The recent opening of the latest Blues Kitchen Brixton marked the latest in a line of technical fit-outs for London-based restaurant and nightclub operators, the Columbo Group. The technical installation was carried out by Middlesex Sound & Light (MSL), extending both companies’ ties with Martin Audio.

MSL Project Director Darrel Olivier had previously specified Martin Audio for the Blues Kitchen Shoreditch, but was now faced with live music stages on two floors (instead of one). This time he opted for Martin Audio’s compact and hybrid W8VDQ, run in biamp mode, for the main first floor stage in the 650-capacity venue (formerly the popular Electric Social).

The system combines line array and differential dispersion technologies to provide even coverage, and meets the operators’ requirements for a higher specification in order to encourage established promoters and bands to use the venue, according to creative director, Liam Hart.

‘We have a really good relationship with MSL,’ he reports. ‘We have worked with them for around five years and they have always specced our venues honestly. I also know Martin Audio is a brand I can trust – since attending shows during my university days in Liverpool, this was a name I was constantly seeing on the PAs.’

With numerous venues, including The Nest, XOYO, Paradise, Blues Kitchen Shoreditch, Paradise, Cat & Mutton, The Old Queen’s Head and Phonox under their belts, the Columbo Group has wide experience in providing sound systems for bands and DJs. In addition to retaining some of the existing equipment from the previous set-up, it has invested heavily in soundproofing in Brixton to ensure there is no sound escape into the neighbouring houses.=

According to Darrel Olivier, the sound system at The Blues Kitchen, Brixton needed to serve both purposes – switching between the presets on the Soundweb London DSP.

Upstairs, a pair of flown W8VDQ are complemented by four WS218X, twin 18-inch subs, recessed under the stage for its seven-nights-a-week operation. Two thirds of the way back are a second pair of delayed W8VDQ, strategically aimed to provide fill and maintain even pattern control.

‘I conducted a system demo at a site in Brighton – and was massively impressed with it,’ Olivier says. ‘It sounded perfect for live music but also produced a great dance sound for the DJ sessions. The W8VDQs don’t have a huge footprint which was vital as the aesthetics are important to the brand.’

Downstairs in the bar/restaurant is a smaller stage. And here the sound is delivered via Martin Audio’s new CDD installation series, using Coaxial Differential Dispersion technology. Olivier has specified eight CDD8 (8-inch) speakers and three CSX112 direct radiating subs. Further CDD5s can be found in the toilets – and the whole system is driven by Powersoft amplification.

With a high demand on I/O count MSL has set up a 24x24-channel routing matrix in the DSP to allow any source to be distributed to any zone in the venue, with Soundcraft digital consoles forming part of the specification on each floor. MSL also made a generous provision of plug-in points, enabling iPods to be used at will, as well as providing all the stage production lighting.

According to Liam Hart, you can’t build a business on the live music programme alone and, as with the previous two venues, Brixton’s Blues Kitchen will offer Texan BBQ, and a wide selection of bourbon: ‘We want to be known as more than a big gig space,’ he says. ‘We want [the clientele] to fall in love with the space and come back regardless of who’s playing. We want them to have a love affair with the venue.’

Nevertheless the music will remain faithful to its roots, and incorporate blues, R&B, soul and reggae: ‘The Martin Audio PA delivers a fantastic sound – particularly the delays. We have received great response – our audiences couldn’t be more positive about it.

‘With multiple bands and DJs, the operation is running seamlessly, with a simple switch between the system presets enabling our resident band’s sound engineer to plug his show file into the desk without the need for a soundcheck.’

More: www.middlesexsound.co.uk
More: www.martin-audio.com