Audio Workshop recently completed the installation of a cutting-edge HARMAN Professional multizone sound system at The Sebel Wellington Lower Hutt, a premium Accor hotel located along the scenic Hutt River.
The hotel offers a sophisticated and welcoming environment for its guests, and its stylish contemporary design demands an equally high-quality sound system capable of supporting a variety of settings, from ambient background music in public spaces to vibrant soundscapes in bars, restaurants and outdoor areas. Audio Workshop was engaged to develop and implement a solution that would deliver clear, high-quality audio across multiple zones while remaining unobtrusive and maintaining a relaxed atmosphere throughout the hotel.
Led by Matt Chapman, Audio Workshop selected a range of HARMAN Professional products to ensure premium sound quality, reliability and ease of operation. The system was designed to integrate seamlessly across five floors, with each area of the hotel benefiting from tailored audio delivery to suit its individual purpose.
Flexibility and ease of use was important, allowing hotel staff to manage the audio experience in every zone. Whether adjusting volume in the restaurant, selecting a different audio source for the lobby or fine-tuning sound levels in the outdoor spaces, the system provides intuitive and convenient control across the entire property.
Inside the lobby and reception areas, JBL Control 16CT ceiling loudspeakers were deployed to deliver clean, discreet audio, allowing ambient background music to gently shape the atmosphere without visually intruding on the space. This extended all the way to the lifts, providing guests with a seamless experience from the moment they step inside the building.
Control 16CT speakers in black were installed in the hotel’s bar and restaurant areas to match the interior design, while delivering clarity and warmth, helping to establish a pleasant audio backdrop for dining and socialising.
“The HARMAN Professional solution with JBL, Crown and BSS integrates seamlessly, which is why I specify it for so many projects.”
Outdoors where the Wellington climate can be less predictable, JBL Control 25-1 loudspeakers with WeatherMax grilles were selected. Covering the terraces and valet zones, their rugged build and weather-resistant design ensure guests enjoy the same high-quality sound outdoors as they do indoors.
Apart from the lift areas, all audio zones are powered by Crown CDi amplifiers. Designed to streamline installations, the CDi range has become a favourite among integrators because of their versatility, reliability and powerful onboard digital signal processing and networking capabilities, delivering strong performance at an attractive cost.
Loudspeaker management and control is handled by a BSS BLU-100 networked signal processor, ensuring reliable distribution across all zones. Its flexible open architecture and seamless integration allow the hotel to adjust settings for each area, such as control over source selection or volume levels, enabling staff to manage the system effortlessly.
“The BSS BLU digital signal processors are particularly robust and reliable; I’ve never had an issue with them.”
To enhance usability, BSS Contrio EC-8BV Ethernet wall controllers were installed in key locations including reception and restaurant areas. These intuitive interfaces allow staff to adjust volume or switch audio sources with just a few taps, making day-to-day operation straightforward even for users with minimal technical experience.
The system went live smoothly, immediately transforming the hotel’s audio experience. Hotel management has since praised its ease of use, consistent sound quality and reliability.
Reflecting on the project, Matt Chapman explains: “The HARMAN Professional solution with JBL, Crown and BSS integrate seamlessly, which is why I specify it for so many projects. The BSS BLU digital signal processors are particularly robust and reliable; I’ve never had an issue with them. They perform exactly as they should, every time.”
