Besides patrons
and performers with the boundless energy that Cuban
entertainment requires, what makes the Cuba Libre
after-hours transformation possible is a sound system
that packs just as much of a punch. And, while the brawn
of the system may reside in powerful loudspeakers and
amplifiers, its brains and finesse reside in SymNet, a
modular digital audio mixing, routing and processing
system from Symetrix.
With Symetrix' new SymNet Express, a scaled-down
version of the company's SymNet product, Cuba Libre is
transformed into a multi-zoned venue in which multiple
audio sources can be readily directed to different areas
as needed, and easily controlled via user-friendly
remote control interfaces. Moreover, the extension of
SymNet to The Quarter's newest venue, an upscale lounge
dubbed 32, will allow both properties to share the audio
excitement that originate in both, providing a seamless
linkage between the two.
SymNet was tapped for the job of managing a big part
of The Quarter's audio by Powerhouse Sound, LLC, a
Cherry Hill, New Jersey-based systems integrator. Scott
Kemly, principal of the firm, says SymNet Express was
the right choice because of its user-friendliness,
functionality and its ability to be easily networked via
CobraNet, a system for routing audio over an Ethernet
connection. The latter capability makes the audio link
between Cuba Libre and 32 possible.
With two DJ stations and two bar areas - one on each
level - as well as a main dining area that's transformed
into a dance floor on weekend nights, and areas that can
be sealed off for special events such as corporate
meetings, Cuba Libre can quickly become a demanding
audio environment. To manage it, Powerhouse Sound split
the facility up into ten distinct audio zones spread
over two floors, and specified two SymNet units - an
Express 8x8 Cobra and an Express 4x12 Cobra - to manage
the complex task of mixing, processing and routing audio
from sources such as DMX programmed music, a CD changer,
and a wireless microphone system used in live
entertainment or meeting settings.
"With all of the zones, we needed more outputs than
inputs, and that dictated our choice of the 4x12 and the
8x8," Kemly says.
In each of the ten zones, an Adaptive Remote Control
(ARC) unit included with the SymNet package, provides
ready control over audio volume. Housed in easily
accessible areas like behind bars, at hostess stations
and at DJ booths, the ARCs allow staff to change volume
as needed. The main SymNet units, however, provide some
of the key volume control over the DMX system.
"The Automatic Gain Control feature of SymNet comes
in handy with the pre-programmed Cuban music, all of
which can come in at different volume levels," Kemly
says. "The system also offers presets that enable the
programmed music sources to be changed throughout the
day at specified times."
At 32, a second SymNet Express 8x8 Cobra unit not
only manages the audio for that lively venue, but also
makes the link with Cuba Libre possible. Internally, the
8x8 will distribute not only music to different zones
within 32, but also audio from wireless mics used by
celebrity chefs whipping up dishes at Brulee, a high-end
caf that shares the 32 space during the day.
No doubt, The Quarter at Tropicana offers guests a
full slate of activities and attractions, none so varied
as those in Cuba Libre and 32. Thanks in large part to
SymNet's ability to distribute audio as needed, they can
be experienced with relative ease.
)
