Situated in the heart of Fortitude Valley, Brisbane’s newest BrewDog bar offers a lively location to sample the brewery’s selection of craft beers and tasty eats. Spanning three levels, the heritage-listed building plays host to bubbling beverages and equally bubbly crowds. With classic elements of brick, warm wood and exposed beams forming the interior, the bar offers a relaxed energy, augmented by music playback across multiple zones, providing ambience throughout the building’s numerous internal and external spaces. Extensive sonic coverage is achieved within the venue thanks to Quest’s MX Series of installation-friendly loudspeakers, with control over the various zones handled by a VMX88 Audio Installation Processor from NST Audio.
The system was installed by Brisbane Sound Group, a specialist AV provider and self-proclaimed “one-stop shop” for Brisbane’s Sound, Vision and Lighting needs. Engaged by Advent Facilities Management to design an in-house PA system for BrewDog, BSG’s AV Installation Project Manager, Josiah Kerridge, spearheaded integration of the project. Recounting the installation brief, Josiah explains why the technology behind Quest and NST Audio proved to be an ideal fit:
“We were essentially tasked with finding an audio solution that would fit the budget and desired coverage area while performing effectively and remaining simple for staff to operate. I’d used Quest speakers quite a lot in the past, particularly in a number of breweries, so I was confident that the MX801 and MX601 loudspeakers would be a top choice. I was shown the NST Audio processors at Group Technologies last year and I was quite impressed with their capabilities. Given we had a multi-level space that required individual zone control, I decided the VMX88 would be a great option for straightforward audio routing and management.”
Equipped with the latest generation of DSP technology, NST Audio’s VMX88 manages BrewDog’s patron areas and balconies, with individual wall-mounted VR1 PoE control panels on each level. The VMX88 is a DANTE-enabled 8-in/8-out Installation Processor with a full routing mix-matrix for network and analogue audio channels. With powerful features like individual compressors for each analogue input, 24dB/Oct high pass filters, 8 bands of parametric EQ and up to 1.3 seconds of programmable delay for aligning installed sources, the VMX88 is an extremely capable tool for integrators and audio professionals.
When combined with NST Audio’s comprehensive D-Net control software and VR1 wall-panel remotes, the system provides a nimble and flexible solution for controlling zoned audio, as Josiah reveals:
“This was my first time using NST’s VMX88, and honestly, it was very simple to set up and get everything connected on the network. The processor covered all our zones with ease – we have Foxtel streaming and local inputs for background music. The wall controls are user friendly and simple, plus they look so slick and clean in brushed aluminum.”
Fed from the VMX88 is a multitude of high-fidelity 6- and 8-inch two-way MX loudspeakers from Quest Engineering, powered by Quest’s own QA and QX series of amplifiers. The MX speaker series combines an impressive SPL output and frequency response with a low-profile aesthetic, enabling it to blend seamlessly into the contemporary design sensibilities of the bar. Easily installed using Quest’s unique Q-Mount UB1 mounting system, MX loudspeakers can be positioned for precise directivity with minimal effort, as Josiah describes:
“My favourite part about using the Quest MX601 and MX801 speakers is their easy install. It’s quick to rough in the cables, then you’ve got a fantastic ball joint bracket that is robust and perfect for angling into accurate position and just disappears into the speakers! The IP rating for outdoors is also quite handy for jobs like this, we were able to continue using the same speakers across both inside and outside zones which kept it looking cohesive. It was smooth sailing and a stress-free installation, so I was very happy with how it turned out.”
Raising a glass to the final outcome for BrewDog, Josiah sums up his client’s delight in meeting their needs with the power of Quest and NST Audio’s ease-of-use:
“The best part of this job was seeing how satisfied the client was with what we achieved. The pairing of the two brands worked seamlessly and gives BrewDog complete control over their sound without being tricky to operate. The quality and output of the speakers is excellent for their size, and being able to show the staff how easy the control plates are to use was great- it was smiles all-round!”
