BARS & RESTAURANTS

Outstanding installations from drinking and dining destinations around the world

Cone Club

COMPANY: Pioneer PRO AUDIO

LOCATION: Sardinia, Italy

Located at the 7Pines Resort in the Costa Smeralda area of Sardinia, the Cone Club is the Mediterranean’s latest jet set beach club hotspot. Its laidback, luxurious spaces, which include a beautifully appointed lounge, bar, club and restaurant, are embedded in the secluded coastline.

Michelin-starred chef Tohru Nakamura curates the Club’s food concept, international mixology star Philip Bischoff takes care of the signature drinks range, and patrons enjoy the rich sounds of a Pioneer PRO AUDIO system, which caters for chilled downtempo days and upbeat nights. Designed by architect Daniel Hilkmann and comprised of wooden structures and sun protection ‘sails’ which blend beautifully with their natural surroundings, the Cone Club opened last summer under the guidance of strategic consultant Mirko Negri.

High-quality audio across every area of the Club was considered fundamental to the concept, and its Artistic Director and Guest DJ, Nello Simioli consulted with leading installers Frenexport over a solution that could deliver not only great sound but also meet the stringent aesthetic demands of the design.

He explains: “Marco Cresci from Frenexport proposed Pioneer PRO AUDIO for the solution and arranged a demonstration so we could experience the system at work. As well as the quality of the audio, we loved the compact size and aesthetics of the speakers, which were ideal for the look and feel of the Club.”

The final system drew from across the Pioneer PRO AUDIO range, including professional and commercial loudspeakers from the XY-Series and CM-Series respectively. The main dance-floor area of the club was covered by eight XY-81 8in two-way full-range loudspeakers in combination with two XY-118 18in bass reflex subwoofers.

In the bar, four CM-S56T 6in surface mount speakers were combined with a single CM-510ST 10in subwoofer, while the main restaurant area benefited from eight CM-S58T 8in surface mount speakers. A further four CM-S56T were installed into the Club’s private restaurant.

A single powered XPRS-12 full-range speaker was installed as a DJ monitor and the system was completed by two XY-2 8in mid-highs and two XY-215S dual 15in subwoofers directed towards the adjacent beach.

Amplification comprised two Powersoft four-channel 4808 DSP, two four-channel 2404 DSP and a K2, all controlled by a digital Xilica processor which allows the DJ to independently adjust the level and EQ of each zone through a dedicated app.

Marco Cresci of Frenexport described a smooth install: “We took a step-by-step approach to the work, taking careful account of the Club’s structural designs. Using simulation software, we were able to gain insights into the optimal height and positions for the speakers which would provide the best coverage without disturbing adjacent areas. Some of the speakers were custom painted to blend with their surroundings, completing a straightforward and highly effective installation.”

Simioli added: “From the first listen, the system has a dynamic and well-balanced sound across all frequencies. We’re pleased with the installation, which has received a very positive response from our guests. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with Pioneer PRO AUDIO products in the future.” www.pioneerproaudio.com