Clair Global Integration (CGI) has completed design and delivery of audio and networking throughout three spaces at Outernet, a new venue complex in four storeys under central London – HERE at Outernet, a 2,000-capacity space frequented by touring artists, The Lower Third, a 250-capacity live music venue for smaller acts and DJs, and Forge, a cocktail bar that caters for intimate singer-songwriter acoustic performances.

Together, these contrasting spaces form part of an arts and entertainment hub in the heart of Central London. Each venue required its own audio, network and infrastructure for both independent and collaborative use, with all three using d&b audiotechnik loudspeakers, with HERE marking one of the UK’s first d&b XSL installations.

CGI also designed and installed the wider venue infrastructure, which allows Dante audio distribution across all three spaces, with Luminex switches on a site-wide network. ‘We began by designing a structured cable system throughout the whole building, making it easy to link and access all audio and visual signals from each venue,’ says CGI Associate Director, Tom Williams. ‘But with a vision as great and a project as complex as Outernet, the brief was constantly evolving, as was the scope of events each venue would eventually hold.’

The CGI team was completed by Projects Manager Jake Miller, Installations Manager Jon Hardy, and from group partner Eighth Day Sound, Wayne Hall, and Stuart Wright, who contributed their touring audio design expertise.

Working with the venue’s in-house team, led by COO Tristan Hoffman, a huge amount of detailed planning produced in the required technical flexibility for the venue. To date, comedian Ricky Gervais, alt-rock band Enter Shikari and electro dance queen Alison Goldfrapp, have taken to Outernet Venues stages.

DiGiCo Quantum Series consoles are at the heart of the control package in HERE, and capturing the artistry are three Panasonic AWRP150 PTZ Cameras, six Blackmagic Design Hyperdeck Studio 4K Pro decks, one Tascam Tri-level Sync Masterclock and a disguise media server. CGI also installed the latest addition to d&b’s SL-Series line-up, deploying left and right XSL arrays featuring XSL8 and XSL12 loudspeakers. Beneath the stage in HERE are a number of SL-Sub subwoofers in a sub array configuration, alongside d&b’s XS-Series and E-Series loudspeakers for fill and delays.

HERE has also been furnished with d&b 40D and D80 amplifiers to drive the loudspeaker systems and d&b M4 stage monitoring.

The Lower Third sees a standard LR system made up of d&b V10P loudspeakers with four V-GSubs and six M6 monitors, while The Forge is fitted with XS Series loudspeakers by the stage, powered by a 10D amplifier. A Yamaha QL1 with RIO stageboxes is used for mixing in The Lower Third.

This audio design is not limited to the performance spaces however, as Bose Design-Match loudspeakers have been installed throughout the back of house in order to allow audio from any venue, including the Now Building – a giant public atrium boasting the highest count of interior and exterior screens in the world – to be played in any part of the space.

‘Outernet Venues is a brilliant example of how our clients can benefit from the depth of knowledge and experience that we have within the Clair Global group,’ Williams concludes. ‘With a broad range of skill sets and intricate knowledge of live productions and installations, we can focus on delivering the ultimate high-end experience in a venue, regardless of size. We’re very proud of our involvement with these three venues, which are an exciting addition to Clair Global Integration’s growing portfolio of UK installations.’

After recording an average daily footfall of more than 200,000 guests (as of April 2023), Outernet Venues was placed in the top five visitor attractions in the UK as assessed by The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions.