Newly rebuilt on the banks of Melbourne’s Maribyrnong River, Anglers Tavern overcame a devastating flood that decimated the iconic venue in late 2022. Impressively rising from the ashes (and murky metres of water), Anglers Tavern underwent a complete remodel that not only restored the beloved landmark to its former glory but also transformed it with renewed sophistication. Amongst the enhanced features that have elevated the pub’s character, is a comprehensive sound system driven by technology from NEXO and Quest Engineering.
Surfacing stronger than before, Anglers Tavern’s revival was catalysed by the desire to offer patrons a familiar yet augmented experience. From supersized screens for sports fans, to interactive kid’s zones, lavish function spaces, multiple bars, dining bistros and a beer garden, the locally loved pub re-emerged as a sprawling haven that demanded an ample audio framework.
Central to creating the energetic atmosphere, an ensemble of NEXO and Quest Engineering speakers and subwoofers span the entire venue, providing coverage and performance tailored to each space. Spearheading the sound design was Factory Sound’s Projects Manager, Justin Mackay. As Justin explains, the mammoth project proved unique despite the company’s 30 years’ experience providing professional audio solutions:
“At Factory Sound we’ve executed plenty of massive projects from scratch, but nothing rebuilt from a flood. Influencing our plans were strict regulations for flood and fire protection, so aspects such as limited mounting locations and where cables could be run brought a distinct set of needs to our brief.”
Prior to the flood, Anglers Tavern was well-known for live music and DJ events that utilised NEXO PS10 Loudspeakers. In the face of significant site-wide damage, an opportunity arose to unleash even greater performance for the pub’s main bar, with the clients again opting for NEXO’s premium functionality. Employing NEXO’s next generation P10 Loudspeakers and L15 Subs, along with ID24 Compact Loudspeakers for fill, the result was greater coverage, higher SPL, and a lower-profile aesthetic than the previous iteration. In other spaces, Justin states that a total boost to audio proficiency was a clear necessity:
“The old function room only had ceiling speakers which used to be a limiting factor, and basically no integrated AV infrastructure elsewhere. To resolve this, we suggested Quest due to the brand’s good value for money and reliable capability. For the function area we selected HPI25 Loudspeakers with HPI12S Subs as we knew they could deliver great output and have nice low-profile boxes that are architecturally friendly. In all other indoor and outdoor zones, we installed weatherproof MX801 Monitors which were the perfect choice functionally and aesthetically for optimum audio presence with minimal footprint.”
Testament to both brands’ rigging versatility and Factory Sound’s prowess, Justin says that custom mounting was implemented throughout Anglers Tavern to achieve a seamless design with pristine coverage:
“We had limited options for where we could hang boxes, so to get everything to hit where we needed, we had to innovate. For the HPI Subs we found that the factory holes fit the natural stud pattern of a tv mount bracket, which allowed us to achieve a sleek installation very close to the wall. For the NEXO speakers we engineered our own custom rigging plates. The standardised bolt pattern on top of the boxes made it simple for us craft a design, which we outsourced to a local steel manufacturer for fabrication.”
Impeccably navigating the tides of change, Anglers Tavern has reestablished itself as a powerhouse destination for food and entertainment. As Justin details, the impressive sonic signature generated by the dependable and powerful combination of NEXO and Quest has received glowing praise: “We’ve heard overwhelmingly positive feedback from DJs and their bookers. For people whom audio matters, the AV infrastructure has been a hit. NEXO has always been great for high output, and using the speakers with their specific amps means we get the right level of protection. We love that NEXO utilises technology to give full range sound without eating up too much real estate. Together with Quest, we knew we’d get exactly what we needed, no surprises. It’s been a real bonus using the two brands together, we have consistent, streamlined sound throughout the venue and we were very comfortable recommending these products for the project.”
