Martin Audio solutions have been installed at Lina Stores locations in Shoreditch and Manchester. Integrator Evolve AV specified the audio systems to deliver high-quality, discrete audio capable of providing impact for parties and DJs. Lina Stores, the Italian delicatessen founded in 1944 in London’s Soho, now boasts twelve locations. The estate today encompasses ten restaurants and, inspired by Italy’s bar culture, most recently introduced the Bar Lina concept to four select sites. Tasked with installing sound systems in two such openings in Shoreditch and Manchester, integrator Evolve AV specified Martin Audio solutions. Located on Shoreditch High Street, Lina Stores Shoreditch occupies a Grade II listed building originally built in 1868 as a bank. Elliot Patterson of Evolve AV was introduced to the project following a recommendation. Patterson said they wanted good coverage and something that was really compact, but could pack a bit of a punch for parties and DJs. The nature of the interior space shaped many of his decisions. Patterson said it is quite a big space with very low ceilings and they were not really in a position to put things in corners. He needed to be careful where he put speakers so they did not take over. Patterson specified Martin Audio CDD6 speakers from the outset. He said he did not look at any other options because he knew the CDD6 would give him the excellent coverage and quality sound from the exposed wall positions. With a listed building and a strong design aesthetic to protect, visual integration was also key. Patterson noted some walls are bare brick, some stone concrete. He said the CDD6 actually works really well against that and blends in really well. Upstairs in the Shoreditch restaurant, the system comprises six CDD6, while downstairs in Bar Lina the main cocktail bar area features four CDD5, reinforced by an SX210 subwoofer. Patterson noted the CDD6 plus SX210 combination gave the space a discrete solution and really great output. Adjacent to the bar, the former bank vaults now provide seating cubicles and a lounge area. For this lounge area six Martin Audio ADORN A55 speakers were selected, while ADORN A40 are deployed in upstairs private dining areas as well as in ancillary corridors and entrances. System processing is handled by an Optimal Audio Zone 8, used for control in distributed install applications from Martin Audio’s sister brand within the Focusrite Group. Music sources include dedicated audio players for both the restaurant and bar, plus DJ inputs. Each area has a local on-wall Optimal Audio ZonePad, but most of the time they are able to simply use iPads for control. The benefit of the Optimal Audio ZonePad’s additional local and Bluetooth inputs comes into its own in the vault areas. Patterson said guests can just Bluetooth or plug in their phone directly to it. He said it is super simple. Following a Shoreditch launch evening, impressed by both the audio quality and Evolve AV’s work, Lina Stores asked Patterson to support its upcoming Lina Stores Manchester opening located on Quay Street. Once again Martin Audio CDD6 formed the backbone of the solution, with eight installed in the restaurant area, this time ceiling-mounted. Patterson said it is quite a big room so they needed to get a lot of coverage and again, the CDD6 does it so well. In Manchester they are ceiling mounted, unlike Shoreditch. They rotated the driver inside and they are all mounted in landscape orientation. In the Bar Lina area, six CDD6s are installed around the perimeter, supplemented by five Martin Audio Blackline X8 speakers, and with considerable low-end punch provided by
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