Bringing French industrial flair to Stockholm’s business district, Usine comprises a bistro, tapas bar, café/takeaway and conference facilities – and a zoned Yamaha audio system that blends with the venue’s aesthetic.

Usine’s name comes from the French word for ‘factory’, allowing it to flaunt its girders, air ducts and other services. Against this setting, A/V specialist Watt & Volt was contracted to provide a zoned audio system, choosing Yamaha CIS products to deliver quality audio in the challenging environment of reflective surfaces.

Controlled by an MTX5-D matrix processor, the system is divided into nine zones and features 32 VXS8 full-range, surface-mounted loudspeakers, plus two IS1112 subs in the main bar/dining area, two flush-mounted NSIC400s in the bathrooms and 12 IPX3-rated VS4s covering the outdoor areas. The system is powered by one XMV8280, one XMV4140 and one XP5000 power amplifiers, with eight zones each controlled by a wall-mounted DCP1V4S panel. Spread throughout the venue are three XLR panels for the connection of audio inputs, enabling Usine to host DJ sets and live performance.

‘We wanted a system that would be easy to use for all staff members, but products with aesthetics that would blend seamlessly into Usine’s industrial theme,’ confirms Watt & Volt Business Development Manager, Carl Ingler. ‘The Yamaha products fitted perfectly into the different areas. By installing the VXS8s high on the walls and the IS1112 subs suspended from the ceiling, they not only delivered excellent coverage, but also looked like a part of the industrial infrastructure.’

With the zoned system, local control panels and XLR inputs making for a very flexible system, Usine’s owners and staff have pronounced themselves très content: ‘It is straightforward to use and weekend DJ sessions are set up in minutes, with the performers able to easily plug in their equipment and push play,’ Ingler says.

More: www.yamahaproaudio.com