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Article originally published in Mondo DR (Nov/Dec 2009), reproduced with express permission. Words and photography by Michael Nicholson.
The proposition of a public entertainment space, situated in the same building as Saatchi and Saatchi’s German HQ, Frankfurt, could naturally provoke presumptions of affluent design strokes aimed at the higher end of society. In fact, Nu Soul, the latest venture to be spawned by visionaries, Zeleke & Zeleke, is less deep pile superficiality and much more technological innovation, with a unique lighting installation and Tannoy sound reinforcement.
Richard Bendit of Bendit Consulting not only specified Tannoy speakers, along with Lab.gruppen amplifiers for the audio solution, but also carried the owners’ vision of lighting concept, based on LED lighting matrixes using tungsten light bulbs, to fruition through his programming expertise.
The domineering lighting scheme uses e:cue’s ‘lighting application suite 5.1’ for Windows to matrix the 2,880 bulbs into squares of 16 (4 x 4), each of which can be manipulated, as Richard explained: “We create movies with Adobe After Effects and e:cue transforms them into DMX channels, loading the matrix with the 180-channels. So in other words, e:cue converts movies into light shows. Each show can be manually run faster or slower and the light’s strength dimmed up or down. So the management of the light is extremely easy but looks tremendous.”
In answer to the venue’s audio requirements, Richard specified six Tannoy V12HP full range point-source loudspeakers supported by a pair of Tannoy’s new VS 218DR twin 18-inch direct radiating subwoofers. A pair of Tannoy Di6 DC surface mount loudspeakers are located in the separate smoking area at the back of the main venue space. The main room system is powered by two Lab.gruppen C-Series amplifiers (C68:4 and C48:4) while the Di6s are driven by a Tannoy TA1400 amplifier. System control is via a pair of Tannoy SC1 VNET digital controllers.
Part of Tannoy’s popular V-Series, the V12HP is a high-powered version of the standard 12-inch Dual Concentric driver equipped V12 – instead, featuring a punchier higher power handling PowerDual drive unit. The point source driver approach ensures the high frequency and mid bass sections deliver a smooth, uniform frequency response over a wide coverage area; and equally at home performing the dual functions of delivering high energy dance music or crisp and clear live acoustic music – something that is crucial to Nu Soul’s ability to deliver a broad reaching diet of music.
The V12HPs were installed in two banks of three down each side of the main room, each mounted on one of the columns that define the edge of the dancefloor from the seating areas down each flank, ensuring wide, even audio coverage across the centre of the room while attenuating levels slightly for the benefit of seated patrons.
Elsewhere, in the separate smoking area, the pair of Di6 DC speakers maintain the musical atmosphere and audio standards. Di6 DC is an ultra compact surface mount loudspeaker with a high power 165mm (6.50”) Dual Concentric drive unit, which can be mounted in either vertical or horizontal orientations on walls or ceilings without compromising performance.
Tannoy’s Communications Manager, Mark Flanagan, commented: “A venue like Nu Soul is the ideal environment for our V-Series and Di-Series loudspeakers – the type of place where ultra-modern design ethic goes hand-in-hand with the desire to give patrons an audio experience that goes one step further than your average night club. We were very satisfied to hear that Tannoy was specified as the preferred choice after several other well known brands had been demo’d in the space – particularly as budget wasn’t a main decision driver.”
Richard added: “I prefer Tannoy because of the quality and stability of the system. Tannoy systems are good to integrate into the architecture wishes of our clients without making compromises to the sound.”
As a venue situated within a business district of a very corporate city, Nu Soul manages to exude a soulful energy, whilst at the same time playing into the hands of its clientele who seek a certain level of exclusivity from their social settings. The focus here is on music and enjoyment, without the complications that can come from more underground offerings, and so the sound and light installation had to be professional in response. Through a combination of Zeleke & Zeleke’s vision, Richard’s technical know how, and his recognition of Tannoy and Lab.gruppen’s qualities in delivering a versatile audio solution, Nu Soul sits easily next to its esteemed neighbour.
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