Audio networking for SKYCITY's new Vue Bar in Hamilton, New Zealand has been placed entirely in the hands of the Soundweb^TM London DSP platform from BSS Audio®, a Harman International Company (NYSE-HAR).

The Soundweb system, comprising a BLU-80 signal processor and BLU-32 I/O expander, forms part of a Harman Pro integrated system, designed and specified by James Greet from Greet Consulting of Auckland, in consultation with Paul Edlin of JANDS NZ Technical Resource Group (TRG). The system was supplied and installed by Security Specialists of Auckland - and all network design programming and commissioning was handled by Robson Birch, of JANDS NZ TRG.

Situated in the heart of the Waikato region of New Zealand, SKYCITY Hamilton's upgrade has provided them with a stunning new live venue.

The 600-capacity Vue Bar has been designed specifically to provide world-class entertainment in the city centre, and marks the end of a multi-phase development which also saw the opening of the Rebo Restaurant and Bar in May of last year.

General manager Geoff Hogg confirms that Vue Bar will present live entertainment four nights a week.

The main design brief for the audio specialists was to provide exceptional and well-balanced coverage of audio throughout the venue - not only from the live acts but also from satellite TV, a video playback system or DJ feeds as required.

This was a perfect challenge for Soundweb as Paul Edlin reports. "This installation showcases a number of cutting edge audio technologies. It is the first installation of the self-powered JBL VP speakers in New Zealand and the use of the optional CobraNet^TM input module allowed seamless integration with the Soundweb London devices."

Soundweb London delivers the processed feeds to a pair of JBL VP7212/95CN and VP718CN speakers for the main stage area, with seven JBL Control Contractor 321 series speakers for the high ceiling bar areas and 17 JBL Control 26CT speakers for the lower ceiling bar areas.

The AV system, also installed by Security Specialists, incorporates multiple plasma screens, projectors, video switchers, scalers, Sky TV decoders, music video servers and a DVD player. The entire AV system is under the control of a Crestron touch-panel, installed behind the bar.

Summarises Paul Edlin, "The VP speakers have a very musical sound that is ideal for the type of live acts that will be appearing at the venue, but also have the ability to be pushed up by the DJ on party nights. The extensive fault monitoring and protection systems onboard the VP amplifier module also allow regular reporting of any untoward operational conditions."