NEW YORK CITY–Manhattan clubbing is a little more upscale at The Manor, where the approach to nightlife is truly luxurious; those who are lucky enough to make it inside experience an exclusive environment where proscenium arches, dioramas and dark leather set the scene, and the clean power of a complete Danley Sound Labs loudspeaker system sets the pace. According to Steve Petrik, Systems Designer of D&A, his decision to design the sound system around eight Danley Sound Labs SH-100 full-range loudspeakers, six SH-50 three-way loudspeakers, and six TH-112 subwoofers, has enabled the 5,000 sq. ft., bi-level Manor to deliver a premium sonic experience to its selective patrons.
An experienced A/V integrator and designer, Petrik was presented with one of his most challenging objectives in The Manor. Working closely with the architect Mark Dizon of D&A, Petrik was handed the assignment to bring an elegantly uncluttered look to the club. "They wanted to conceal everything–the speakers, lights, projectors–in the architectural features of the space," he says. "Along with that, they wanted a complete audio and visual system that would be highly configurable, in an environment that was sonically transparent."
In the main upstairs room, the six Danley Sound Labs SH-50s angle down invisibly from within the ceiling soffits, providing substantial directivity fulfilling Petrik's creativity. "I designed the system so there's a considerable drop-off in volume – four or five dB – from when you're standing and dancing in the middle of the room to when you're seated on the edge," explains Petrik. "Because of the tight pattern control of the speaker – truly 50 x 50 almost down to 250Hz – it allows you to aim the speakers on the dance floor and focus the energy there, not on the people sitting on the sidelines.
The Manor may be a high-end hangout, but its patrons will be treated to plenty of strong low-end via the six TH-112 subwoofers, which are built deep into the floor with their horn mounts inverted, resulting in maximum performance and space efficiency. "We only have six inches of speaker exposed to the floor, and the rest is sunken into the basement," Petrik says.
While a pristine-sounding audio setup may seem to be simply a luxury within a crowded nightclub environment, smart club owners realize that it's actually a business necessity. "Providing a sound system that isn't taxing on the patrons of the venue allows the venue to make more money. Clubgoers stay longer when the sound works whether they're talking or dancing," Steve Petrik points out.
For more info, visit www.danleysoundlabs.com.
