Tiny Tapp & Café, located in the heart of the famous Chicago Riverwalk, is a lively destination where locals and tourists soak in Chicago’s diverse culture, stunning architecture and remarkable fare. Whether to grab a quick bite, a craft beer or share a handcrafted specialty drink with friends, the Tiny Tapp, nestled between Clark and Dearborn Streets, provides an escape from the bustle of the popular downtown walkway. To create a balanced oasis, owners Colleen Flaherty and Mark Johnson wanted a sound system that would not only drown out the city noise but also accommodate live music while allowing their guests to comfortably conversate. Fortunately, Ashly Audio’s advanced technology provided the necessary audio solution for the downtown establishment.
When the time came to enhance Tiny Tapp’s sound technology, Brian Flaherty, partner at Flaherty Builders, Inc., was brought in to provide a creative solution that would meet Colleen and Mark’s goals.
Designing a robust audio system would be challenging given that the venue’s steel, glass and concrete surfaces created sound echoes accompanied by the noise of traffic, boats, horns, sirens and other city sounds traveling along the river top. Additionally, the improved system had to allow guests and staff to order and converse without compromise no matter how close they sat to the loudspeakers. When Flaherty discovered the combination of Ashly Audio’s nxP amplifiers, WR-F wall controls and Portea software, he knew the technology would be instrumental for the complex system needs.
“Ashly Audio’s technology was a game changer for this project. Finding the right system that would fit our complex audio requirements while also being easy to use was key,” Flaherty explained. “The level of confidence and communication from the Ashly Audio team further inspired us to bring the nXP into the Tiny Tapp and utilize all of its capabilities.”
Ashly Audio’s nXp 1.54 amplifiers were designed to meet the most demanding live sound environments and fixed installation sound systems such as stadiums, areas, performance venues, worship spaces and restaurants. The amplifier’s ability to seamlessly blend into the venue’s environment while allowing Flaherty’s team to easily connect and manipulate the sound to fit the space’s layout was instrumental for the Tiny Tapp project.
“Once we discovered nXp 1.54’s easy-to-use configuration software, there was no need to look further,” Flaherty added. “After the installation, I was so interested in the amplifier that I purchased one for my own residence to further familiarize myself with the product.”
Two of Ashly Audio’s WR-F wall-mountable remote controls were paired with the amplifier to round out the system. The microprocessor-based controls feature six buttons that can be programmed for various functions, including preset recall, gain control, channel mute and zone source selection. Equipped with Protea Software, a program designed to further the ease of use for users, the sound system has the flexibility to adjust and shift based on the environment’s needs.
“Ashly Audio is thrilled with the opportunity to be a part of Tiny Tapp and have our products utilized to balance the sound of such an iconic walkway,” added Noel Larson, general manager at Ashly Audio. “Providing the best quality audio to customers is something we are extremely passionate about, and we are proud to work with a business that shares the same passion and care for its guests.”
About Ashly Audio
Ashly Audio, a Division of Exertis | JAM, is a world leader in the design and manufacture of high-quality, high-performance signal processing equipment and power amplification for use in the commercial sound contracting and professional audio markets. The company is headquartered in Webster, New York U.S.A. For more information: www.ashly.com
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