A new microbrewery concept has debuted recently in the inner-Sydney suburb of Redfern – The Atomic Beer Project brews its range of hoppy beers on-site in view of its customers as they enjoy its pan-Asian cuisine.
Although the Gage Roads Brew Co hails from Western Australia, Atomic Beer is its first bricks-and-mortar venture. In addition to carefully prepared craft beers, also helping to draw in patrons – and keep them there – is a sound system from Martin Audio.
In fact, music is a core part of the concept, according to Atomic Brand Lead, Clint O’Hanlon: ‘We have started sponsoring FBI radio, which is a youth radio network just down the street from us, and we’ll be hosting their DJs here,’ he promises.
One thing the Atomic team were unequivocal about was that there would be no compromise on sound. They chose Martin Audio loudspeakers, having had excellent experiences with the brand on other projects. These were installed by Sydney-based Beyond Audio Visual.
The distributed audio system relies on a wealth of small loudspeakers and companion subwoofers to deliver an all-encompassing music experience, which never impinges on customer comfort, but simply adds to the experience. This is a real accomplishment in a venue with so many hard, reflective surfaces.
All this has been achieved through the use of eight Martin Audio Blackline X8 (8-inch two-way) enclosures, complemented by ten Martin Audio SX110 (1 x 10-inch) for the low frequencies, and 18 Martin Audio Adorn A55 for fill and ancillary areas.
‘The importance of ambience is paramount,’ says O’Hanlon. ‘The audio system is so beautiful and warm. I’m from a nightclub promotion background and I’m aware of the way sound can move through a venue. Here, there are no annoying delays, where you hear loudspeakers on the other side of the venue like an echo.
‘I’ve never worked with an audio system where you can control the level in all the various zones individually or collectively from your phone. It’s really seamless.’
Installing the 10-inch subwoofers in the elevated cable trays proved to be a real turning point in the audio design, reflects TAG Technical Director, Anthony Russo – Martin Audio’s territorial distributor, who assisted Beyond AV and its MD, Con Andrews, who was a specialist consultant on the project.
‘Normally, you would see the subs installed into the banquette seating, for example, but all the concrete bulkheads had already been poured, so we needed another solution. We didn’t want to excite the ceiling space with low frequencies, which is why the design has more subs spread out, and placed close to the matching full-range speakers to provide a cohesive sound.’
It’s difficult to escape the sheer number of loudspeakers in the venue; this was necessary to provide the required degree of control. The optimal level, coverage and the quality of the bass allows customers to talk without the audio system drawing attention to itself. That said, when called upon, it has enough horsepower for a DJ session.
The venue occupies the site of an old furniture factory, and has a capacity of just under 200 (although this includes a number of comfortable seating areas). YSG Studio has created a brooding interior, with a monochromatic mood punctuated by stabs of colour.
Reviewing the fit-out, O’Hanlon reports that management is delighted with the overall concept and how it embraces the industrial roots of the building.
More: https://martin-audio.com
