A celebration of Mediterranean cuisine and culture in the heart of Nice, Mediterraneo, is located in the old Gare du Sud train station.

The space, a long hall with high vaulted ceilings and iron arches, consists of a ground floor and a mezzanine. The installation of an audio system in Mediterraneo has been a two-part journey due to the evolution of the space, with high-quality speakers at the center of the story.

The local integrator, EnvySoul, was hired to handle the design and integration of the audio system, provided by the local distributor, AEITECH. Initially, the system was intended only for background audio.

Having used similar products in previous projects, we knew the GH4 as a small and versatile solution. The power and audio quality are fantastic, and the form factor allows for seamless integration. The ability to integrate the speakers in pairs for a stereo setup was also ideal, explains Rudy Rodenas from Envy Soul.

During the first phase, the audio system was installed in a classic restaurant format with a left-right stereo configuration to provide subtle background audio coverage throughout the space.

Shortly after the initial installation, the venue began hosting cultural and musical events, still using the original system. Due to the design of the venue, the system was no longer suitable. Therefore, Cf Audio acoustics were called in to assess and reconfigure the system design.

“With the evolution of events at Mediterraneo, I visited the site to study the current acoustic situation and design a system that better served the multifunctional use of the venue”, recalls Claudio Fabiani, Sound Designer at Cf Audio. “The materials were already there, so it was a matter of redesigning the audio to fit the new scope”.

The new requirement needed an audio system for the stage and dance floor, eliminating the background audio setup. Cf Audio deployed six GH4 units in a matrix cluster, with three GH18 subwoofers stacked on the floor for low-frequency reinforcement. Four GH4 delays were placed in the bar area to provide consistent coverage, while two more were used as front fill. Finally, three units were installed in the DJ booth. The system is powered by GA series amplifiers.

To contain the audio within the dance floor space, we installed 300mm thick acoustic reinforcement on the walls. This was a significant addition as it helps contain the energy and prevent sound pollution in the surrounding residential area, continues Fabiani.

With the new configuration of the existing system, Mediterraneo can reopen for the summer season with a full schedule of events and DJ nights. “GH4 is a versatile option and allows us to enjoy high-quality technology at an affordable price”, continues Rodenas. “Working with Cf Audio’s acoustic designers, we were able to plan and deploy a system that can deliver the party experience without causing noise complaints, all while using existing products, a testament to the flexibility of the GH series”.

I am completely satisfied with the products in every instance. The open space and high ceilings at 'Mediterraneo' presented several challenges from an audio design perspective, but through the careful setup of the flexible GH4, the venue can welcome more visitors this season, concludes Fabiani.