Following the success of Hed Kandi’s inaugural bar in Clapham earlier this year, installation company MSL has again chosen Martin Audio as its preferred loudspeaker brand for the new Hed Kandi flagship bar which opened recently in Brighton.
Situated on West Street in the City’s bustling Lanes area, the former Luminar-owned Tru Nightclub has been completely overhauled and redesigned by Julian Taylor Associates with MSL entrusted with the full audio visual installation—including a high-impact Martin Audio system, networked across two floors.
Part of the Ministry of Sound Group of companies, Hed Kandi has become a globally recognized brand with club events all over the world and a huge music catalog over many dance music genres. It was the Ministry’s then technical manager Alex Barrand who recommended MSL and Martin Audio on the strength of its performance at the premier London dance club, where it is used exclusively.
MSL project managers Darrel Olivier and Bradley Watson teamed up to produce a comprehensive solution for the main bar area, seated booths, VIP areas and basement Shooter Bar, while Olivier produced a lighting and video solution, utilising a wide range of LED static and moving fixtures, to further enhance the public spaces.
Once the integrators realized the priority that the operators wished to give to the sound reinforcement, 15 wall-mounted Martin Audio AQ8 (8” LF + 1” HF) full range enclosures were specified to provide punchy coverage throughout the ground floor space, while the low frequency extension is delivered using four floor-standing Martin Audio AQ212 (2 x 12”) and a single Martin Audio AQ210 (2 x 10”) sub bass enclosures.
The reception spaces, outside facade and the Shooter Bar have all been provided for, with four Martin Audio ultra-compact C4.8T ceiling enclosures, while the next phase will see the addition of an AQ112 sub (1 x 12”)—plus separate DJ input—downstairs in the basement.
A BSS Soundweb London BLU-100 manages the backbone of the audio system, with a pair of BLU-BOB expansion extenders providing the additional outputs required for the multi zone site (along with remote BLU-3 and BLU-8 control panels).
DJ’s upstairs are equipped with a top-specification booth which also includes a pair of Martin Audio Blackline F8+ (8” + 1”) high power enclosures for DJ monitoring upstairs.
“Martin Audio was recommended because it’s a proven product, with longevity and reliability, and they were happy to go down that route,” said Bradley Watson. “Although it’s not a nightclub it needs nightclub type levels — and they were very comfortable with the brand.”
MSL senior project manager Darrel Olivier, working with Julian Taylor Associates meanwhile developed a comprehensive architectural and moving light solution while a Mitsubishi 4500 lumens DP projector and full Kramer Electronics transmission equipment complete the lighting and video solution, allowing the operators to project in full HD a wide variety of media.
The complete system, from the architectural LED to the ceiling mounted moving heads, are all programmed and managed by a ShowCAD Artist 512 control system, with a 19” touch screen display monitor and an Edirol MIDI keyboard for instant scene and sequence recall.
True to its signature style the Brighton bar decor showcases the stunning Hed Kandi girls and glamorous party nightlife. And with the dance brand’s world famous DJs playing through the Martin Audio house system, Hed Kandi Operations Director, Phil Faversham, expects this to quickly become Brighton’s hottest party destination.
All photography kindly provided by Charles Turner
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About Martin AudioA®
Founded by audio engineer David Martin in 1971, Martin Audio pioneered the use of all-horn-loaded bass designs in world-class touring loudspeaker systems for groups such as Pink Floyd, ELP and Supertramp. Located outside of London, Martin Audio now embodies a sophisticated mix of acoustic design, research, mathematical modeling and software engineering for a wide range of products in the installation, cinema and touring sound markets.
