The multi-site Kong Complex in Glasgow comprises two bars, three open-air winter terraces and and restaurants as well a nightclub and event spaces. Each is served by an individually tailored sound system using Electro-Voice loudspeakers networked via four Dynacord MXE5 Matrix Mix Engine performance matrices.

In the heart of the city centre, Kong is a day and night destination that is open seven days a week. It has been designed with a focus on providing the right atmosphere for each space, with audio playing the key role in defining the ambiences throughout the complex.

Local company Flashlite Technical Services was tasked with the sound system design: ‘The concept was to provide a value-engineered solution for the client with multiple zones and areas,’ says Flashlite Director, Andrew O’Neill. To achieve this, the systems integrator enlisted the support of the Dynacord and Electro-Voice team to create a solution that would meet the needs of every space in the extensive facility.

‘Flashlite wanted a system that could be fully IP-networked across the whole site,’ says Arthur Achard, UK Senior Sales Manager for Dynacord and Electro-Voice. ‘In order to do this, Dynacord MXE5 matrices were deployed, along with TPC-1 touchpanel controllers and networked WPN-1 wall panels. All MXE5 matrices can work inside one network, so the system can be easily accessed remotely and can be monitored while in use. Having so many venues to cater for, the MXE5 proved to be a flexible and powerful solution to fulfil the technical requirements.’

‘The MXE5 devices allowed configuration with ease, and the TPC-1s have multiple pages to allow control of each area independently and also control of the same area from multiple panels,’ O’Neill continues. ‘This was all handled through Sonicue Sound System Software which we found to be an incredibly powerful package. MXE5 combined with IPX amplifiers make life a lot easier than the alternative.’

With the MXE5 matrices in control, the rest of the solution drew on the portfolio of Electro-Voice and Dynacord. ‘Electro-Voice and Dynacord were the right choice due to cost, reliability and total cost of ownership,’ O’Neill says. ‘Added to this, there is the superb UK support from Arthur who always goes above and beyond – including answering my calls late at night and at weekends.’

From ZX1i-100T loudspeakers driven by C Series amplifiers on the terraces to Evid 4.2T cabinets covering the corridors, or ZX3 loudspeakers with L Series amplifiers in the bar to X12-128 subwoofers in the club, the sound follows customers everywhere they go. ‘Different areas required different levels of sound but had to be completely configurable,’ says O’Neill. ‘Unobtrusive speakers were also high on the requirements for certain areas.’

The venue features hundreds of loudspeakers, but what encapsulates the project best can be found in the Wunderbar Ballroom performance space. This dedicated live music venue and bar features performances from DJs and live bands every day of the week. To support these performances, three TX1122 and 11 ZX1i loudspeakers form the main system, supported by four TX2181 dual-18-inch subwoofers. On stage, a pair of MFX-15MC multi-use coax monitors and a further two TX1152FM floor monitors provide foldback for performers.

Power for the system is via three IPX10:8 amplifiers alongside a single IPX20:4. There is also an MXE5 matrix and a pair of TPC-1 wall panel controllers to give the venue’s staff intuitive control over the whole system.

‘Amplification was ‘interesting due to space restrictions,’ O’Neill says. ‘This led us to the IPX range due to their low power consumption and low levels of heat generation.’

The low power consumption of the IPX range is due to Dynacord’s ecoRAIL amplifier power management technology. This reduces idle power consumption while still providing audio output, full system supervision and the capacity to restore full output power without any delay.

‘This project was complex and covered a diverse range of entertainment areas,’ Achard notes. ‘The ability to mix and match amplifiers and speakers from the Electro-Voice and Dynacord families to cater to the specific needs of each space from powerful SPLs to inobtrusive form-factors made sure that we could provide a complete end-to-end solution for the whole Kong Complex.’

‘The end result is that the client is happy, and as long as they are happy then I am happy,’ O’Neill concludes.