Case Study: A High-End Audio Haven in Tribeca
Audio Command Systems Injects High-Performance Sound into Every Inch of a Tribeca Penthouse
Everyone has heard the old saying, "No pain, no gain." It applies to many things in life, and, indeed, the most satisfying rewards often come from extraordinary efforts. As a purveyor and integrator of high-end audio systems and solutions, Audio Command Systems also relishes tackling a good challenge, one that stretches our abilities and drives us to find a way. In this post, we will feature a project that presented several challenges, from a client with high standards to a space with its own technical obstacles to overcome. Join us below as we detail how we delivered a high-performance audio haven near the top of one of New York City’s loftiest, most luxurious perches.
SEE ALSO: Get a Full Tour of the Tribeca Penthouse in Our Project Gallery
The Client
Some high-end audio clients have an appreciation for great sound and the equipment that produces it, but they may not be experts in music, audio, or recording. In this project, the client was a well-known DJ and entrepreneur with several clubs, so they were familiar with audio equipment, high-performance audio, and what music should sound like based on the original intent. As you might guess, satisfying the performance requirements of such a knowledgeable client takes extra effort.
The Space
The penthouse is a 5000-plus square foot condominium in one of the tallest residential towers in the city. From a sound quality standpoint, some spaces are better than others. In this case, the giant walls of glass around many parts of the large living area are less than ideal, as glass is a hard and reflective service that can distort audio performance. Additionally, there were several other factors to work with. A top-tier architecture firm did the interior design, and the audio and video system needed to integrate well with the style of the penthouse. The client wanted a DJ platform with club-quality sound in the living area, as well as a large screen and projector for video viewing that can hide away when not in use. In addition, the audio system was to extend to other rooms of the penthouse, still maintaining high-quality sound.
Plus, there was a time challenge—we had two weeks to complete the installation! And as any who understands the vagaries of working in New York highrises, sometimes equipment doesn't fit in elevators or the pathways to the apartments. We avoided using cranes in this instance with careful planning, but nonetheless, buildings present their own logistical challenges, especially with tight timelines.
The Solution
With walls of windows, we can’t do things we might do in other spaces, for example, run speaker wire or embed architectural speakers. And needless to say, most clients don’t build a full DJ audio setup in their living area. However, the raised platform did present some opportunities. We were able to hide the necessary JL Audio subwoofers underneath that provided the club-level bass for the living area. We used high-end Void Air speakers hung from the ceiling that have a visual and sonic impact; they are often found in upscale clubs due to their modern design, lustrous custom paint finishes, and powerful sound.
For the video setup, we customized lifts and equipment from Future Integration to seamlessly hide the screen and projector in the living area. The result is a giant screen with casual seating options that can serve from watching TV and movies to the visuals for a DJ party, all summoned or hidden with the touch of a button.
The rest of the penthouse enjoys a multi-zone whole-home audio system through architectural speakers. These can be coordinated with the sound from a DJ party or can play their own selections. Other integration features included automated shades and a Savant home integration system to control various smart aspects of the residence.
Ultimately, we overcame the challenges and finished the project on schedule. We worked closely with the client to meet their criteria while being realistic about what could be accomplished within the limitations of a residential space with specific aesthetic requirements. The client is pleased with both the system's performance and the aesthetics of the finished result.
Have exacting standards for a high-end audio solution in your New York City abode? Audio Command Systems can help. Contact us here or click the chat box below to connect with one of our expert staff quickly. We look forward to working with you!
