The Atomic Beer Project, a new microbrewery that recently debuted in the inner-Sydney suburb of Redfern, utilizes a sound reinforcement system incorporating a variety of Martin Audio loudspeakers installed by Sydney-based Beyond Audio Visual.
In addition to serving craft beers, music is a core part of the concept according to Atomic Brand Lead Clint O’Hanlon. “We’ve started sponsoring FBI radio, which is a youth radio network just down the street from us, and we’ll be hosting their DJs here,” he notes.
Photo credit: Steven Woodburn
The distributed audio system relies on a plethora of smaller loudspeakers and companion subwoofers to deliver an encompassing music experience that’s designed to add to the experience of patrons. It’s an accomplishment in a venue — the site of an old furniture factory with a capacity of just under 200 — with many hard, reflective surfaces.
All this has been achieved by deploying eight Martin Audio Blackline X8 (8-inch 2-way) enclosures complemented by 10 Martin Audio SX110 (1 x 10-inch) for the low frequencies and 18 Martin Audio ADORN A55 for in fills and ancillary areas.
“The importance of ambience is paramount,” O’Hanlon says. “The audio system is so beautiful and warm. I’m from a nightclub promotion background and I’m aware of the way sound can move through a venue. Here, there are no annoying delays, where you hear loud- speakers on the other side of the venue like an echo. And the best part … I’ve never worked with an audio system where you can control the level in all the various zones individually or collectively from your phone. It’s just really seamless.”
Installing the 10-inch subwoofers in the elevated cable trays proved to be turning point in the audio design, adds Anthony Russo, Technical Director of TAG, Martin Audio’s territorial distributor, which assisted Beyond AV and its Managing Director, Con Andrews, who was a specialist consultant on the project. “Normally you would see the subs installed into the banquette seating, for example, but all the concrete bulkheads had already been poured, so we needed another solution,” Russon explains. “We didn’t want to excite the ceiling space with low frequencies, which is why the design has more subs spread out, and placed close to the matching full-range speakers to provide a cohesive sound.”
It’s difficult to miss the high number of loudspeakers in the venue; however, this additional complement was necessary as it provides extra levels of control. The goal is optimal level, coverage and quality of the bass that allows customers to talk naturally without the audio system drawing attention to itself. In addition, when called upon, it has more than enough horsepower to kick into gear during a DJ session.
