ProjectKleinod am RingLocationVienna, AustriaInstallerPro Performance + AcousticsSubmitted ByBlaze Audio
The Challenge
The main challenge was a holistic one: adhering to the Kleinod group’s vision of a high-end atmosphere where guests could enjoy a full night’s entertainment—a challenge that required an acoustics-first approach, which is System Installer Pro Performance’s specialty.
Kleinod am Ring’s lower level measures approximately 20 meters in length and 6 meters in width, creating a “tunnel-like” environment with high reverberation and short listening distances.
Above, six residential floors demanded strict noise mitigation and insulation. As CEO Wolfgang Sauter put it, “The reverberation time in the naked room before we treated it was way, way, too high.” Furthermore, budget and space constraints ruled out a full room-in-room concept, forcing Pro Performance + Acoustics to find more targeted solutions.
The Solution
To reduce reverberation in the mid and high frequencies, 253 square meters of porous absorbers were installed across the entirety of Kleinod am Ring. For low-frequency control, 19 custom 10-inch subwoofers were spaced 1 meter apart along one wall, and 27 cm-deep membrane bass absorbers—each weighing around 100 kilograms—were mounted on the opposite side to trap reflections down to approximately 25 Hz.
Meanwhile, 22 Blaze Audio CBL523 loudspeakers, capable of delivering up to 119 dB with a 160° horizontal dispersion, were spaced 2.5 meters apart to ensure consistent coverage along the elongated room. “It is an overall concept,” Sauter remarked, referencing the combination of acoustic treatments, careful speaker placement, and flexible DSP programming. Summarizing their choice, Wolfgang concluded with: “I would say that if you look at the price point and the performance of the CBL523, you get a product that is very, very capable, flexible, and if integrated right, will give you a really good performance.”
The Outcome
By targeting problem frequencies and controlling reflections, Pro Performance brought reverberation down to a maximum of 0.6—“basically studio levels,” according to Sauter. The result is an environment suitable for relaxed cocktail service that can transition to an energetic dance floor without disturbing the upper floors. Adhering to the professional and high-end “acoustics-first” approach.
Staff benefit from a straightforward system interface, where presets cater to diverse audio needs. Visitors can hold comfortable conversations or enjoy the club-ready lower level with the new immersive sound, while residents above remain unaffected by excessive noise.
This project exemplifies collaboration between the manufacturer, distributor, and system installer. By focusing on genuine real-world needs: noise control for residents, flexible modes for operators, and an immersive experience/luxury atmosphere for guests.
Kleinod am Ring achieves a cohesive, user-friendly setup. Recognizing this installation with a MONDO-DR Award would highlight how thoughtful acoustic strategies, precise hardware selection, and supportive manufacturer-distributor-installer partnerships can transform a challenging space into a place that meets every stakeholder’s needs.
