Box Nottingham

Careful installation choices needed to be considered to be sympathetic to the buildings structure and architecture

Box Nottingham required a full-scope audio, lighting and video installation inside a Grade II listed building. The project brief specified integrated playback and live-sound capability for sports and daytime hospitality, discreet fixed lighting and a video distribution architecture capable of routing multiple sources to screens across the venue. Pro Technical was engaged to provide the engineering design and install only those systems demonstrably compatible with the building’s constraints.

The venue’s listed status constrained cable routes, mounting methods and visible fixings. Works that penetrate decorative fabric were limited and all visible equipment had to be mounted in a way that was reversible or sympathetic to the architecture. These constraints shaped both the mechanical design and the equipment selection used by Pro Technical.

Video distribution: to provide flexible, multi-source routing to a number of displays while avoiding bulky AV racks in public-facing areas, Pro Technical specified an AVoIP matrix supplied by Netvio. Netvio’s AVoIP platform was selected because it delivers IP-based, rack-mounted matrix functionality suitable for low-latency routing and distribution in venue environments; Netvio is a known supplier used on Box projects.

Audio architecture: for the fixed sound system Pro Technical specified RCF professional loudspeaker ranges. RCF components have been used on Box Sports Bar installations and are appropriate for venues that need clear foreground music, intelligible announcements and controlled live-sound support. The RCF HDL and Compact M series (and low-profile subwoofer options referenced for Box projects) were chosen for their sound coverage characteristics and compact cabinet designs that reduce visual intrusion.

Lighting approach: the lighting design focused on discreet, permanently mounted fixtures that provide general illumination and configurable mood scenes for daytime hospitality and evening events. Fixtures and mounting methods were selected to minimise fixings to the listed fabric; where possible, existing service voids and non-decorative surfaces were used for runs and fixings.

Netvio AVoIP matrix: implemented as the venue’s primary video distribution backbone to allow multiple source inputs and flexible routing to screens throughout the venue. Netvio has been used on other Box projects and provides the networked, rack-based matrix functionality required here.

RCF audio system: Pro Technical installed professional RCF loudspeakers suitable for bar and hospitality use. Equipment selections referenced for Box Sport Bar projects include RCF HDL and Compact M series loudspeakers together with low-profile subwoofer solutions; these product families provide controlled dispersion and can be installed with minimal visual impact while delivering suitable SPL and clarity for mixed-use hospitality spaces.

Control and local processing: the design used industry-standard processing and routing workflows to integrate audio and video zones. Where required, discreet zone amplifiers and processors were located in service areas or a central AV cupboard to keep user-facing areas free of equipment and cabling.

Installation work was carried out with the building’s listed status as a primary constraint. Cable routes were chosen to avoid running new visible trunking where it would impact historic finishes; existing service voids, risers and non-decorative surfaces were used wherever possible. Loudspeaker mounting used low-profile brackets and finishes selected to reduce the visual signature of cabinets on decorative walls.

Displays and screen mounts were positioned to suit sightlines for sports viewing and to keep fixings off primary decorative surfaces. Video distribution hardware (the Netvio matrix and ancillary network switching) was installed in an out-of-view equipment rack in a service room, reducing the need for distributed bulky matrix devices in public areas.

Commissioning focused on signal routing verification and in-room audio balance. Video routing was tested across all source-to-screen paths to confirm latency and signal integrity through the Netvio AVoIP matrix. Audio commissioning verified speaker polarity, time alignment where appropriate and coverage to ensure even speech intelligibility and music levels across public areas. Level and routing presets were stored in the installed control system to provide repeatable, operator-friendly modes for daytime and event operation.

Pro Technical delivered an integrated sound, lighting and video installation within the constraints of a Grade II listed building. The installation used a Netvio AVoIP video matrix for flexible, rack-based distribution and RCF professional loudspeakers specified for hospitality and live-sound capability. Mechanical mounting and cable-routing choices were applied to minimise impact on historic fabric while placing equipment where it remained serviceable and out of public view.

Where clients require similar outcomes in conservation-sensitive buildings, Pro Technical provides AV system design, listed-building installation planning, AVoIP video distribution design and professional sound system integration. We also offer onsite commissioning and training so venue staff can operate multiple source routing and zone-based audio presets.