Set in the heart of one of Los Angeles’ most iconic neighbourhoods, the London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills is famed for its blend of classic British elegance and modern Californian style. The hotel offers a range of amenities, from its acclaimed Boxwood restaurant to its exclusive rooftop pool. However, the crown jewel of this property is its West End Rooftop, a sprawling open-air space that is a prime venue for high-profile events and functions.
Framed by a glass wall showcasing sweeping ocean views from Long Beach to the Malibu peninsula, the terrace is illuminated by spectacular sunsets and is a favourite among guests seeking a one-of-a-kind experience. But the sound of these events frequently spilled beyond the property, creating friction with nearby residents and prompting repeated complaints. To address these issues without compromising the venue’s reputation, the hotel turned to Russ DuBrow at Electronic Technology for a transformative audio solution.
The partnership – centred on the installation of Renkus-Heinz’s IC Live X Series (ICLX) loudspeakers – resulted in an acoustic upgrade that not only preserved the venue’s prestige but also fostered harmony with the surrounding community. ‘Guests come to The London expecting a premium experience, and that includes sound quality,’ DuBrow explains. ‘At the same time, we needed to respect the community by eliminating noise spill. Balancing these needs was our top priority.’
The intention was to deliver a premium audio experience concentrated entirely within the rooftop’s boundaries. ‘I knew I could meet the hotel’s goals with fewer speakers than the previous installation done ten-plus years ago. Recent technology gave me the tools to create the experience the client desired and bring the loudspeaker count down from eight to four. This provided superior sound quality and aesthetically complemented the venue while being cost-effective.’
Renkus-Heinz’s IC Live X Series loudspeakers were selected to address the unique requirements of the location. These loudspeakers feature steerable technology that allows sound to be precisely directed, ensuring maximum coverage within the designated event space while preventing sound spill.
Four ICLX units were mounted along the wall at intervals of 25ft, each placed 12ft above the ground. The system was designed to provide one zone of audio, ensuring even sound distribution throughout the rooftop. Complementing the ICLX loudspeakers are two SA112subwoofers provide the bass. The system was configured using Renkus-Heinz’s Rhaon II platform, a digital tool that enables precise adjustments to EQ settings, delay and SPL placement. By digitally steering the sound using Renkus-Heinz’s OmniBeam software and tailoring it to the venue’s acoustic characteristics, the installation team created a system capable of delivering power and control.
‘The IC Live X speakers allowed us to direct sound exactly where we needed: below the glass walls while concentrating the sound in the approximate middle while completely avoiding areas where it wasn’t wanted,’ DuBrow says. ‘This level of control was critical for solving the noise complaints that had been an ongoing issue.’
Complaints from neighbours have virtually disappeared since completion of the project, and the hotel has not faced further issues with city noise ordinances. Guests and event organisers have praised the improved sound quality, noting its clarity and balance even during high-energy events. DJs and performers benefit from the system’s adaptability, as it provides exceptional audio for both live music and spoken word presentations.
‘The difference is night and day,’ DuBrow says. ‘Not only does the system deliver incredible sound for guests, but it also keeps the hotel out of trouble with neighbours and city authorities. It’s a win for everyone involved. The IC Live X Series gave us the tools to create something special, and the London Hotel rooftop is now a space that impresses guests and respects the community. That’s exactly what we set out to achieve.’
More: www.renkus-heinz.com
