a single, passive Sub 15, contribute to a club-like atmosphere with sound levels to match. Two 2 x 1,350W Amp 300 amplifiers drive the system.

The venue staff control the Zone 8 via the ZonePad 4 wall controller so that volume levels can be managed in every zone of the restaurant including the event hall in the basement.

The intuitive Zone 8 and ZonePad 4 combination has been a revelation of simplicity for the restaurant. Da’s Lupo’s Service Manager, Inga Schmitz, confirmed, “Since our music system has been upgraded with Optimal Audio, we have had no problems with the operation and, for example, the different volumes in our various areas.”

She explained, “Counter staff often have a certain amount of mistrust when it comes to operating a conventional audio system. The ZonePad 4 removes this barrier to entry. It’s intuitive to use and can even be controlled remotely using the WebApp.”

As well as adding simple intuitive control, the Optimal Audio system has set a new standard in sound quality for the restaurant. Easily accessible settings in Optimal Audio’s WebApp were configured to enable clear and high quality sound that fills the space even at low volumes creating a more comfortable ambient level for staff and guests.

Starpoint’s Sönke Klan, explained, “The customer approached us with the wish to modernise the sound system and install a simple control system adapted to the needs of the restaurant. We were able to realise these requirements perfectly with the products from Optimal Audio.”

He continued, “while the main advantage of the new music system at Da’s Lupo is the simple, intuitive operation of the ZonePad 4, which includes the individual volume settings for the different areas in the restaurant, the new system also offers all-round discreet but full sound.”

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Martin Audio

SIX MARTIN AUDIO WPL STACKS CREATE POWERFUL DANCEFLOOR IMMERSION AT PLAZA

India: Dubbed as Asia’s largest nightlife destination, Hyderabad’s new Quake Arena leverages over 100 Martin Audio components to distribute sound across the 5,000m2 venue. Set on three levels, the venue, which is owned and operated by Jupally Rameswar Rao’s My Home Group, has capacity for 5,000 patrons and has played host to world-renowned artists such as European DJs Ben Böhmer and Afrojack.

IT’S DESIGNED TO HIT HARD, SOUND CLEAN AND PERFORM FLAWLESSLY ALL NIGHT.

Brendon Fava, Xcite Audio Visual

He therefore opted for a six-stack solution to ensure everyone within the dancefloor’s sound field could enjoy a unique 360° experience. A total of 24 WPL line array elements were deployed in six hangs, with Russo noting, “People rarely experience a high-powered, concert-style cabinet that operates well within its limits, while maintaining significant headroom. This is crucial for efficiently handling the massive dynamic range produced by international DJs.”

To complement the arrays, a six-stack configuration of 18 Martin Audio SXH218 (2x18in) hybrid subwoofers was selected. The main sub stack stands at 2.5 metres, allowing patrons to experience the full force when dancing next to it.

However, this installation is not purely about brute force, as Brendon Fava emphasises. “It’s about delivering precision, power and consistency. It’s designed to hit hard, sound clean and perform flawlessly all night.”

Away from the dance floor, the bar and VIP booth delay areas are served by 16 Martin Audio THS 15-inch 3-way coaxial cabinets. These cabinets provide the necessary sound levels as a delay system, ensuring a seamless transition from the dance floor. Notably, the DJ booth is equipped with what Anthony refers to as “the Martin SRM System, a Super Reference Monitors 4-way DJ system”. This setup comprises a pair of THS cabinets mounted on custom-made brackets, paired with two SX218 subwoofers that can meet the most demanding requirements while also keeping pace with the main front-of-house (FOH) system.

Anthony further comments, “A three-way coaxial means the DJ receives the extreme detail and timing needed for a perfect performance. The clarity and power of this setup will undoubtedly become a rider requirement.”

The SPL is maintained in the foyer where 11 Martin Audio Blackline X8 have been installed supplemented with three SX112 subwoofers.

Further considerations were vibration control and minimising disturbances to neighbouring properties. To ensure this every cabinet was suspended using Embelton spring isolation or set on specialised floor mounts, while custom rigging was designed and installed by CVAV Sydney.

The Allen & Heath system processor powers 14 Martin Audio iKON DSP multichannel amplifiers on a Dante network, creating an enviable 250kW of available power.

Elsewhere at Basement level, Sarah Maloney has created a stunning, moody subterranean vinyl bar. This exclusive atmosphere is sensitively enhanced by the specification of another six-position immersive sound space. This time it is scaled back to feature six Martin Audio CDD15 speakers, eight CDD10 for fill and two SX218 subs. DJs have also been catered for, with powerful stereo CDD15s provided as monitors.

The venue has got off to a dynamic start following its pre-Christmas opening, having already hosted prominent local and international DJs—including Chris Stussy and Mind Against—while increasingly finding favour with VIPs, celebrities and partygoers alike.

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