London–A joint venture between QSoft Consulting and Vince Power Music Group (VPMG), the plush new gay bar Lo-Profile recently opened in Soho‘s Wardour Street.

A sister club to the operators‘ nearby flagship, Profile, it will be open seven nights a week and represents part of a total £1.6 million total investment dedicated to injecting new life into London‘s gay club scene.

SSE Group was contracted to provide the new audio infrastructure for the 450-capacity basement venue. Emma Barwell, head of SSE‘s London operation, says the company worked seamlessly alongside venue designers Shaun Clarkson ID, choosing a Martin Audio AQ system to meet both the aesthetic and dimensional requirements.

Industrial in design and intimate in feel, Lo-Profile is approached through an infinity tunnel lit with a range of alternating colors. The interiors feature different materials including black glass, leather, steel rivets and studs, giving the space more of an edgier feel than its Frith Street counterpart.

“The new design concept, which incorporates a lot of LED panelling, dictated that the old sound system would need to be replaced,” Emma explained.

But the real cause for concern was brought about by restrictions placed by the raised seating area, and the ability to position the subwoofers discreetly. “We were aware that of all the PA companies Martin Audio have traditionally made low-profile enclosures, and so we looked closely at their product line.”

Barwell reports that Martin Audio responded exceptionally well to the request for a custom solution, turning around black finished AQ series loudspeakers within seven days. “In fact we managed to complete the whole fit-out, including a new DJ system, in just ten days,” she said.

The venue is divided into three separate sound zones — main dance floor and bar, main bar and a seating area.

SSE used a total of 12 wall-mounted AQ8 ultra-compact, full-range enclosures to provide a discreet and accurate sonic solution. Three AQ210 2×10″ low-profile subs are recessed under the raised seating area, with a further sub in the DJ booth.

The system is managed by Martin Audio‘s dedicated AQX system controller, and is powered by Crown Macro-Tech amplifiers, described as “impressively compatible.”

In the DJ booth SSE is a Pioneer DJM 800 mixer and CDJ-1000 tabletop CD players, with Technics SL1210 turntables and powered DJ monitors, while a remote zone controller, located at the bar, is used for volume control and source selection. Since Lo-Profile also functions as a live entertainment club, radio mics have been provided.

Each night at Lo-Profile will be themed, the music ranging from classic, funky dance and electro-house to more progressive house. The club will be a showcase for first class local and international DJ talent together with live PAs and artists, dancers and hostesses.

Summarizing, Barwell states that SSE has provided VPMG and QSoft Consulting with a practical solution for their many sound reinforcement requirements. “The installation has been extremely well received.”

For more about Martin Audio, please click to www.martin-audio.com.