Requiring a new audio system to serve its various spaces, the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) looked to systems integrator BM Service and Italian manufacturer K-array to serve its 2,500-strong international membership.

Founded in 1953 by Prince Rainier III and chaired by Prince Albert II since 1984, the club attracts shipowners, sailors and yacht-lovers to its luxurious setting to share their love of sport and of the sea. ‘The request for discreet yet powerful audio fit perfectly with the solutions we provide.’ says K-array Product Support Specialist, Alberto Gaetti. ‘Furthermore, the IP-rating and weather-resistant finishes of our products are ideal for the marine environment at the YCM.’

The pre-existing Rooftop Bar system included six Python-KP102 I and four Python-KP52 I loudspeakers with four Thunder-KS2P subwoofers providing bass support. All were powered by a Kommander-KA208 amplifier. This system had already proven its ability to maintain a high SPL in a confined area, while containing spill outside the venue.

‘Everything had to be invisible, stylish, yet high-performing, the usual values of K-array,’ Gaetti continues. ‘Our loudspeakers were previously installed at the club’s rooftop terrace, so the client was already pleased with our solutions. The next step was to scale the audio system across other key spaces, including indoor and outdoor hospitality spaces, a meeting room and a swimming pool area.’

Offering views of the harbour and the Rock of Monaco, the Aquarama Riva Bar sits on Deck 5 of the club. Here, the client required a system to be used largely for BGM playout, with the ability to also provide audio for occasional parties or presentations. This area features two Kobra-KK52 I loudspeakers finishedin white, chosen for their slim form factor and powerful projection. Complementing these are two full-range Domino-KF26 loudspeakers, also in white. For the low frequencies, a Rumble-KU210 subwoofer is used.

For members searching for a more intimate setting, The Cigar Lounge offers a private space with a relaxing ambience. Here, four compact Lyzard-KZ1s in white and a Rumble-KU44W-2 I subwoofer were installed. An ultra-mini point source loudspeaker, Lyzard blends seamlessly into the room’s aesthetics.

The selection of hospitality spaces at the Yacht Club de Monaco extends further to the prestigious 1909 Restaurant, strictly reserved for club members and guests. Six Kobra-KK52W and eight Tornado-KT2 loudspeakers, along with ten Rumble-KU44 I subwoofers, provide high-quality BGM. White finishes to all the loudspeakers ensure that the technology remains visually discreet.

In the Sunrise Restaurant outdoors, background music and reinforcement for parties were required. ‘A combination of 11 Domino series loudspeakers with special marine finishes were chosen to provide a reliable sound system that would withstand the elements year-round,’ Gaetti says. ‘While they are powerful loudspeakers, suitable for parties as well as background music, the depth of the boxes is still small enough to be carefully integrated into the space without disruption.’

The focal point for the club’s A-list parties, the Ballroom at Yacht Club de Monaco has seen the installation of two Pinnacle-KR102, one Pinnacle-KR202, and two Pinnacle-KR402 systems. These lightweight, portable systems provide an all-in-one sound solution consisting of K-array’s Thunder subwoofers and Kobra or Python line array elements. ‘The column array loudspeakers within the self-powered Pinnacle systems offer great performance and easy setup,’ Gaetti says. ‘Their ultra-slimline form factor makes them unobtrusive, whilst the interconnecting units allow the team at Yacht Club de Monaco to change the angles of each element, giving them the option to adjust the system for different events in the Ballroom.’

The club would be incomplete without its sundeck, which includes a swimming pool overlooking the marina. A further high-performance Pinnacle system was chosen for sound reinforcement, ideal for pool parties, whilst providing continued versatility.

‘Given the combination of both indoor and outdoor spaces, we were conscious in our design to integrate marine-grade products where necessary to ensure that the systems would be resistant to weather and humidity,’ says Gaetti. ‘Through the installation of a full K-array solution, the technical team at Yacht Club de Monaco can use the K-array software suite, such as K-Control and K-Cloud, for control and management of the system.’

More: www.k-array.com