Towards the end of 2002 a small local company approached Rea Sound to provide a high quality audio system for their newly furnished Villager public bar on the outskirts of Belfast.

The pub had two distinct areas — the front bar for local drinkers looking for quiet background music and horse racing results and a younger, more upbeat area for the late Friday and Saturday evenings at the rear.

Rea Sound fitted the front bar with eight Martin Audio EM15’s, chosen for the quality audio from this small enclosure. Two EM150 (2x10") sub bass units were also fitted beneath seating areas in the bar, allowing for the sound system to blend into its surroundings. Controlled by a Martin Audio EMX1A system controller and powered by a Martin Audio MA1400, this surpassed the client’s expectations.

The back bar was fitted out with eight Martin Audio Blackline F8 cabinets and two Martin Audio S15 subs, providing more than enough coverage for this area. A Martin Audio M3 controller was also installed, powered by Martin Audio MA2.8 power amplifiers.

Over on the other side of Ulster Rea Sound upgraded Dicey Reilly’s to a Martin Audio EM series system using eight EM26 compact full range 8" enclosures with four EM120 sub bass enclosures and a further two EM150 (2x10") subs. Four MA1400’s provide the amplification with a Martin Audio EMX1A system controller. The venue has a live DJ every weekend and the pub is always busy.

Back in Belfast, The Errigle Inn, which dates back to the 1840’s, asked Rea Sound to help bring them into the modern age. The front ‘Pinewood Bar’ operates as a sports bar and a number of key positions have been used to site 42" plasma screens with a two-zone audio system to allow two events to be shown simultaneously. A total of eight Martin Audio C115’s are located throughout this small bar, supported by two Martin Audio CS265 subs, adding real ‘effect’ to any sporting event. Selection and volume controls have been located behind the bar, allowing full local control.

The main bar attracts the larger, younger crowd and here Rea Sound opted for a Martin Audio Blackline system comprising of eight F8 ultra-compact, two way passive cabinets with two Blackline S15 compact vented sub bass units, controlled by an M3 controller and powered by three MA1400’s. The upstairs ‘Arbele Lounge’ private function area is primarily used for live band performances, hence a larger Blackline system was installed, consisting of four Martin Audio F12 two way passive multi-angled enclosures and two S18 subs. An M3 controller and two MA1400 power amplifiers have also been installed, while a further two MA1400 power amps were added for the monitor system, comprising of four Blackline F10 cabs.

The Whitefort Inn, Belfast is due to open its doors in September, a year after being completed. This fire-damaged venue was rebuilt to become one of Belfast’s premier super pubs. In the face of tough competition, Rea Sound was awarded the sound equipment contract,

The venue has a number of distinct zones. The main ground floor system comprises a Blackline F8 system with 12 colour costumed Blackline F8 compact enclosures, fitted to blend into the walls they are hung on, while four S15 subs have been disguised as part of the interior décor. The rig is powered by five Martin Audio MA1400’s and controlled with a Martin Audio M3.

A total of 12 C115 Architectural enclosures were installed as the background music system in the first floor restaurant/private function area. A number of ceiling mounted Martin Audio speakers were also fitted in the public restroom areas to provide for in-house announcements and background music.

Once opened this will undoubtedly be one of the busiest venues in the city.