BSS Audio Soundweb Contrio Wall Controller For The SoHo Event Space

The SoHo is one of Manhattan’s newest upscale event spaces, an authentic penthouse SoHo loft that provides a full range of catering, DJ and other services for all types of affairs.

Celebrating its grand opening last July, The SoHo features an in-house music system operated by a BSS Audio Soundweb Contrio wall controller that makes music selection easy for The SoHo’s staff.

Ian Hoffer, president of New Jersey systems integrator Aurora Sound & Light Design chose the Contrio EC-4BV Ethernet wall controller and a BSS Audio BLU-50 signal processor with BLU link connectivity to serve as the operational heart of The SoHo’s music system.

“We needed a controller that would be absolutely simple to use per the owner’s wishes and discreetly blend into the space’s beautifully appointed décor,” said Hoffer. The Contrio EC-4BV was perfect for the application.”

The BSS Audio Soundweb Contrio EC-4BV features a push/rotary encoder, an encoder ring, four buttons and a color LCD screen that can display custom text and graphics. Available in black or white, the EC-4BV connects to a system via Ethernet and can be custom-configured using the Harman HiQnet Audio Architect system configuration and control software.

Music for The SoHo events is furnished via an iPad or a visiting DJ, and a mic is also provided. “At first the owner was going to go to a music store and buy a mixer, but since the space is rented to all kinds of people for all kinds of events, I advised him that a mixer would be impractical. People needed something that would be totally simple to use, and the BSS Contrio turned out to be ideal.”

Hoffer configured the EC-4BV to be able to switch between an iPad, DJ and mic and also mix the inputs together if required. A fourth button is programmed to select the mic only – a user only has to tap the “Mic Solo” button on the controller. The Contrio is connected via an Ethernet cable to a PoE (Power over Ethernet) power injector, which feeds into a switch and the BSS Audio BLU-50.

“This was the first time I have ever installed a BSS Audio Contrio product and I have to say I really like the fact that although it’s simple to use, the LCD screen and configurable buttons enable it to be customized to a high degree. A cool feature is the illuminated ring around the volume knob that acts as an input meter so you can see what your signal is doing.”

BSS Audio
Harman Professional

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *