Mumbai’s iconic CCI chooses d&b for new premium sports bar
Mumbai’s iconic CCI chooses d&b for new premium sports bar
Mumbai's historic Cricket Club of India (CCI) has opened a new premium sports bar, 22 Yards, featuring a d&b audiotechnik system, following an evaluation process designed to balance high-quality audio with the acoustic constraints of the heritage building. With a membership base of more than 10,000, CCI offers a relaxed environment for socialising while maintaining the club’s traditions and culture.
The demand for a new bar arose when members expressed a desire for a quieter alternative to CCI's existing Wet Wicket bar, which regularly hosts DJs and live music performances. The new venue occupies a former card room within the club's art deco clubhouse overlooking Brabourne Stadium, where first-class cricket matches have been played since 1937.
“The Wet Wicket has a very wide demographic, from youngsters to the more elderly,” explained Ravindra Punvani, who sits on the club’s bar committee. “Some members felt the need for a little more peace and quiet – somewhere people could have a conversation.”
The CCI committee’s brief was for a space where members could gather to socialise and watch sports, with occasional music. However, the existing space presented a number of challenges including the need for acoustic treatment to prevent any noise from the new bar from spilling into the adjacent restaurants and residential accommodation. “We have limitations in terms of how loud we can play music here,” continued Punvani, explaining that the venue operates under a self-imposed maximum sound level of 95dB. “There are residential rooms on top, a restaurant on the side and another one downstairs. It was very important for us to insulate this place properly.”
The CCI board undertook a formal evaluation process, inviting multiple brands to demonstrate systems configured specifically for the space. “We were very specific about the size of equipment we wanted,” explained Punvani. “We wanted to audition the exact equipment that would be installed. Various vendors came in and there was a panel who evaluated the sound before making recommendations.”
A d&b audiotechnik solution proposed by distributor Ansata was ultimately chosen to meet the board’s requirements, with a system comprising six d&b audiotechnik 8S full-range loudspeakers supported by two 12S-SUB subwoofers and powered by d&b 5D amplifiers agreed upon. “It has a nice neutral sound, pretty much like a good residential hi-fi system,” said Punvani. “I’m an audiophile, so I particularly liked the sound.”
Used primarily for background music and TV audio, the system also has the capacity to support small-scale live music performances. It provides even coverage, the intelligibility required for live sports viewing and a balanced sound that enhances atmosphere without overpowering conversation. Paired with a Pioneer DJ controller and two 100-inch LG TV screens, the system is simple enough for non-technical members of staff to operate.
Comprehensive acoustic treatment of the floor, ceiling, walls and pillars was also implemented, with double glazing installed into the heritage windows to block out road noise from outside. The installation also had to respect the architecture of the Grade II-listed clubhouse, with any modifications adhering to the heritage guidelines of the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai. Integration was carried out by AudioTechnik India, which was mindful that the system didn’t visually or acoustically intrude into the historically significant space.
“We’re very happy with the sound here, and Ansata has been very proactive throughout the entire process,” concluded Punvani.
