Mumbai’s Cafe Zoe recently selected K-array Kobra loudspeakers to provide an unobtrusive audio solution for live and background music.
Featuring exposed brick wall and high ceilings, it was important for Café Zoe to retain its industrial heritage while restructuring the once-standing foundry into a cafe, brasserie and bar in the Mathuradas Mill Compound in the Lower Parel hotspot of Mumbai.
With the original foundation gutted, audio installer Seven Point One was brought in when the cafe was just a shell with four walls to begin concepting the sound system.
The installer was tasked with finding a strong and robust system which could run for 18 hours providing clear, ambient audio for the restaurant then convert to a proper live system at night to accommodate a Dj or a small live band.
The challenge was to ensure the system did not include ground stacking or bulky speakers which would cause visual disruption, yet be sleek and hidden to maintain Café Zoe’s unique aesthetics.
For Seven Point One owner, Zeus Unwalla, the choice was easy: “Being an integrator and a designer I work with a lot of pro audio and install companies. For this project, I was the sole integrator and had my choice of systems. There was no better system to use here than K-Array.”
K-array’s Kobra KK100 loudspeakers were selected for the main floor given their power and coverage area to be coupled with two KL18 subwoofers and a KA7 amplifier. Having no restrictions within the space, two KK100s were flown from a considerable height allowing for even and clear dispersion for the main floor.
Given the loftiness of the high beam from which the speakers were suspended, the reliability of the line arrays was a governing factor: “There is not easy access to the points and we needed something that could take the heavy usage,” explained Unwalla.
Eight K-array KT20MA point source speakers were chosen for the mezzanine for their compact size since the area requires even and clear coverage during meals and slightly more power at night.
“K array was chosen as it could deliver the kind of quality and power required at this venue at the correct cost,” said Unwalla.
