Shanghai restaurants put Italian on the menu with K-Array
Published: ASIA
CHINA: A number of restaurants in Shanghai have recently been installed with loudspeaker systems from Italian manufacturer K-Array. Among the projects handled by the brand’s distributor Sennheiser China are the Black Pepper, El Ocho Bar, Food Block and El Tomatito.
According to Sennheiser’s Fred Hu, the brand’s rise in popularity can be attributed to the speed with which systems can be installed. ‘Our services are retained because we have built a solid reputation for our capability to deliver a creative system design with fast installation and reliable aftersales support,’ he explained. ‘It’s not uncommon to come across K-array systems in some of China's most reputable venues.’
Opened during the summer, the Black Pepper restaurant boasts a Turkish theme and required a discrete audio installation with high directivity for its bar area. The solution comprises six KK50vb variable beam line arrays, often referred to as Ninjas, which blend in with the décor. Additionally, two KMT18P subwoofers provide low-end extension while a KA10-10 amplifier delivers the power.
Elsewhere, Calypso is one of the latest projects to have been completed by the Shangri La Group, including a new Mediterranean-style restaurant extension named Food Block. The area has been installed with a combination of 37 KT22 Tornado speakers and 12 KK52 Kobras, while eight Piccolo systems have been discretely positioned in the corners of the room with two KU36 and five KMT18P subwoofers. Power is delivered via three KA10-10 amplifiers.
Meanwhile, Spanish-style bar el Ocho is described as ‘modern but with a cosy atmosphere’, hosting small-scale live music and offering premium cocktails to its patrons. K-Array enclosures have been provided to deliver BGM within the venue as well as stage monitoring for performers. Eight KP52 Pythons form the system alongside six KT22 Tornados, a single Piccolo, two KRM33 ‘Cheesebox’ wedge monitors and four KMT18P subs. Again, a KA10-10 amplifier drives the system.
Finally, El Tomatito is a restaurant/lounge described as a ‘sexy tapas bar’ by its owner, the El Willy Group. Blending contemporary design with classic tapas dishes, the venue required uniform coverage delivered by 18 KT22s plus four KMT12P subs and two KA7-7 amplifiers.