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Martin Audio delivers rich, clear sound that envelops the audience helping to ensure that the next generation are inspired.
From the moment you descend into Caterpillar Club, it’s as if you’ve been transported to a cool speakeasy from another era. The venue exudes a distinct ’70s charm with dim, atmospheric lighting, cozy leather banquettes, and walls lined with record sleeves, creating an environment that’s both intimate and buzzing with energy. You can almost feel the influence of New York’s underground scene — a conscious homage, according to General Manager Emma Franceschini.
“We’ve taken inspiration from some great places from the ’70s. There’s a lot of New York inherently in this building,” Franceschini explains. “We have bands five nights a week from Sunday through to Thursday, and any time there’s not a band on, there’s a DJ spinning vinyl. And we’ve got a little hidden secret tiki bar with DJs, so on Friday and Saturday night, essentially you can have two parties in one.”
At the heart of Caterpillar Club’s identity is its record collection, one of the largest private collections in the world. It’s no surprise that vinyl plays a huge role in the venue’s appeal, as DJs regularly spin from this extensive collection between live sets. The tactile warmth of vinyl emanates through the space, offering something deeper than what digital music alone can provide — a sense of timelessness, nostalgia, and raw authenticity.
But what really sets this experience apart is the attention to detail in how the music is heard. Franceschini points out that vinyl isn’t just about the records themselves, but about how they are delivered to your ears.
“We’re a vinyl bar. We’re playing cool, interesting records. You want to be able to hear the nuances, and having a world-class sound system allows you achieve that,” she says. “Good audio is everything. You know if something sounds good or bad, even if you can’t articulate it. It’s just a feeling. When the balance of the sub is right in the room, and you get that thump in your chest, the whole place feels warm and comfortable to be in.”
“The thing with the Martin Audio sound system is you have that extra clarity in the room,” says Franceschini. “You’re able to take it to a pretty substantial volume and still have great conversation with your friends in the space.”
It’s a fine balance — loud enough to feel the energy of the live performance or the groove of the vinyl DJ, yet restrained enough to lean in and share a moment with your companions. The technology behind the Martin Audio system is engineered to ensure warm, rich sound that’s as comfortable as the venue itself.
Audio is processed and distributed across zones by a Q-SYS backbone. Zones are selected and controlled via QSC touchpanels with a custom GUI. An Allen & Heath SQ7 digital console and stagebox take care of live mixing duties.
What truly makes Caterpillar Club stand out is its ability to cater to different moods in a single evening. The main room offers live music and vinyl DJ sets, while a hidden tiki bar within the venue provides an entirely different vibe.
“On a Friday, Saturday night, essentially you can have two parties in one,” Franceschini notes. This dual experience lets you float between worlds: one moment you’re soaking in a band’s live set or dancing to a vinyl groove, the next you’re transported to a secluded hideaway for a whole other experience.”
Sydney’s nightlife scene is in constant evolution, and Caterpillar Club is an example of where it could be headed. By fusing nostalgia with state-of-the-art sound, live music with vinyl culture, and creating a space where people can truly engage with the music over fantastic drinks and snacks, Caterpillar Club is setting a high bar for late-night venues in the city.
Caterpillar Club: swillhouse.com/venues/the-caterpillar-club
Avivo Technology: avivotech.com.au
Technical Audio Group: tag.com.au
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