Hard Rock returns to Hong Kong with Nexo
Published: ASIA
CHINA: The Hong Kong Hard Rock Café has reopened in the Lan Kwai Fong bar district near Central following the closure of its previous location in Tsim Sha Tsui. The new premises has been fitted with a comprehensive sound reinforcement system including Nexo loudspeakers and both wired and wireless Shure microphones.
When the first Hard Rock Cafe (HRC) opened its doors in 1971, its American owners Peter Morton and Isaac Tigrett would never have imagined that the chain would expand to 53 countries some four decades later. Originally characterised by its eclectic decor, the Hard Rock went on to amass one of the world’s largest collections of rock and roll memorabilia, but the chain is just as famous for its live entertainment, merchandise and burgers.
Two properties were acquired for the new conversion and with rents being as high as they are in this exclusive district, a quick return on expenditure was required. Fortunately, high t-shirt, cheeseburger and cocktail sales have vindicated the bold business plan and the establishment is packed with tourists and locals seven nights a week.
The sound, lighting and video technology installed into the HRC was always going to be a prime consideration in the fortunes of a venue that trades in rock and roll. Therefore, a careful analysis was made before the owner Urso Mossiman and general manager Michael Milande opted for two systems catering for day time and night time customers. The background music of the daytime and early evening makes way for a sound reinforcement system later in the evening when live bands take to the stage and the house DJ fills in between sets.
The HRC may appear somewhat small from the outside, but it does contain seven zones, including the restaurant seats, bar, an upper deck seated area, VIP room and Rock Shop. A total of 17 wall mounted Nexo PS10R2 speakers together with two ceiling suspended LS600 subwoofers powered by NXAMP 4x1 amplifiers sooth the ears during the daytime when passers-by drop in for lunch and souvenirs.
However, when the band takes to the stage in the evening, HRC sound engineer Mark Greiner and his colleague flick a preset switch to unleash the power of a Nexo GEO S 1210 front of house system which has been suspended from the 4m ceiling in an L-R configuration, comprising three cabinets per side. Powered by Nexo NXAmp 4x4 amplifiers, the front of house system is augmented by a pair of RS18 subwoofers positioned underneath the stage. Two Nexo PS15R2 and four PS10R2 speakers have also been deployed as stage monitors.
Shure ULXD4 wireless systems and wired SM57 and SM58 microphones are used by the musicians and vocalists alike, who perform with the benefit of an extremely good backline and instrumentation. Behind the stage area, a 2m-high x 4m-wide LED wall entertains diners and visitors when live music is not being performed as do the LCD TVs located throughout the HRC. Content is streamed from the main international server, selected from a choice of two audio and four video channels. A Biamp Nexia software system was programmed into this mix, bypassing the PC sound cards and enhancing the mixes significantly, whilst a Roland Edirol V-8 video mixer is used to stream the selected videos into the various zones.
Mark Greiner mixes the live performances from the controls of a Soundcraft Si2+ console. ‘I’ve used Yamaha and SSL digital consoles in the past and I like using the Si2+, although I feel there are some compatibility issues with the Nexo system,’ he commented. ‘The EQ doesn’t do what I want it to do. Kick drum and bass vocals are difficult although they sound okay on headphones. I generally play below -2dB as the PA system generally only needs a gentle push before problems occur in a relatively small venue.’
Nexo speaker systems have cornered the market in this entertainment sector of the city, following continued demand for the services of The Den Sound Boutique Ltd led by Thimy Nguyen as supplier and designer, and Pro United led by Ricky Wong as system integrator. Following this landmark installation, a continued rise seems assured as attention to detail has been accurately carried out, including customised trussing and intricate speaker positioning.