One of the UK’s largest independent pub companies, Amber Taverns operates a network of more than 160 outlets across the North of England, Scotland and Wales. The North Star in North Shields is one of the latest additions to the company’s roster, opening in October 2023 following a major renovation including a complete AV overhaul.
Overseeing all aspects of the AV specification and installation, Bolton-based TVC Technology Solutions were tasked with providing an all-immersive AV package, including 4K LED Hospitality TVs, signal distribution systems to mirror programming delivered to other pubs across their current catchment area and a comprehensive Optimal Audio loudspeaker and control solution.
Speakers featured in the installation included Optimal Audio’s Cuboid 8 two-way, full range passive loudspeaker and Sub 15 high-power sub-bass cabinet. Given the North Star’s lively environment, the speaker pairing delivers high quality audio with plenty of headroom.
Chosen for their designed-in robustness as well as their sonic performance both the Cuboid and Sub feature steel grilles and tough plywood cabinets and their compact footprint belies their available power delivery.
The Optimal Audio loudspeakers are connected to a Zone 8P, utilising HDMI through to transmit match day audio (the venue offers a comprehensive BT and Sky Sports entertainment package) and line inputs for various background music sources. Zone control is managed by a fixed-zone controller, the ZonePad 4, enabling touch-sensitive control over four separate zones via six programmable presets. This user-friendly ZonePad is complemented at the North Star venue by Optimal Audio’s WebApp, accessible to staff via iPad. With its cross-platform design, WebApp offers a straightforward and intuitive interface for non-professional AV staff while allowing thorough control over the entire system, including EQ, routing, ducking, and limiting as needed.
Tiago Borges, TVC Technical AV Manager commented that, “there are three main reasons that we chose Optimal Audio for the North Star Tavern (and for many of our other projects) – the ease of installation, commissioning and usability by staff, the range of options on the Zone 8P Controller for control, DSP and routing and the flexibility of control from the unit, wall panels and app.
“The fact that the Optimal Audio app is constantly updated is another important factor. We’re seeing regular updates, modifications and new features geared to the needs of integrators and end users, which is very welcome.
“Our main goal is to provide a solution to the client that works, gives great results and offers simplicity of use at the same time. And Optimal Audio is allowing us to do exactly that.”
