Concept Systems crafts a Bräuhaus system

SINGAPORE: Locating a hostelry opposite Suntec City’s conference centre and shopping mall guarantees a high rent in return for a continuous stream of thirsty visitors and weary exhibitors looking to wind down. Unsuspecting first timers entering through the doors of the Paulaner Bräuhaus in Singapore normally draw looks of curiosity at the very least. Greeted by the sight of Bavarian themed decorations, an enormous copper kettle vat behind a long curved bar, where patrons sip freshly brewed beers from Germanic mugs served by waiters and waitresses in lederhosen bears a stark contrast to the surroundings along Millenia Walk outside. As Singapore’s first authentic microbrewery to open its doors in 1996, the owners don’t simply rely on the aroma of German sausages and hoppy Pilsner lagers to draw the crowds. As such, hospitality specialists at Concept Systems & Technologies were called upon to provide an A/V solution throughout the venue that will ensure a steady flow of customers.

The business was closed for several weeks in spring 2017 to allow for a complete refurbishment, including the removal of the original JBL speaker system that had been in continuous use for almost two decades. The small stage located above the bar and the copper kettle vat allows a two-piece band – commonly a singer with a musician – provides live entertainment every night. ‘You don’t require too much reinforcement owing to the acoustics including floor to ceiling windows, large timber tables and a hard floor surface,’ commented Concept Systems Technologies GM Gerald Fong.

Powered by two Norton Audio ND22 dual channel amplifiers incorporating DSP capabilities, the FOH system consists of L-R ceiling suspended i1212 three-way coaxial cabinets. Providing a nominal 80° conical dispersion in addition to producing a maximum SPL of 135dB within a 45Hz to 20KHz frequency range ensured the addition of subwoofers wasn’t required. ‘Space is limited around the bar area and on stage, so there were limitations,’ Mr Fong continued. The stage itself can accommodate two Norton Audio NF8 eight-inch speakers for monitoring, as they provide a compact footprint whilst producing a targeted 118dB SPL. Serving as satellite speakers, a further three NF8 models powered by EV Q1212 amplifiers have been ceiling mounted in the corners of the bar directing their energies inwards.

Connected to a Dante-enabled TIO1608-D breakout box, live performances are mixed on a Yamaha TF1 16-channel digital console for which two of the inputs are dedicated to Shure SM58 handheld mics operated over SLX wireless channels. When the bands take a break, an Apart PC1000RMKII multisource CD/USB/SD-card music player is called upon to provide BGM. An EV DC-One processor provides complete speaker management duties for the lower level Norton Audio cabinets.

Upon entry to the spacious first floor restaurant, the eye is drawn to a traditional blue and white striped maypole that soars high past the upper gallery towards the ceiling overhead. The lower SPL requirements of the restaurant and the adjacent German Dragons private dining room are managed by an EV ceiling speaker system combining 24 C8.2 eight-inch coaxials with 12 C10.1 subwoofers. A dedicated Apart PCR1000R MKII music source is fed into a Bosch Plena 8x8 DSP matrix and distributed to the ceiling speakers via three EV PA2400T amplifiers. Simplicity of use has been granted to the restaurant manager courtesy of the Plena PLM-WPC wall mounted source and volume controller.

The bar also attracts sports fans for televised screenings of FIFA and Bundesliga featuring German teams on two large LCD displays on both levels. Eiki WAU-200 3000 ANSI-lumens projectors can be called upon to provide HD quality broadcasts onto the LAV 2m x 2m screens. A Kramer VS-44HN 4-in/4-out HDMI matrix switcher is ample for the venue’s needs, including two 42-inch HD TV screens. The video system is also used for a variety of multifunctional requirements including corporate events and private functions.

Three days prior to the official opening, Mr Fong returned to complete a final commission of the speaker system whereupon he was greeted by the sight of an added design element that had been omitted in his plans. ‘Three metres above the bar, a long curved shelf with fixed beer tankards was added for aesthetics. Unfortunately it was located in the direct path of the i1212 cabinets. As such we could not reposition the two FOH speakers and selected to tilt them away from the fixture and more towards the bar area. Luckily this works as the NF8s cater for the peripheral seats.’

www.concept-systems.com.sg
www.paulaner-brauhaus-singapore.com