Harman Professional Audio Powers Jakarta’s Q Billiard & Spincity | Indonesia Installation

Jakarta’s Q Billiard & Spincity has recently upgraded its entertainment experience with a new audio system from Harman Professional, designed to enhance both its billiards lounge and bowling alley. The installation, completed within the Thamrin Nine complex and the newly opened Agora shopping mall, aims to deliver consistent, high-quality sound across distinct activity zones.

Zoned Audio for Varied Environments

The challenge at Q Billiard & Spincity lay in creating an audio environment that could accommodate the differing acoustic needs of a lively bowling area and a more focused billiards hall. Both spaces experience varying levels of ambient noise and customer movement, necessitating independent audio control. Mega Kapuas Multiniaga, PT, the AV integration firm, and Inti Megah Swara, PT, the distributor, collaborated to design a system that addresses these requirements. The core of the solution is a zoned configuration, allowing staff to adjust sound levels independently for each area, ensuring clarity without disrupting gameplay or conversation. This approach is increasingly common in modern social entertainment venues, as highlighted by Nick Screen, VP & GM, HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC, who noted the project “demonstrates how integrated audio can support modern social entertainment environments.”

At the heart of the system are JBL C29AV-1 Surface-Mount Speakers, providing full-range audio coverage throughout the main areas. These are complemented by JBL AC115S subwoofers, which deliver controlled low-frequency reinforcement. For additional flexibility, JBL C50PACK loudspeaker systems are deployed, and JBL 2.1 soundbars handle supplementary audio zones. The choice of JBL speakers reflects a broader trend towards surface-mount designs, which offer discreet integration into contemporary interiors while maintaining audio quality. Inavate details the aesthetic considerations alongside the technical specifications.

Powering the System: Amplification and Control

The system’s power and multi-zone management are handled by a Crown NCDi4x600 amplifier, a workhorse in professional audio installations known for its reliability and efficiency. Essential Install notes the amplifier’s role in delivering consistent power across the zones. System processing and zoning are managed by a dbx 1260V ZonePRO, a digital signal processor that allows for precise control over audio routing and equalization. User control is facilitated through dbx ZC8V and ZCV-Fire controllers, providing intuitive interfaces for staff to manage the audio environment. A Soundcraft Notepad-8FX mixer supports daily operational needs, offering a flexible platform for live events or announcements.

Understanding Digital Signal Processing (DSP)

The dbx 1260V ZonePRO utilizes Digital Signal Processing (DSP) – a core technology in modern audio systems. DSP allows for precise manipulation of audio signals, including equalization (adjusting frequencies), compression (controlling dynamic range), and delay (timing audio to different speakers). In the context of Q Billiard & Spincity, DSP is crucial for tailoring the sound to each zone, compensating for the room’s acoustics, and ensuring consistent audio quality throughout the venue. DSP also enables features like automatic feedback suppression, preventing unwanted squealing or howling sounds.

Calibration and Intelligibility

Beyond the selection of components, careful loudspeaker placement and calibration were critical to the project’s success. The installation team focused on preserving speech intelligibility – the clarity with which spoken words can be understood – while also supporting background music and event playback. This is particularly essential in a venue like Q Billiard & Spincity, where clear communication is essential for announcements or event hosting. The compact design of the chosen speakers also contributed to the venue’s aesthetic, blending seamlessly into the contemporary interior.

Harman Professional Solutions: A Broader Context

Harman Professional Solutions, a subsidiary of Samsung, is a leading provider of audio, video, lighting, and control systems for professional markets. Their portfolio includes brands like JBL, Crown, dbx, and Soundcraft, all of which are represented in the Q Billiard & Spincity installation. Inavate APAC highlights the company’s commitment to delivering integrated solutions for entertainment venues. The company’s focus extends beyond simply providing equipment; they emphasize the importance of system design and integration to achieve optimal results.

The Role of AV Integration Firms

The success of projects like this relies heavily on the expertise of AV integration firms like Mega Kapuas Multiniaga, PT. These firms specialize in the design, installation, and commissioning of audio-visual systems. They function closely with clients to understand their needs and develop customized solutions. Their expertise extends to acoustics, signal flow, control systems, and networking, ensuring that the system functions seamlessly and delivers the desired performance. They also provide ongoing support and maintenance, ensuring the long-term reliability of the installation.

Future Considerations: Expanding the Experience

While the current installation focuses on audio, the zoned architecture of the system provides a foundation for future expansion. Integrating lighting control or video displays into the system could further enhance the entertainment experience at Q Billiard & Spincity. The use of a digital signal processor like the dbx 1260V ZonePRO also allows for the implementation of advanced features like automatic ducking (lowering music volume during announcements) or scheduled audio programming. The modular nature of the Harman Professional system allows for incremental upgrades and expansions, ensuring that the venue can adapt to evolving entertainment trends.