The Blues Kitchen – AV Installation Manchester
Restaurant and late night bar hosting the best blues in ManchesterThis stunning venue brings a beautiful building back to life. Creative decor and architectural improvements provided much needed TLC to the empty space, creating a new live music venue and bar/restaurant in the Deansgate area of Manchester.
Following an in-depth tender process, including detailed acoustic models, drawings and discussion, owners Columbo Group selected Neuron’s designs for a complete audio visual installation across the two floors.
Two audio systems were required to make this venue a success. The upstairs live music venue has to endure the rigours of world-class touring musicians every week. Downstairs, the speakers had to remain discreet – heard but not seen! – and handle a wide range of content from background music to live vocal performers and DJs. In addition, we had to match the unique decor & feel of the stylish restaurant.
Not forgetting our reputation for providing exceptionally even coverage and high-fidelity sound throughout, we chose to use loudspeakers from the innovative portfolio of Danley Sound Labs for both spaces.
The main venue space is long and narrow with a low ceiling, presenting some acoustic challenges. Undeterred, our creative team used state-of-the-art acoustic modelling software to design a PA system that provides consistent sound and volume levels for the entire room.
By using relatively narrow dispersion main speakers, we could keep sound where it counts – on the audience, instead of the walls. In addition, we created custom acoustic treatment clouds in-house, which were fitted across the venue’s ceiling and around the front of house booth. These carefully-tuned panels minimise unpleasant, distinct reflections and echoes, producing a more intimate listening experience. Two rows of smaller delay speakers take care of the low ceiling, supplementing the primary system where it would otherwise begin to lose clarity – creating a smooth, consistent tone to the very last row.
Making sure the system looks as good as it sounds, we also treated the loudspeaker cabinets in the restaurant to a special finish. Using carefully matched wood stain on bare grain achieved a perfect fit with the vintage aesthetic of the interior design, which features many reclaimed materials from the USA.
To support the regular live bands, we built a complete production package for the venue, including an industry-standard mic package from Sennheiser and Shure, Sennheiser Wireless IEM system, backline including classic guitar and bass cabinets from Fender, Ampeg & Yamaha, low-profile Martin Audio LE series stage monitors, and the latest digital mixing console system from Allen & Heath
The carefully curated lineups are backed up by stunning visual effects, colourful looks and intimate mood lighting from a hand-selected array of static and moving fixtures from Chauvet Professional, ADJ and Showtec, driven by custom programming on a powerful, flexible desk from Chamsys.
The sound levels in the bar, eatery and private booths can be individually fine-tuned by the staff via easy-to-use branded touch screens and simple volume control panels. This control is provided by a Linea Research C Series amplifier platform with a Xilica Solaro FR1 processor and Xtouch panels.
Neuron also provides AV engineering staff for the venue’s events, ensuring high standards week in and week out. The premises management was so satisfied with our outstanding service and attention to detail that they have since invited us to update the existing sound and lighting in several other venues.
Have a project of your own? Reach out to one of our project managers to discuss your idea, and get the audio-visual design & integration service that you deserve. 
