Digital Sound System for Edwardian Baroque Style Hotel in Manchester

Opened in 1903, the Midland Hotel is a Grand Hotel blending modern-day luxury and historic splendor in the heart of Manchester.
Built in the Edwardian Baroque style, the iconic hotel has hosted royals, presidents, and celebrities. Designated as a Grade II building by English Heritage, the Midland boasts 312 en-suite bedrooms and 14 suites, as well as two award-winning restaurants; The French and Mr. Cooper’s House & Garden.

In the summer of 2017, hotel operators Q Hotels decided to remodel the Midland’s bar and lounge area. Situated under the Octagon arch right next to the hotel reception, it is a major amenity for guests as well as outside visitors looking to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail in the unique ambiance.

Which were the Customer Specificaions?
When it came to adding a new sound system to the 80-seat bar and lounge area – and also upgrade sound quality in Mr. Cooper’s bar – hotel operators chose the Bosch digital Plena matrix system. Q Hotels specifically requested an audio system that creates a seamless sound experience between bar and lounge area. The customer also demanded the installation to blend in visually without disrupting the architectural aesthetic, while being easy to operate by non-technical staff.

In September 2017, system integration partners Reflex installed the Plena matrix system according to customer specifications. Ensuring superb sound quality that travels throughout the bar area, the integrated system revolves around an 8-Channel DSP matrix mixer connected to high-power amplifiers.

The system fills the bar and lounge area with quality background or foreground music via twelve strategically placed Bosch Premium Sound Cabinet Loudspeakers, each delivering 30W output. In order to suit the classical décor, both the speakers and accompanying Compact Sound Subwoofers are rendered in all white, and installed without visible cabling.

For ease of operation, the Midland Hotel’s barkeepers and events staff can control the Plena matrix system through the Plena matrix Wall Control Panel (PLM-WCP) or an iOS app for zone control via iPhone and iPad.

Since the grand reopening of the Midland Hotel’s bar and lounge section, the Plena matrix system has delivered a noticeable difference in sound quality while fitting discretely into the upscale ambiance. It creates an attractive atmosphere for meetings, socializing and nightlife, confirmed by numerous positive comments from guests and staff. In the bigger picture, this successful commercial audio installation proves the Plena matrix system’s power and flexibility, and has other clients in this market listening closely.