The four star Clayton Hotel Birmingham has 174 bedrooms and is located in the heart of Birmingham city centre. This large hotel offers a wide range of hospitality services for visitors, guests as well as for business and commercial events.

Various existing audio systems were in place at the hotel (believed to have been installed in 2012). Most of these systems were performing poorly and with limited coverage, especially within some of the communal guest / bedrooms and also large sections of the staff and back of house areas.

With the site maintenance team, we conducted a series of surveys to establish an inventory of audio system/s equipment, speakers, coverage and performance. With these details were were able to advise and plan for upgrades and improvements.

Audio Applications

• Background Music (BGM)
• Events and Conferencing
• Security Messaging
• Public Address (PA, Paging / tannoy)

Audio Specification & Technologies

• IP Audio Matrix with local wall inputs and zone control
• IP audio message player (security announcements)
• IP microphones
• 100v and IP speakers (utilising mixed media audio technology)

Installation Details

Working through the hotel management and maintenance team we conducted a series of surveys on the site to obtain a baseline of capability and limitations / issues with the existing installed audio systems. These surveys were extensive and also sensitive – care and attention to guests at all times, testing schedules limited.

We identified that much of the existing audio and speaker cabling was available for re-use. However, large scale changes were required to re-design the audio zones to better match the coverage areas and client requirements. Cabling alteration and extension works was carried out in line with new audio zone specifications. A new IP audio zone matrix was installed to provide improved audio routing capability.

A number of public announcement messages and security / informational audio messages were created using a mix of audio studio recordings and natural ‘text to speech’ software conversions. The resulting MP3 audio message files were stored on a series of IP based message players. Secure access to these was made available via web browser – direct and scheduled playback.

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Garden Centre Background Music System Installation at this retail and hospitality site based in Orpington, Sidcip. Ruxley Manor garden centre is a large site, encompassing multiple indoor and outdoors retail and hospitality areas, including a farm shop & food hall, large restaurant and smaller cafe areas. Our brief was to provide a flexible background music (BGM) solution to all areas to help set and improve mood/ambience (audio branding). We were asked to design and install an audio system that connects to the garden centre LAN and wifi networks for software and app management and control on a zone basis to localise playout control and volume levels. Smart devices, phones and tablets to be used by local area management staff to select and control music independently (eg. the restaurant manager can select music options and control local playout volume levels as the ambient levels fluctuate during the day).

The garden centre music system was installed with multiple background music (BGM) music sources from a subscription based ‘curated’ music streaming service was used on this project to provide different music playout options to best fit the various local setting areas. To compliment expected fluctuation to customer levels (quiet, busy and in-between times), time based scheduling is used to automate music source selection and playout levels to control playout.

Audio Applications

• Public Address (PA) / Tannoy
  • SIP / VoIP Integration
  • iOS/Android Paging App
• Background Music (BGM)
  • Multi-zone
  • Music scheduling
  • Software and app music and volume levels control
• Mass Notification
• Scheduled Audio Message (garden centre information, closing message announcements)

Audio Specification & Technologies

• Network / LAN, IP 8×8 Audio Matrix Processor
• Multiple music IP Network players / streamers
• SIP VoIP integration

Installation Details

To provide zone based playout, music selection and volume control (audio processing and routing control), we installed an IP/network based audio matrix. This unit is accessed, configured and controlled via the LAN/network and provides the primary controls for mixing, pre-amplification, DSP, input-output routing and zone volume controls.

High impedance, 100v line speakers (wide frequency range, 2-way for music), were installed throughout. Careful consideration was also made to speaker choice to reflect any local challenges or concerns for water ingress (eg. outdoors or any areas that would be subjected to water, commonly found in many areas of a garden centre).

We installed a number of subscription based network audio / music players. These 3rd party player devices were connected into the main audio matrix and wider audio system to provide multiple music source options for playout selection by each zone.

The audio system was configured to interface with the site SIP telephony service. This integration allowed users to ‘call’ into the system to make audio broadcast / tannoy announcements from desk phones and mobiles.

Recorded audio message files were created using Natural Text To Speech (TTS). The resulting MP3 audio files were uploaded to the system and scheduled for playout (eg. garden centre information and closing time prompting).

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London Hotel sound system installation. The Mondrian is a prestigious river front central London hotel. The hotel opened with only limited audio system capability, with no Public Address (PA) / Tannoy for mass notification or with no means to communicate any important security or informational audio messages.

With very limited cable routing options and to minimise hotel disruption – IP audio for distribution and IP speakers, IP microphones were specified. Working with the customer IT & networking team we were able to identify enough existing IP network cabling infrastructure & PoE switch ports to support the majority of IP speakers and associated network audio devices / equipment required to support this project.

Working directly with the Hotel management and engineering support team, we planned a phased installation and rolled out some 80+ IP speakers, IP microphones and various IP Decoder / Encoder Interfaces to existing hotel audio and control systems.

Audio Applications

• Public Address (PA) / Tannoy
• Background Music (BGM)
• Mass Notification, integrated security and ‘lockdown’ audio interface

Audio Specification & Technologies

• IP Speakers x 80
• IP Microphones x 4
• IP Audio message player
• IP / SIP telephony interface

Installation Details

IP audio is used extensively throughout this project. IP speakers were installed to the majority of front of house (FOH) guest areas – numerous IP audio interface, transmission and control devices were also installed. IP microphones were installed at key location points (inc. guest contact areas such as the hotel reception) – mostly used for general Public Address (PA) / Tannoy announcements. Secure browser based IP audio message players are used for user access to selected audio message playback (eg. security announcements). IP interface coders are also used to interconnect legacy traditional audio equipment and to provide priority signalling for mute conditions when required (eg. mute of BGM during message playback or PA announcements).

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Hotel background music system – the St. Ermins Hotel is situated in Westminster London, close to Westminster Abby. This 120+ year old hotel packs a historical punch, more recently noted for it’s connection to the second world war as a meeting place for the British Intelligence Service (BIS). Today, the Grade II listed hotel maintains many of it’s historical roots with impressive distinctive Art Nouveau/Rococo white plaster décor throughout.

Working with the hotel management and local IT/maintenance teams, we were asked to test & apprise all of the existing audio / sound systems, against planned improvements to functionality, capability, coverage and of course to provide a modern interface via IP audio (AoIP) where possible.

Audio Applications

• Background Music (BGM)
• Events and Conferencing

Audio Specification & Technologies

• Audio Matrix / Mixer with local wall inputs and zone control
• Bose speakers installed throughout
• Specialist curated hosted music services – background music

Installation Details

Most hotels have similar installation works considerations and challenges. Small to mid-sized projects (such as this) are often run during normal operation of the hotel and other hospitality activities. St. Ermins was no different, requiring considered co-ordination of works with the hotel staff to minimise disruption to the hotel and guests.

The hotel background music system design is based on a traditionally mixed/amplified solution via an audio matrix/mixer. The hotel contains various hospitality & leisure settings, requiring different music source / type options (eg. modern, upbeat for the gym, traditional for reception and concierge). Control and management of these various background music sources is provided via subscription based web hosted, curated music services. Audio and music is controlled, managed and regularly updated, uploaded locally to provide redundancy.

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Award winning chain of large leisure and garden centre sites, the management team at the Woburn Sands HQ site required a garden centre sound system installation. We specified a multi-application audio solution (PA/Tannoy, BGM and Scheduled Announcements) for use throughout the various retail and hospitality settings.

This project site nr. Milton Kynes had no existing audio systems in place. An audio system solution was required throughout the site to help improve staff co-ordination and customer information. Background music (BGM) was also required to elevate the ambiance and improve the wider customer experience.

Audio Applications

• Public Address (PA) / Tannoy
• Background Music (BGM)
• Mass Notification
• Audio Player – scheduled playout of messages (notices and advertisements)

Audio Specification & Technologies

• 100v line, high impedance
• IP Audio message player
• Audio matrix for zone routing

Installation Details

Our garden centre sound system design solution was based on traditional 100v line for primary distribution to speaker line circuits and loud speakers. Five audio zones were created to enable targeted audio – corresponding customer services and microphones were installed to enable zone selection for announcements. Multi-zone, multi-channel power amplifiers were installed to provide independent zone volume control. This design approach also provides improved resilience should one speaker zone and line fail, the remaining will continue functioning.

An IP / network based audio message player was installed to provide the following audio functions:

1. Background Music (BGM) – from stored music library and playlists
2. Recorded Messages (eg. store closing)
3. Advertisements – scheduled playback

To ensure high quality audio and music playout, full range, 2-way, wide dispersion loud speakers were installed throughout. Local volume controls were installed to each zone to provide levels control for different areas – especially useful in the cafe and restaurant areas, where ambient volume levels change regularly and predictably through the course of the day.

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This Wagamama restaurant based at the Rushden Lakes retail park was one of a number Wagamama restaurant sites we were contracted by our client to support. Bose speakers and supporting mixing/amplification equipment formed the basis of the system design. Speakers were installed colour matched to blend into the dark ‘industrial’ theme branding.

Working through project consulting engineers as supporting audio specialists, our audio design was largely consistent with other Wagamama restaurant sites – with some minor alterations to speaker quantities and volume/zone controls.

Music source for this project was based on a third party web based (hosted) curated music content service. Music tracks and playlists are curated and controlled centrally, without any management requirements from local staff.

Audio Applications

• Curated Background Music (BGM)

Audio Specification & Technologies

• Bose Speakers – multi-way and subs
• 100v line with local wall volume controls
• Audio Matrix with zone control
• Web IP audio streamer (hosted curated music service)

Installation Details

Working with the project architects speakers were colour matched to the ceiling design and colour branding. Speakers were installed to agreed appointed locations (typically along metal containment trays). A number of audio zones were created to work independently and collectively respecting the restaurant layout/design against customer and table occupation capacities during different times of the day/s.

Local wall controllers were installed to provide staff control of music and volume levels.

A third party music content service was used to supply all background music (BGM) for this project. This is a subscription service offering brand and industry based curated music. Music tracks and playlists are created on behalf of the client / Wagamama.

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Sea Containers London is a 15 floor, 365 bedroom prestige hotel, located in the centre of London on the South Bank near Blackfriars Bridge, opposite St. Paul’s Cathedral. Indeed, the hotel boasts a range of notable facilities and guest experiences, including the accolade….. the ‘worlds’ best bar in 2018.

This large project was split into three core installation elements.

1. Front of house areas – inc reception, lobbies, spa, gyms, restaurant etc.
2. Back of house areas – primary staff areas such as the kitchens, house keeping, maintenance etc.
3. Guest bedrooms and associated access areas / lobbies

Working directly with the Hotel management and engineering support team, we were able to schedule much of the Back of House (BoH) installation works during normal working hours. However, the bedrooms and bedroom corridors, were scheduled during an aggressive refurbishment schedule (rooms were vacated and returned for occupation within 1-3 days).

Audio Applications

• Public Address (PA) / Tannoy
• Background Music (BGM)
• Mass Notification, integrated security and ‘lockdown’ audio interface

Audio Specification & Technologies

• IP Speakers x 120
• 100v line, high impedance x 500+
• IP Audio message player
• IP / SIP telephony interface

Installation Details

Working with the hotel branding team, for the front of house areas of the hotel, most of the speakers were professionally painted to colour match the chosen installation locations. Speaker design and capability were chosen aligned with branding and performance to match output capability (eg. full range, 2-way speakers for most areas).

Many areas of the hotel had existing spare capacity of Cat6 cabling, PoE switch ports and network sockets. This position and availability was identified by the customer IT management team. Our direction and instruction was to install IP audio (IP speakers) for any such areas. Some 120 x IP speakers were installed, simplifying roll out, reducing disruption with minimal invasive installation works.

A number of areas in the Hotel required specialist audio consideration with specific audio capability (eg. bar areas, gyms and saunas). These areas were designed and installed separately with matching system equipment and specialist audio components and speakers (eg. Bose Control Space, Crestron controllers, bar and DJ control points).

Speaker/s were installed into each of the hotels bedrooms to ensure audibility quality. This presented a particular challenge, as our works had to be fitted around a very tightly scheduled time window for room availability before handed back for guest occupation.

IP audio is used extensively throughout this project. IP speakers as discussed, but also for IP audio transmission throughout. IP microphones are used for general Public Address (PA) / Tannoy. IP audio message players are used for browser access to selected audio message playback (eg. security announcements). IP interface coders are also used to interconnect legacy audio equipment and to provide priority signalling for mute conditions when required (eg. mute of BGM during message playback or PA announcements).

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Second site of this award winning chain of large leisure and garden centre sites. The management team at the Woburn Sands HQ site required a garden centre background music system and multi-application audio solution (PA/Tannoy, BGM and Scheduled Announcements) for use throughout the various retail and hospitality settings.

This project site nr. Oxford had no existing audio systems in place. An audio system solution was required throughout the site to help improve staff co-ordination and customer information. Background music (BGM) was also required to elevate the ambiance and improve the wider customer experience.

Audio Applications

• Public Address (PA) / Tannoy
• Background Music (BGM)
• Mass Notification
• Audio Player – scheduled playout of messages (notices and advertisements)

Audio Specification & Technologies

• 100v line, high impedance
• IP Audio message player
• Audio matrix for zone routing

Installation Details

Our design solution was based on traditional 100v line for primary distribution to speaker line circuits and loud speakers. Five audio zones were created to enable targeted audio – corresponding customer services and microphones were installed to enable zone selection for announcements. Multi-zone, multi-channel power amplifiers were installed to provide independent zone volume control. This design approach also provides improved resilience should one speaker zone and line fail, the remaining will continue functioning.

An IP / network based audio message player was installed to provide the following audio functions:

1. Background Music (BGM) – from stored music library and playlists
2. Recorded Messages (eg. store closing)
3. Advertisements – scheduled playback

To ensure high quality garden centre background music & general audio playout, full range, 2-way, wide dispersion loud speakers were installed throughout. Local volume controls were installed to each zone to provide levels control for different areas – especially useful in the cafe and restaurant areas, where ambient volume levels change regularly and predictably through the course of the day.

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