8Street Brickell, a new boutique establishment in the Brickell neighborhood of Miami, provides customers with a modern twist on a classic Speakeasy style accompanied by a versatile sound reinforcement system utilizing Void Acoustics loudspeakers implemented by integrator Paul Van Puffelen and his team at Southern Technical Support (based in Miami Beach).
“We were looking for a versatile audio system which would be well received by guest DJs for special events, but would also provide reliable perimeter and distributed audio coverage for our daytime service as well as our lounge night concept,” says 8Street Brickell owner Mark Meram. “We wanted speakers that would accentuate the space and act as part of the design – basically to become a piece of art themselves. To be honest, we had Void Acoustics in mind long before we appointed our consultants.”
Van Puffelen worked in close conjunction with audio partner Mike Harris of Harris Audio Systems to specify the system that incorporates Void’s signature Air Motion loudspeakers accompanied by Air 8 and Airten V2 fixtures and a Stasys 218 subwoofer to enhance the low end, along with IP-55 rated Cyclone 55 units for the outside patio. All loudspeakers, offering a custom pantone matte black finish, are driven by Bias Q2 and Bias V9 amplifiers.
“The main challenge was specifying and installing a high-end audio installation into a brand-new venue during a pandemic, Van Puffelen says. “There were numerous delays during 2020 which, in the end, served us well, as it allowed the individual trades to come in and perfect each aspect of the installation without any real time pressure because all venues were closed at the time. In addition to which (and in many ways most importantly for us) it allowed us the time to implement a strategic acoustical treatment. We ended up with as much time as we felt we needed to tune the room and ensure there was no negative impact to the quality of the sound system resulting from any mechanical noises, air conditioning units and other structural elements of the build.”
“My wish was to create an approachable, but entirely unique and memorable experience for anyone stepping foot inside 8Street Brickell,” Meram concludes. “In fact, offering our customers a chance to step back in time and celebrate that moment in history where the Speakeasy was the place to secretly meet, enjoy good humor and the eccentricities of the day. All that with a feel of the 2020s, not the 1920s. The sound system was one of the most important aspects of the space. A futuristic and quality Void Acoustics sound system helped create this intrigue and our guests’ first reaction when they walk in is instantly one of awe and curiosity in the sound system.”
