When the Millett Group hospitality and tourism group opened Salty’s restaurant and bar at Bondi Beach, owner/operator Christian Millett imagined a venue that paid tribute to surfing culture in Australia – a relaxed environment served by a serious PA system. For this, he turned to Pro Audio Video Technology (PAVT) who devised a custom audio system from EAW.
The Millett Group and PAVT have a long-standing history with EAW having installed EAW PA systems in the company’s various venues for the past ten years. ‘I have always been impressed with the quality and durability of EAW’s equipment,’ says Millett. ‘Our venues operate seven days a week, year-round and our EAW gear has always stood up to the test. With our new venue, Salty’s, we did not consider any other option. For us, having a restaurant and bar with amazing sound quality and entertainment was going to be our point of difference and we knew we had that with EAW.’
In designing the PA system, versatility was key. Salty’s is open for lunch daily, so the venue needed a system for BGM that allows patrons to carry on conversations, but that could rise to the demands of DJs. The requirement changes not only through the day, but from set-to-set. It was also important that the system had zone controls to raise the audio levels in parts of the venue. In addition, all management staff would have a smartphone app to enable them to walk the venue ensuring the levels are right.
The Salty’s bar is deep but not wide, so in designing the audio system, the PAVT team divided it into four zones. The main zone/DJ/dance floor is covered with six EAW MK8196 passive two-way loudspeakers and two SBK250 subs that are all flown. The bar area is covered with a line of EAW VFR89 passive, two-way loudspeakers, and the entry area is covered with six VFR89 and four SB120 loudspeakers. The annex area off to the side of the main area is filled with a pair of VFR89 loudspeakers.
‘EAW has a very solid distributor in Australia with PAVT,’ Millett says. ‘PAVT has had the EAW line for many years and this instills confidence that should any parts be required down the road there will be continuity of supply. Dave Coxon has been excellent, as usual, in helping us with the commissioning and tuning. Since getting it dialled in during set-up, the system has been perfect. Salty’s looks and sounds great.’
