The 12th Knot rooftop bar at London’s Sea Containers hotel recently underwent a significant audio upgrade, implementing a full 1 SOUND system designed to meet the venue’s evolving needs. London-based integrator Tateside, collaborating with 1 SOUND’s UK distributor CUK Group, led the installation to replace an outdated system that suffered from inconsistent audio coverage and suboptimal speaker placement. The ambition was to deliver an evenly distributed, high-fidelity sound experience that complemented the interior’s sleek aesthetic while catering to diverse usage scenarios—from relaxed afternoon lounging to lively weekend DJ events.

At the heart of this upgrade are 1 SOUND’s Cannon C8 and Cannon C4 coaxial speakers. These compact yet powerful loudspeakers are engineered to provide even sound distribution and a warm, full audio profile. The Cannon C8, in particular, features an 8-inch driver paired with a high-frequency element and a 7-inch rear passive radiator, enabling a wide bandwidth ranging from 55 Hz to 18 kHz and a high maximum sound pressure level of 120 dB. Their resilience is augmented by an IP55 rating, suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments, and they are available in customised colours and finishes to blend seamlessly with the bar’s décor. Supporting these units, SUB310 subwoofers have been installed to deliver clean, deep bass that reinforces the lower frequency range essential for music impact during DJ sets.

To power the system, Tateside employed Powersoft Unica amplifiers known for their scalable amplification and robust performance. Powersoft’s reputation for reliability and high-quality sound has been proven even in demanding contexts such as large-scale events, underscoring their capability to handle the variable acoustic demands of a dynamic venue like 12th Knot. For signal processing and effective audio networking, the setup incorporates a Q-SYS Core processor paired with Dante audio networking technology, ensuring flexibility and precision in audio management.

Jack Cornish, technical director at Tateside, emphasised the careful planning behind the project, highlighting the need for a system that was not only sonically advanced but also operationally intuitive for the client’s team. “It was important for us to commission something that just works, something high-fidelity with great coverage and a system that is intuitive for the team to use day in, day out,” he said. Cornish noted the investment made by the client and the meticulous attention to detail required to meet aesthetic, operational, and acoustic standards.

The upgrade illustrates how sophisticated, compact loudspeaker design, combined with powerful amplification and intelligent processing, can revitalise a complex hospitality space. The Cannon series is part of 1 SOUND’s broader product range that integrates advanced amplifier DSP technology to produce consistent sound performance, delivered with the support of training and application design assistance. The collaboration between 1 SOUND and Powersoft amplifiers ensures tight integration and optimised sound quality, making the system not only an upgrade in equipment but a comprehensive solution tailored for modern, high-profile venues.

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Source: Noah Wire Services