‘The audio system was the first decision we made – before the venue or name. The music and the sound were the number one priority. It is everything about our personality.’
Club Beta in Denver is among one of four nightclubs that have recently received upgrades to their Funktion-One loudspeaker systems. ‘The combination of the upgrades and a visit from Tony Andrews to tune the system has resulted in a noticeable difference,’ says Beta Executive Director of Operations & Production, Michael McCray. ‘The midrange has clearer, more defined detail. Our employees were the first to comment on it, however, the guests are really appreciating the enhancements made last month. It was fortunate that we were able to receive the upgrades, and the visit from Tony himself. This really shows the level of commitment from the company.’
‘Funktion-One’s continuous quest for fidelity has led to a breakthrough in cone stabilisation, almost eliminating diaphragm breakup and its associated nonlinear acoustic behaviour,’ explains company founder, Tony Andrews.
Along with Beta are Cielo and Output in New York and Berghain in Berlin. All four have benefitted from an intensive period of R&D that has enabled Funktion-One to take product performance to new levels. And all are united by their focus on sound quality.
‘I’ve been collaborating with Funktion-One for 12 years now, says owner of Cielo and Output, Nicolas Matar. ‘It’s truly been a labour of love and our relationship gets stronger by the day. Cielo was the first Funktion-One club in North America, 12 years ago. It has served as a showcase club for Funktion-One. We have tested and developed numerous products together over the years.’
‘From the very beginning, we were treated with respect and with an individual personal experience. Funktion-One was the first choice for us, and both Funktion-One and [US distributor] Sound Investment were very accommodating in allowing us to work with them on the design, and allowing us to do the installation and tuning,’ agrees McCray.
‘The product performance speaks for itself; however, there is always the need for support in the pro audio world. Funktion-One has always been helpful when we need it, but they are also proactive about maintaining products’ performance in the field. This shows a pride in both work and clients’ venues. It’s a level of service not commonly found in the pro audio world.’
The upgrade has been applied to a number of Funktion-One loudspeaker models at the venues in question. Andrews visited each to personally deliver the improvements: ‘We were able to carry out these upgrades, which are the subject of a fresh patent application, to some of the US club installations and to Berghain in Germany. The sonic result is outstanding and has taken the Funktion-One sound to a new level, particularly in the vocal range.’
This has been well received at Berghain: ‘After the first club night on the main floor and especially after the tenth anniversary concert, we received ecstatic feedback from FOH technicians, guests and employees,’ says Technical Director, Krischan Makswitat. Berghain also upgraded its monitoring system, bringing in Funktion-One PSM318s to replace the old set-up.
‘We provide an upscale classy interior, with an amazing staff and all of the benefits of a world-class club,’ Michael McCray reflects. ‘But if you ask our guests what element gave them the biggest enjoyment on a given evening, they will talk about the sound and the music first.’
More: www.funktion-one.com
