A recent series of K-array systems loudspeaker installations among some of Hong Kong Island’s top restaurants. The most recent is in Iron Fairies…
‘The original sound system, intended to reproduce soft lounge music came as part of the design package,’ explains K-array APAC Sales Manager, Marc Vincent. ‘However, the growing popularity of this underground bar has turned it into a club featuring top Hong Kong DJs and live bands.’
Limited real estate on Hong Kong Island brings a unique set of challenges, including those facing acoustic consultants and systems integrators. Clubs, bars and restaurants need ingenious solutions in providing a sound system for small footprints and low ceilings. The systems need to be unobtrusive while delivering the levels needed to drive a dancefloor and the intelligibility to operate as a sophisticated background in a fine dining environment.
Australian designer Ashley Sutton has built a reputation for visual impact in Bangkok and Tokyo with Iron Fairies. In Hong Kong, he has drawn on his experience in iron ore mining for the interior theme, recreating a Victorian foundry in iron, timber, brick and leather – complete with 10,000 preserved butterflies suspended from the ceiling, and some hand-cast iron fairies for good measure.
This shift in purpose of the Hong Kong venue propmted the installation of the K-array system in the small venue – designed to provide the high SPLs at short distances, as required for DJ and live performance. The installation was carried out by local A/V consultancy V Group, and comprises a main LR system of Axle-KR802 systems per side, each using three Dragon-KX12 coaxial line array elements mounted above a Thunder-KMT218 18-inch subwoofer by mean of an extendable pole and stacking hardware.
‘The low ceiling configuration didn’t provide enough space for any vertical arraying,’ Vincent observes. ‘The KRX802 allowed us to mount all six compact KX12 speakers horizontally. The two dual 18-inch active subwoofers were easily hidden under bridges leading to the private rooms. These unobtrusive horizontal arrays are able to fill the Iron Fairies space with a powerful and even coverage.’
Two further KX12s bolster audio levels at the left and right side of the room, while six Turtle-KRM33P low-profile wedge monitors act as passive fills for each of the six private rooms, all powered by a Kommander-KA84 quad amp. On stage are five Frog-Is FP8 8-inch two-way active monitors, four for live acts and one for DJs.
‘The discreetness of our speakers really proved crucial to the success of this installation. Not only were the owners incredibly pleased with the results, they even ordered K-array systems for other venues they run that have similar aesthetic concerns,’ Vincent concludes.
More: www.k-array.com
