Defected HQ

One of the main challenges of the project at Defected HQ was to provide a system that could service a variety of applications in the venue’s main events space – from full-on DJ sets and live performances to parties, presentations, screenings and workshops. This space included a chill out area and DJ booth.

Further to this, Defected’s management wanted audio coverage across a further twelve spaces, including all its offices, meeting rooms, bathrooms and kitchen facilities. This was to be a zoned system in order that music could flow throughout the entire Defected HQ, or be restricted at the flick of a switch depending on the given requirements at the time.

The system met the brief in its entirety, much to the satisfaction of the Defected team.
The main events space, DJ booth and chill out area in the basement were equipped with a system based around the Pioneer PRO AUDIO XY-Series. Mark Damon Technical Director of installers Cosmic Electronics comments:

“The XY speakers are much more compact than those of other manufacturers and very much suited the venue’s design because they’re discreet, yet formidable. They’ve always exceeded our expectations without the requirement for excessive tuning, as they’re exceptionally flat in acoustic design. They’re also extremely well-built and reliable.”

For complete Audio coverage of the entire building, Pioneer’s CM-C56T high quality 6.5” ceiling speakers housed within custom pendants designed by Cosmic Electronics, were deployed. In the main office and main meeting room, the ceiling speakers were supplemented by portable XY-Series subs to enhance the low end if required.

The system is powered by Powersoft DSP amplifiers and controlled via a fully adaptable DANTE system that is housed in a control room and operated by smartphone or tablet app, enabling audio to be routed from any source to any zone in the building with no loss of quality. Wall-mounted source and volume controls are also located in the offices and meeting rooms.

Defected’s HQ is most definitely a ‘multipurpose venue’, requiring its audio system to cope with a very wide spectrum of demands, from full on basement party to immersive workspace sound. The system design successfully addressed the brief by taking advantage of pro-audio AND commercial audio elements from the Pioneer PRO AUDIO portfolio, and using them in tandem to meet the challenge of the brief.

From a Pioneer PRO AUDIO point of view, the extent to which the installation deserves an award is probably always best supported by the comments of the client. Defected owner Simon Dunmore had this to say about the completed project:

“Everyone is wowed! When we bring people downstairs, they see the environment is amazing and when you align it with the sound system, they’re just blown away – it’s a universal thumbs up. Across the rest of the building the sound is clear throughout and that’s great because it doesn’t interrupt your thoughts, so you can work. The dynamics are consistent wherever you are in the offices, creating a great environment for working and listening to music at the same time!

“We have a long-standing relationship with Pioneer, and really there was nobody else to consider when it came to installing a sound system. They’re forward-thinking and we hope they continue to be our partner for a long time to come.”

It is also worth pointing out that since the successful completion of this installation, Pioneer Pro Audio has been recognised by Defected as its Official Audio Partner.