Monarchy
Camden in North London boasts an extraordinary nightlife scene, and in recent months, Monarchy on Chalk Farm Road has made a triumphant return with a new identity and a comprehensive venue makeover. The upgrades include a remarkable audio enhancement with the installation of the acclaimed Void Acoustics system.
Previously known as The Monarch and once graced by Amy Winehouse as a DJ, this popular bar/pub is conveniently located near The Roundhouse, the iconic North London music venue.
Now with new owner-operators (AB-InBev) and a fresh new look, the venue remains dedicated to its music heritage, staying connected to its roots. Unsurprisingly, a comprehensive audio upgrade featuring a top-of-the-line Void Acoustics audio system played a central role in the venue’s re-fit, courtesy of leading London integration company AT&C Professional Systems.
“The brief we were given was to create a venue which was the ultimate sports-viewing experience in Camden, with deference to the music heritage of the area as well,” explains Alan Smith, AT&C.
“Whilst the owners appreciate quality sound, their audio knowledge is, by their own admission, limited. And so it was great that we have been able to harness our expertise alongside a strong working relationship with the team at Void Acoustics and specify a high-performance audio system which would do justice to this important venue on Chalk Farm Road.”
The decision to install a substantial audio system holds paramount importance for AB-InBev as Monarchy is a flagship pilot venue. With diverse application requirements ranging from playback music to TV sound reinforcement for sports events and live music performances, it is crucial to meet these demands with great quality audio.
Given the music-driven nature of the venue, it is imperative to meticulously assess sound coverage, system headroom, and performance capabilities when choosing a compact distributed system. This approach guarantees optimal outcomes and instills unwavering confidence in meeting the venue’s requirements.
The extensive refurbishment has brought about a total modernisation of the venue, all while paying homage to its identity as a local craft beer hotspot. This transformation exhibits a self-assured and well-informed approach, guaranteeing an irresistible experience for patrons, even in the face of the challenges posed by pandemic lockdowns.
Having collaborated on six successful projects, including Goose Island Brewpub in Shoreditch, AT&C has established a strong rapport with the venue operators and were confidently able to recommended Void Acoustics as the perfect match for the site.
“It has also provided us with an excellent opportunity to specify the Venu series from Void Acoustics” smiles Alan. “It was critical to our client that the new audio installation was adaptable for a variety of different style events, whilst reliably and consistently delivering a clear, crisp audio impact for their clientele.”
At the heart of the installation lie the highly efficient Venu 6 V2 and Venu 8 V2 premium compact speakers. These cost-effective gems offer unparalleled versatility, catering to any event style or type in Monarchy. They are specifically designed for impactful bar installations that demand comprehensive room coverage. Rest assured, these speakers will deliver exceptional performance, leaving no corner untouched. These robust fixtures are expertly supported by the Venu 112 V2 subwoofer, strategically installed in a flown configuration. This ingenious setup optimises floorspace, a precious commodity in the esteemed North London venue.
The Monarchy venue boasts a small courtyard, where AT&C has strategically installed the top-of-the-line IP-55 rated Cyclone speakers. These cutting-edge speakers are meticulously controlled, guaranteeing zero noise disturbance for local residents.
The Void Acoustics installation was flawlessly accomplished with the Cirrus 6.1 ceiling speakers, complemented by the compact yet resilient Bias Q2 amplifier and the convenient-to-configure Bias D1 amplifier.
The client’s preference for a Dante network as the audio backbone was addressed with the standard Dante integration of the Bias Q2 and Bias D1 amplifiers, making them an ideal choice for seamless project integration.
The resulting impact of the Void Acoustics system has been extremely well received, as Freya Clarke, Marketing Manager for AB-InBev confirms.
“AT&C really nailed our brief and the installation was completed to a high level of professionalism, and it all works flawlessly throughout the space. Monarchy is in the centre of Camden and audio is very important to the vibe of the space. Following AT&C’s suggestion, we opted for a higher spec Void Acoustics system and have been very impressed with the sound quality and overall performance. We hold live music events regularly and the feedback has been great.”
North London proudly embraces and celebrates its rich music history, and Void Acoustics is thrilled to be at the forefront of it all.