Install

Supported By
ProSoundWeb
One of the spaces at the new Barry's Bootcamp flagship location in Soho that's equipped with Martin Audio loudspeakers.

UK-Based Fitness Franchise Relies On Martin Audio For High-Energy Soundtrack

New Barry’s Bootcamp location pumps out high-volume, high-BPM dance-oriented music utilizing Blackline series specified by Luna Sound and Lighting.

Barry’s Bootcamp, a boutique fitness franchise that continues to open new locations in the UK, utilizes Martin Audio loudspeakers at the heart of its operation, including at the latest (and flagship) operation in the Soho (West End) district of London.

Originally established in California in 1998, Barry’s (as it is now known) offers high-intensity interval cross training revolving around two red-lit studios. A series of trainers, using curated playlists, pump out high-volume, high-BPM dance-oriented music through the Martin Audio loudspeakers over an intense 50-minute session, focusing respectively on treadmill and strength training.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-6.png

By the time sound specialist Callum Toms of Luna Sound and Lighting (Gerrards Cross, UK) came on board following a recommendation, Barry’s was already familiar with Martin Audio’s sonic signature, having adopted the brand via a previous installer. Toms was equally conversant, having worked with their premium installation ranges at his previous company. But for the new basement operation underneath the famous Hamleys store (with the entrance on Kingly Street), he went a step further and specified a large complement of Martin Audio Blackline models.

“We first replaced an old sound system with Blackline X8 at Barry’s Central on the Euston Road, which was the first to open in London [back in 2013],” says Toms. “Then we were offered St. Paul’s and now Soho. Blackline seems to be made of steel, it’s just so durable. It comes at a price that’s hard to beat and it looks attractive.”

He says the operators are known to run the system at approximately 98 dB. “We have provided a large complement of speakers to create plenty of headroom, as we would prefer the system to run at 60 percent rather than flat out.”

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-7.png

The larger of the two studios is equipped with 18 Blackline X10 units, underpinned with three SX112 subwoofers — all ceiling mounted on yoke brackets — while a further SX212 sub is floor mounted. The Lift studio adopts a similar concept but with eight Blackline X8 and a pair of SX112s providing the music from overhead.

Elsewhere, on the entrance stairwell are six ADORN A55 loudspeakers and a further two in the corridor leading to the two changing rooms, each housing a further four A55s. Finally, Toms turned to Martin Audio’s CDD series for the main reception area, where six CDD6s have been specified. All the Martin Audio equipment was supplied by Leisuretec.

Maintaining the tempo, high energy dance music is routed to the various ancillary areas via a BSS Soundweb BLU-100 from a Mac. In terms of the technical infrastructure, all the trainers have to do is press their tablet or MacBook Pro into the plug-in point provided and don their Sennheiser headset mics to get the sessions underway.

Just as they have avoided any compromise on sound, the franchisees have also been careful to dampen the studios to avoid reverberation and slapback. The ceilings are covered in foam and the walls are edged with soundproof board where not lined with mirrors.

“Many layers of bespoke programming allowed us to maximize the gain level before getting any feedback,” concludes Toms. “The music is loud, fast and high quality which is one of the core values of Barry’s.”

Martin Audio
Luna Sound and Lighting

Install Top Stories

Supported By

Linea Research is a leading designer and manufacturer of high performance power amplifiers and DSP controllers for the entertainment, live sound, installed sound and commercial sound markets.