Shack15

Project Objective: To transform a historic San Francisco landmark into a members-only social club offering uniquely curated experiences, where every detail—from architecture to atmosphere—is elevated. Central to this transformation is a versatile, scalable and future-proof high-performance audio system, expertly designed, installed, and programmed to support multiple uses—from ambient background to dynamic events.

Key Features: The system delivers exceptional sound quality while making a visually striking statement, establishing audio as a defining feature of the social club and a cornerstone of the overall member experience.

Audio Processing & Amplification:
x3 QSC Q-SYS Core 110f Integrated Audio, Video & Control Processor
x1 QSC QIO-GP8x8 General Purpose I/O Expander
x13 Powersoft Quattrocanali 1204 DSP+D 4-Channel Network Amplifier (1200W)
x1 Powersoft Quattrocanali 4804 DSP+D 4-Channel High-Power Amplifier (4800W)
x6 Powersoft Unica 4L 5K4 4-Channel Amplifier Platform
x3 Powersoft Unica 4L 16K4 High-Power 4-Channel Amplifier
x2 Powersoft Duecanali 1604 DSP+D 2-Channel Amplifier

Loudspeakers & Subwoofers:
(All sourced from the NNNN product lineup)
x24 NNNN Comium 30 full‑range studio monitor / high‑performance point‑source loudspeakers
x2 NNNN ON2 (part of the OJAS x NNNN ON Series scalable club loudspeaker system)
x4 NNNN ON‑M1 (club loudspeaker from the OJAS x NNNN ON M system)
x4 NNNN Gage 60 coaxial point source loudspeakers
x4 NNNN Gage 125 coaxial point source loudspeakers
x6 NNNN Trent 35 multi‑purpose stackable subwoofers
X3 NNNN Devor 23 high-performance horn loaded subwoofer

Audio Networking:
Dante™ networked audio infrastructure (audio over IP transport) (industry standard)
Fiber Optic backbone

Challenges:
Designing a versatile audio system for Shack 15—a 51,000-square-foot community-based social club and coworking space—required navigating both architectural and operational complexities. The venue spans multiple spaces, including the main atrium, dining areas, studios, and conference rooms, each with distinct acoustic needs.

As a historic landmark within the Ferry Building, all renovations and equipment installations required multiple city approvals. Once approvals were secured, installation presented additional obstacles: work needed to occur without disrupting ongoing operations, including workshops, panels, café/bar service, and live International DJ events. Rigging and mounting were particularly challenging due to the venue’s tall ceilings and numerous arches, requiring creative solutions to ensure both safety and aesthetic integration.

Our Process:
Over several months, we collaborated closely with club ownership and our internal team to design an audio system capable of delivering high-quality sound throughout the diverse spaces. Once equipment—including the complex NNNN x OJAS system—was procured, we executed installation in carefully planned phases, working at varied hours to maintain business continuity.

To overcome structural challenges, we engineered a specialized rigging system that allowed speakers to be safely and securely mounted in difficult areas, including tall ceilings and arched sections. The result is a fully integrated, multi-zone audio system that supports the venue’s wide range of uses—from coworking and meetings to curated events and live performances—enhancing both functionality and the overall guest experience.

Shack 15 was envisioned as more than a building renovation—it was the ultimate transformation and elevating it into a premier social club and coworking space that delivers both performance and atmosphere for its members. Audio serves as the central element of the experience, and with the NNNN x OJAS system, we achieved a balance of high-fidelity sound and visually striking design that enhances every space, from the main atrium to studios and conference rooms.

Throughout the project, the team navigated complex challenges—from historic landmark approvals to intricate rigging requirements—through close collaboration and innovative problem-solving. This coordinated approach ensured the system met both aesthetic and functional demands without disrupting the venue’s operations.

Today, Shack 15 stands as a benchmark for San Francisco’s community-driven spaces and a model of excellence in high-performance audio design, demonstrating how thoughtfully integrated technology can elevate both environment and experience.