Two venues at the new Hard Rock Hotel New York, located between the Theater District and Radio City Music Hall, have both been equipped with sound reinforcement systems headed by 1 SOUND loudspeakers and subwoofers.
For The Venue on Music Row, a two-story space that pays homage to 48th Street music stores Manny’s Music, the first Sam Ash location, and Rudy’s Music Stop, hosts live performances as well as fashion shows, after-parties, and gala dinners. The audio consultant on the project was Thomas Knauss, principal of New Jersey-based KMK Technologies, who’s previously worked on projects with hotels and casinos that includes The Four Seasons Hotel, The Borgata, and other Hard Rock facilities.
His sound design for the 12,000-plus-square-foot space incorporates incorporates flown Clair Brothers full-range loudspeakers facing the dance floor joined by flown 1 SOUND SUB310 subwoofers to enhance low-frequency performance. In addition, 1 SOUND Panorama MS34 compact loudspeakers, used in mono + stereo mode, are flown via C-Clamps in several locations on both of the venue’s stories to deliver additional coverage and stereo imaging. 1 SOUND WSUB45 subs again bolster the low end, concealed in banquettes in the room.
“With regard to any high-level playback or live performance sound system design, we aspire to provide the ‘holy grail’,” says Knauss. “The short definition of that goal is to provide a loudspeaker system that provides highly articulate mid-range and high frequency performance with chest pounding bass, yet one can still order drinks, have a conversation or otherwise verbally communicate with others without shouting over the music.
“Aspiring to that goal is one thing, accomplishing it is another,” he continues. “For the Hard Rock Times Square Venue On Music Row project, the MS34 loudspeakers coupled with the SUB310 and floor sub devices met the ‘holy grail’ goal and then some. The stereo image emanating from a single MS34 is unique, impressive and an absolute pleasure to experience.”
Meanwhile, NYC-based consultant and installer Elyon Systems deployed 1 SOUND for the hotel’s RT60 Rooftop Bar & Lounge. Spanning the entire floor and one of the largest rooftop terrices in the city, this glass-enclosed, music-infused space offers a main bar with lounge seating and access to the outdoors for city views across two expansive spaces.
The venue hosts smaller gatherings up to large-scale receptions, with the audio system supporting live performances and background music employing 1 SOUND Cannon C6 loudspeakers and a SUB310 located in the garden beds.
