The new high-energy resto-lounge, Mr Panther, is a sophisticated addition to Lagos’ nightlife. Owned by the Standalone Group, the venue is located on the 7th floor of The Avenue Suites Hotel, offering stunning views of the city accompanied by fine dining that transforms into a vibrant lounge as the night progresses. Aiming to leave a lasting impression on every guest, a KV2 Audio sound system has been installed to match its ambitions.
When the Standalone Group decided to expand into Lagos, the company brought in Freehand Acoustics at the concept phase: ‘We were onboard to design and commission the sound system,’ explains Rayan Wehbe, Principal Consultant at Freehand Acoustics. ‘This allowed us to coordinate with interior design, lighting and audio to ensure all elements worked harmoniously.’
The brief for Mr Panther was to create a system capable of supporting a high-end dining experience that evolves into a vibrant lounge atmosphere in the evening. Having experienced KV2 Audio’s systems in similar high-energy environments, Wehbe was confident in their ability to deliver the required audio quality. ‘KV2’s acoustical performance – especially the subwoofers’ rich low-end – always impresses,’ he notes. ‘Coupled with competitive pricing among high-end brands, the decision was straightforward.’
The ESD series proved to be a perfect fit for Mr Panther – its compact design provided a powerful solution while meeting the venue’s spatial and aesthetic requirements.
The guest experience begins in the hotel’s lobby elevators, where extremely compact gold-painted ESD Cube loudspeakers deliver full-range audio, setting the tone for the night ahead. The champagne bar, located at the entrance, is equipped with four custom-painted, ceiling-mounted ESD5 loudspeakers to provide ambient background music as guests wait for their tables.
On the main floor, the audio design features ESD10 loudspeakers positioned left and right, and an ESD12 as a centre channel. These are paired with three ESD1.18 subwoofers integrated into the furniture. Under the balcony, ESD Cubes are placed to ensure even sound distribution across lounges that would otherwise face limited direct coverage.
The VIP mezzanine section features an LR configuration of ESD8 loudspeakers paired with two ESD1.15 subwoofers. Even the restrooms maintain the venue’s signature ambiance with ultra-compact ESD Cubes delivering high-quality sound.
‘A crucial factor was ensuring the loudspeakers’ directivity minimised reflections in a space with challenging acoustic properties,’ Wehbe says.
‘The venue’s combination of hard floors, glass façades, and thick felt-like materials created an acoustically challenging environment. To mitigate this, the KV2 system’s controlled dispersion and precise directivity was ideal in focusing energy where needed and minimising reflections.’
A Xilica Solaro QR1 processor handles system control, with a custom-designed interface that allows the venue team to adjust levels, monitor performance, and recall presets from mobile devices or PCs. This flexibility is essential in a venue with shifting operational modes throughout the evening, transitioning from fine dining to a high-energy lounge.
Despite the space’s aesthetics, integrating the audio system wasn’t without its challenges. Restrictions on loudspeaker placement near the glass façade and staircase required creative solutions. ‘We leveraged the extensive ESD series catalogue to achieve consistent coverage, minimising level and spectral variances while adhering to spatial limitations,’ says Wehbe.
Now up and running, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive: ‘The client praised the system’s clarity and power. At full capacity, the system provides the required SPL while maintaining headroom,’ Wehbe concludes. This harmonious blend of aesthetics, functionality, and audio excellence solidifies Mr Panther as a premier destination in Lagos. KV2 Audio’s partnership with Freehand Acoustics once again showcases how technology and thoughtful design can create unforgettable hospitality.
