Opening seven nights a week, Lo-Profile aims to inject new life into the current gay London nightclub environment and represents part of a total £1.6 million total investment.
The SSE Group were contracted to provide the new audio infrastructure for this 450-capacity basement venue. Emma Barwell, who runs SSE's London operation, says that the company worked seamlessly alongside VPMG's regular venue designers, Shaun Clarkson ID, choosing a Martin Audio AQ system for its ability to meet both the aesthetic and dimensional requirements.
Industrial in design and intimate in feel, Lo-Profile is approached via an infinity tunnel which is lit with a range of alternating colours. The interiors feature a range of materials including black glass, leather, steel rivets and studs.
"The new design concept, which incorporates a lot of LED panelling, dictated that the old sound system would need to be replaced," Barwell explained. The design also picks up the star and circle motifs of the Gaydar.co.uk logo, owned by QSoft and who promote the venue.
But the real cause for concern was brought about by restrictions placed by the raised seating area, and the ability to site the subwoofers discreetly. "We were aware that of all the PA companies Martin Audio have traditionally made low-profile enclosures, and so we looked closely at their catalogue."
Barwell reports that Martin Audio responded magnificently to the request for a custom solution, turning round black finished AQ series loudspeakers inside seven days. "In fact we managed to complete the whole fit-out, including a new DJ system, in just ten days," she said.
The venue is divided into three separate sound zones - main dancefloor and bar, main bar and a seating area.
The SSE Group has used a total of 12 wall-mounted AQ8 ultra-compact, full-range enclosures to provide a discreet and sonically-excellent solution. Three AQ210 2 x 10" low-profile subs are recessed under the raised seating area, with a further sub in the DJ booth.
The system operates under the management of Martin Audio's dedicated AQX system controller, and is powered by Crown Macro-Tech amplifiers - which Emma Barwell describes as being impressively compatible.
In the DJ booth, SSE has installed a Pioneer DJM 800 mixer and CDJ-1000 tabletop CD players, with Technics SL1210 turntables and powered DJ monitors, while a remote zone controller, located at the bar, makes provision for volume control and source selection. Since Lo-Profile also functions as a live entertainment club, radio mics have been provided.
Each night at Lo-Profile will be themed, the music ranging from classic, funky dance and electro-house to more progressive house. Lo-Profile will be a showcase for first class local and international DJ talent together with live PAs and artists, dancers and hostesses.
(Jim Evans)
