Resorts World Manila (RWM) recently upgraded its unique Bar 360 venue with loudspeakers from Clair Brothers.
The integrated resort in the Philippines is a one-stop, non-stop entertainment and leisure destination that features gaming, entertainment, unique events and exciting lifestyle options. Bar 360’s name is a descriptive one because not only is the stage three-hundred and sixty degrees around, the bar itself runs three-hundred and sixty degrees around the stage, then the dance floor and audience seating surrounds it all, three-hundred and sixty degrees all the way around.
As one can imagine, this circular layout presents quite an audio production challenge, especially when one also considers Bar 360 is located right in the center of the casino’s gaming floor, generating its own collection of dissonant sounds.
The purpose of the upgrade was to have a clear and dynamic sound all the way around the audience area that delivers a great live show to the customers at a level of 95-100 dB without fatiguing anyone’s hearing and not disturbing the casino operations.
Ernie De Leon, director of entertainment operations, RWM at Bar 360, puts it this way… “We want our guests to experience the real live sounds of our bands. The challenge is we’re in the middle of a gaming floor, so we also need to consider our other guests outside the bar. Wayne Grosser managing director, Clair Brothers Australia, in conjunction with Systech Lighting Controls Incorporated, did a great job with the installation to make sure sounds from our stage are contained inside the bar area by leveling out volume and controlling sound distribution to prevent spillover. This Clair Brothers system is exactly what we’ve been looking for. No other gear required.”
Replacing the previous system was critical because it was aimed at the band on stage from the outer ceiling perimeter with two subs under the stage in the center. The result was that sound was being pushed into vocal and instrument microphones on the stage, so the sound was washing out over the audience seating areas. For the band, it made for a great side-fill system, but not a satisfying listening experience for customers. Bar 360 needed a new configuration.
Bar 360’s front of house system is run in mono and consists of eight R2D-III bi-amp, 12-inch, two-way loudspeakers with four CS18-II single, 18-inch subs positioned on the floor at the four column positions. A side marble area has two R2D-III bi-amp, 12-inch, two-way loudspeakers that are time-aligned to the stage center – the same as the main system.
The stage monitors consist of four FF2-HX’s, along with four Clair Brothers 2000 watt D80:4L amplifiers with Lake processing.
“The intelligibility, clarity and impact we’ve been looking for in a sound system are achieved with our new system,” explains De Leon. “In fact, this is the third Clair Brothers system installed at a venue at Resorts World Manila. The results speak for themselves and so many customers have made it a point to comment how clear the sound is. And that’s the goal: satisfied customers.”
In conclusion, De Leon says, “Bar 360 is one of Resort World Manila’s most popular venues, where top performers are showcased every day and night. It is therefore imperative the sound quality of our speakers is up to par. We are very pleased with our new Clair Brothers system. When it comes to loudspeaker systems, as far as I’m concerned, why consider another brand?”
