d&b juggles audio at Melbourne’s Circus bar

A late-night stalwart of the Melbourne hospitality scene, Circus bar and nightclub has installed a d&b sound system to power sound in its 350-capacity main room and rooftop area. Located in South Yarra, the bar is owned by GoodCompany Bar Group which has bought a number of establishments in the area.

GoodCompany’s go-to audio and lighting contractor Summit Audio Visual was engaged to find a solution to replace Circus’s dying system. Summit AV’s director Goran Joncevski, alongside GoodCompany’s directors elected to go with a d&b solution, with Joncevski saying: “GoodCompany wanted a d&b PA, so really it was simply a matter of finding the best d&b fit for the venue.”

After a few iterations of the audio design, both parties opted for the xS Series. The system is based on a pair of 24S full-range loudspeakers for the dancefloor, teamed with three 18S-Subs per side. In addition, 12S full-range loudspeakers have been provided for the DJ for foldback.

A complementary distributed audio design has been created to distribute the audio throughout the space. Through the bar area, d&b 8Ss have been installed to act as delay loudspeakers with a pair of the more compact 5S implemented for the VIP space. Covering the terrace upstairs are a further six 8Ss, all stereo imaged, along with four 12S-Subs to fill out of the lows. Powering the speakers are 30D amplifiers, while d&b’s R1 provides control of the system.

“As a DJ, I know what it’s likes to play at venues where the sound system is not quite there,” explained Rob Anthony who looks after the GoodCompany Bar Group’s music offering. “These d&b loudspeakers are brutal but pristine and that helps to explain why visiting international DJs almost always extend their sets. For a nightclub to be truly successful and enjoy longevity, you’ve got to have a great sound system and that’s what Circus has. I’m not surprised by the fact it’s becoming the place for big DJs to come and play at and want to play at, because they’re hearing so many good things about the sound system. When they arrive, they’re in their element. They’re having fun and I know they’ll be back.”