Albert's Schloss in Manchester Martin Audio Installation

Albert's Schloss required a single sound installation that could satisfy two distinct operational modes: low‑level, intelligible background audio for daytime hospitality and reliable, high‑output coverage for live stage performances in the evening. The brief specified multizone control so staff could select appropriate coverage and level for each mode, and an equipment choice compatible with both distributed background music and a production rig.

The venue's daily operation demanded a system that could deliver even coverage and clear speech at low listening levels while avoiding excessive spill to neighbouring spaces. For evening events the same installation had to support substantially higher output, accurate stage monitoring and coherent level across the listening areas. These dual requirements determined zoning, loudspeaker placement and the choice of a PA capable of both high output and controlled dispersion.

Albert's Schloss presents variable acoustic conditions between dining areas and the performance stage, plus differing user needs across shifts. Challenges included: ensuring intelligibility at low levels without losing headroom for live shows; providing simple operational control for bar staff while retaining engineering access for production setup; and routing and processing to support separate zones and stage feeds. Pro Technical used the site brief and an on‑site review to align equipment and control strategy with these constraints.

Pro Technical designed a zoned architecture that separated background music areas from the stage and dedicated performance zones. The specification centred on Martin Audio Torus loudspeakers to deliver the required dynamic range and pattern control across zones. Where daytime intelligibility was critical, speaker placement and aim were selected to concentrate direct sound on dining areas and reduce reflections. A processing and amplification plan was included to provide presets for daytime and evening operation, fixed gain structure to protect system headroom, and routing for stage feeds and monitor outputs. The design prioritised operational simplicity for front‑of‑house staff while allowing engineers to bypass presets for production use.

The project used Martin Audio Torus as the primary installed loudspeaker system. The system architecture comprised zoned loudspeaker groups driven by appropriate amplification and managed by digital processing to implement level limits, delays and routing. The processing provided dedicated presets for daytime and live modes, and routing options to feed stage monitors and production inputs without cross‑contamination of background zones. Pro Technical retained standard documentation of amplifier channels, loudspeaker circuits and saved configuration files as part of the handover.

Pro Technical carried out on‑site installation of the Martin Audio system, positioning loudspeakers and running cabling to serve each audio zone and the stage area. Install work included secure mounting, neat cable termination, labelling of circuits and setting up networked devices where required. Installation also covered implementing the control interface so venue staff could recall presets and control permitted parameters. All installed hardware and network endpoints were recorded for serviceability.

Commissioning combined objective measurement and programme listening to verify system performance. Pro Technical checked polarity, routing, limiter settings, delay alignment and level across listening areas and validated preset behaviour for daytime and live modes. Measurements were used to set alignment and confirm consistent coverage; listening tests with representative programme material and speech checked subjective clarity. The commissioning process produced a calibrated system with saved configurations for handover to venue operators.

Pro Technical delivered a complete Martin Audio Torus sound system installed and commissioned at Albert's Schloss, providing multi‑zone control and distinct operating presets for daytime hospitality and evening live production. The installation met the brief by combining even low‑level coverage and intelligibility with the capability for higher output and production routing when required. Documentation and saved configurations were supplied to support future maintenance and enable production engineers to access full system routing when necessary.

Pro Technical provides system design, on‑site installation, digital processing and commissioning for hospitality and entertainment venues. For venues requiring ongoing support, Pro Technical offers maintenance, firmware management and service records to maintain amplifier, processor and loudspeaker performance.