An upscale new style bar in Blackpool has been created by owner, Geoff Moore of Betawell Ltd, beneath one of the city’s favourite clubs, Rumours.

Moore controls both venues — but the cellar bar had been better known as Lucy’s, a long-standing gay bar, before he earmarked it for conversion to the 300-capacity Hush.

He contacted local audio electronics engineer Peter Bawden, one of the partners in sound and light company Audio Sound Advice, who had a long association with the installation
at Rumours.

Peter and co-director Kevin Jones devised a sound and lighting scheme for the stripped-out basement in keeping with the opulence of the proposed design scheme (which was partly conceived by Geoff Moore’s wife, Sandra).

Given a free hand with the specificiation, Audio Sound Advice immediately specified a Martin Audio sound reinforcement system. Explained Kevin, “It was an automatic choice for us. We’ve tried a number of brands over the years but 12 months ago started working with Martin Audio systems, and have since done several installations without experiencing any problems.

“The style of the product and its sonic excellence makes it a first choice for all our major installations — and the
client is delighted.”

Four Blackline F10’s are concealed inside the central pillar along with two S12 subs, used with the dedicated DX1 system controller. A further eight Martin Audio EM15’s are distributed around the room as infill speakers, all fed from a choice of Technics turntable or Denon CD player, mixed through an Allen & Heath Xone:62 mixer and powered by Macro amps.

Kevin Jones says the L-shape of the building lent itself to this approach. “The corner of the L forms the central pillar, which opens into a semi-circle. This allows us to array the F12’s for optimium effect.” The subs are ground stacked in the pillar — one facing left the other right.

Audio Sound Advice also provided lighting in the form of 12 Pulsar LCD fixtures along with Madscans and Madspins, controlled from a Pulsar Masterpiece 216.

The upscale venue presently trades three nights a week until 2am.