Claiming a one-of-a-kind fitness experience, 1Rebel recently expanded beyond its UK base with the opening of its first Dubai branch. Located in ICD Brookfield, in the cosmopolitan Dubai International Financial Centre area, the new facility required a A/V technology to match its boutique status.
UAE-based distributor and integrator, Levels AV, joined the project during the design and project commercialisation phase, overseen by Turner & Townsend project management, with interior design was taken care of by Allen Architecture Interior Design and APA London.
‘1Rebel was clear about the level of A/V system this project required,’ explains Levels AV Managing Partner, Hassan Alwan. Part of the appeal is the polished look and party atmosphere of the 1Rebel experience, and we knew we needed our highest-quality products in both lighting and audio for the installation.’
As a result, more than 40 EM Acoustics loudspeakers and subwoofers were chosen to deliver a high-octane soundtrack to accompany the 1Rebel Dubai fitness workout experience.
Every 1Rebel gym has defined workout zones. The Ride room is one of these areas, complete with spin bikes in an atmosphere more reminiscent of a nightclub than a gym. The Reshape room, meanwhile, is dedicated to high-intensity exercises, from treadmill sprints to free-weight circuits, and an Open Gym area allows gym-goers to make use of a variety of weight and cardio equipment in less structured individual sessions. A reception area and changing rooms complete the facility. Each area required bespoke audio, suitable for a variety of workout scenarios.
‘This project required nightclub-quality sound across a variety of zones in what is 1Rebel’s first open-plan gym,’ Alwan explains. ‘We needed high-quality loudspeakers that could be relied upon to produce audio across a mixture of music genres. EM Acoustics loudspeakers are powerful for their size and deliver matchless audio quality, meaning we could ensure smooth, even sound coverage without interfering with the overall modern, industrial aesthetic. The range of flexible rigging and mounting options meant we could get sound where we needed it across all areas of the gym.’
The Ride room required fully immersive A/V. Alongside high-impact visuals, powerful nightclub-grade sound is provided by six EMS-81X high-output loudspeakers and S-15 and S48 subwoofers. Simplified touchscreen A/V controls allow easy access to the system for trainers, with a triggering system that enables users to cue up and sequence integrated media, Light FX and soundtracks together.
Dedicated to HIIT (high-intensity interval training), the Reshape room called for a sound system with integrated control to create and maintain a high-intensity experience during classes. Levels AV opted for six EMS-81X loudspeakers and two S-12 subs for the energising sound required by these workouts. iPad stations allow system control, via Pixilabs and Avolites.
Intended for personal sessions and individual training, the Open Gym area features customoverhead lighting; a continuation of the ‘nightclub’ atmosphere. Here Levels AV installed eight EMS-61 2-way loudspeakers, ensuring even coverage across the floor.
Ensuring a continuation of the party atmosphere, not even the changing rooms were overlooked, with four EMS-41 loudspeakers fitted in the male and female facilities, compact models ideal for providing discreet yet coherent audio. Consolidating the atmosphere of the entire 1Rebel facility, background audio in the reception area is served by two EMS-51 loudspeakers.
Throughout 1Rebel Dubai, all sound and systems are controlled via Xilica, with Linea Research amplifiers driving the loudspeakers and subwoofers. Muxlab solutions integrate media and content servers to the displays.
‘We’re thoroughly pleased with the end result at 1Rebel, and believe that we’ve crafted a sporting A/V experience unlike any other,’ Alwan reflects. ‘The different spaces each required unique solutions, and with EM Acoustics loudspeakers we’re confident that the system provides the uncompromised sound quality and complete coverage required for the immersive workout experience users expect from a name such as 1Rebel.’
More: www.emacoustics.co.uk
