Pitfire Pizza case study

Creating a unique dining experience with custom audio

To create a truly unique dining experience, the project aimed for a sophisticated audio system with five independently controlled zones throughout the restaurant. This allows for tailored soundscapes in different areas, ensuring a perfect ambiance for every occasion.

AVI-SPL installed a comprehensive audio setup featuring 29 sleek, black Fulcrum 5.25” coaxial speakers and 4 powerful 12” subwoofers. These seamlessly integrated into the venue’s specially designed rafters, complementing the overall aesthetic.

For seamless operation and flexibility, a QSC core system was also integrated. This system links the audio system with the network and fire alarm systems. Staff can easily control it via wall-mounted panels or any Bluetooth-connected device.

Flexible audio control supports a welcoming environment

Nick Hartshorn, Business Development Manager at AVI-SPL Middle East, expressed, “Creating this sophisticated and adaptable audio environment involved detailed consultations with Bill Johnson, the owner, to understand his vision and specific requirements. The expert installation and calibration of the audio equipment ensured optimal sound distribution across the different zones. The QSC core system, integrated with networking capabilities and a fire alarm system, provided both safety and ease of control. The system’s operability from wall plates and remotely via Bluetooth allowed staff to manage the audio environment based on varying crowd sizes and event types.”

Each zone allows for different audio settings across various sections of the restaurant, enhancing the dining experience. The entrance area can play energizing, welcoming music, while the dining area can maintain a softer, more intimate ambiance. The flexibility for staff to control the system from fixed wall plates or mobile devices allows for immediate adjustments, crucial during events or peak dining times. The integration of high-quality speakers and subwoofers with advanced control systems has proven reliable during peak operations, ensuring continuous quality without disruptions.

Challenges and solutions

The project faced two primary challenges: a quick turnaround due to the venue’s scheduled opening on March 2 2024 and achieving optimal audio balance, especially considering the varying capacity levels the venue would experience. AVI-SPL tackled these challenges with strong project management, deploying an experienced team that excelled in fast- track project delivery. This ensured that every phase, from procurement through testing, was expedited without compromising quality.

Expert acoustic engineering involved close collaboration with Johnson and his team to initially set the audio environment. Further refinement was achieved by engaging Val Gilbert from Fulcrum, the manufacturer of the speakers. This collaborative effort was crucial in adjusting the sound system to be highly responsive to changes in venue capacity, ensuring optimal sound distribution and clarity at all times.

Hartshorn further expressed, “The project culminated in a state-of-the-art audio system installation that not only met but exceeded the expectations set forth by PitFire Pizza. The newly installed system provides precise control over audio levels across different zones of the restaurant, enhancing the ambiance and overall customer experience. This tailored audio environment supports varying dynamics, from lively dinner rushes to quieter, intimate dining experiences, making it adaptable to any situation.”