The Bar, the latest tavern from noted restauraneur Danny McDonald that’s located in Manhattan’s Moynihan Train Hall in the newly renovated Penn Station, is outffited with Genelec 4430A Smart IP installation loudspeakers implemented by Harrison, NY-based system integration firm Osbee Industries.
Starting in 1995 with the Swift Hibernian Lounge, which Crain’s New York contended “revolutionized the Irish Bar scene” in the city, McDonald’s portfolio grew to include Puck Fair, Ulysses’ Folkhouse, Pier A Harbor House, and The Dead Rabbit. The Bar is an elegant venue in dark walnut and polished brass, a centerpiece of the hall’s food court.
Ten of the Genelec Smart IP loudspeakers are soffited in the ceiling of the actual bar area, supporting the venue’s eight television displays. The AV system, designed by Osbee, is fully networked, with Crestron control and Symetrix processing, and the 4430As are connected to that network via Dante.
“The Genelec loudspeakers, which Danny has used many times before in his restaurants, were the perfect choice here,” says Osbee president Dave Raines. “They’re compact and fit into the wood soffit above the bar in such way that they’re practically invisible, yet still have plenty of output power. They’re compatible with Dante, as well as open streaming standards such as AES67, so they’re able to be networked, and they also have PoE functionality, which streamlines the system design. Plus, they sound fantastic, so they really check all the boxes.”
Raines adds, “It was our first time using Genelec, but I can assure you it won’t be our last. It’s a great installation loudspeaker.”
The location of The Bar, across Eighth Avenue from Madison Square Garden, means the venue will play music and show videos that complement what many patrons have come to see, whether it’s a Rangers game or a Billy Joel concert. “That’s where the Genelecs really shine,” McDonald says. “They’re studio-monitor quality, so the sound is really excellent. We’ll have some acoustic music in here, such as jazz on Wednesdays, and the Genelecs give it elite-level sound.”
