Queen Of Hockley, Crafted Bars

Crafted Bars are an independent operator, based in the Midlands, UK. They have a range of successful venues, including the 'Queen Of Bradgate' in Leicester. They wanted to add to the 'Queen' brand in neighboring Nottingham - bringing the 'posh pub grub', cocktails and live music experience to the bustling Hockley area.

The AV brief was simple, but clear:

* A scalable sound system that was equally capable of providing warm background music during the day - and high energy enthusiasm in the evenings.

* A small but powerful lighting package, able to build atmosphere during the day - and excite customers into the early hours.

* Stage lighting to highlight bands, DJs and artistes when needed.

* Easy to use controls for the management to ensure slick changes of mood.

With a view to spending the clients money wisely, we opted to install a Void 'Venu' sound system to the main dance floor and bar area. Ensuring sound quality for drinks and dining - but also providing a great sound when turned up for high energy trade times. We paired 4 Venu 8 tops with a Venu 212 sub, driven by Void BIAS amps. The Bias amps have the speaker presets in, which is key to ensuring the best sound quality possible.

Around the other spaces, including the restaurant and gin bar, we opted for Biamp's 'Mask' range of speakers to ensure a consistent and even sound throughout. These were driven by an Audac 4 channel amplifier, which delivers high power in a relatively small form factor.

For integration and control we opted for a BSS BLU100 coupled with a BLU10 touch screen wall controller. Programmed in a user friendly manner - ensuring mood changes and volume tweaks are easily achieved with minimal effort. The result is an even sound that sounds great at any volume. Essential when the venue is catering for a combination of background music, vinyl led DJ sets, bands and traditional digital DJ setups.

The house DJ equipment comprises of a Pioneer DJM S7 and Technics SL1210 MK IIs - all provided by our partner in this project - Insono Audio Visual.

On the lighting side, form factor and sight lines were a key consideration when choosing equipment.

For eye candy and subtle looks, we opted for the 'Deco Retro Blinder'. The small size and aesthetic lends itself perfectly to the venue. As well as having warm and cozy static looks, they have a trick up their sleeve. This is a 6 section LED halo which allows for high energy looks and compliment the lighting system when the party kicks into higher gear.

4 Chauvet Intimidator Scan 360s are the main stars on the dance floor. Their 3 facet prism and beam angle make them ideal for spaces with a lower roof. They also have a faster movement than moving head style fixtures, and are less visually obtrusive. The brightness and strong colour wheel make them a powerful tool in the lighting arsenal.

The other lighting consideration early on was the wanting for a mirror ball. We guided the client towards a gold option, more in keeping with the decor whist still providing the 'pop' and intention of a traditional silver glass ball. We shoe horned in a 60 cm one, which manages to deliver on 'wow' factor whist not feeling intrusive! This is lit by the LEDJ Ninja Zoom 250s, which are ideal to smaller spaces due to the wide zoom available.

Finishing off the lighting package are 2 Prolight 1m RGBW battens for lighting performers on stage. This needed to be subtle, but present - and there are a myriad of colours available to suit any occasion.

We also provided RGBWW COB tape to the two bars in the venue. Accentuating the bar front design in their default 'warm white' setting, but also available in any colour for special occasions and corporate bookings.

The lighting is controlled by ShowCAD Artist, which allows for complicated and in depth integration whilst delivering a simple to use user screen. Thanks to a snappy iiyama touch screen, recalling lighting settings is simple for the staff and visiting artistes.

This project was undertaken along side Crafted's AV service provider Insono Audio Visual.