The Hard Rock Hotel New York, located between the Theater District and Radio City Music Hall on 48th Street, steps out for its debut. This iconic brand’s new flagship features entertainment venues, dining, and 446 guest rooms and suites across 36 floors. Thomas Knauss, Principal of KMK Technologies, was the main audio consultant and designer on this project, bringing his expertise from previous projects at major hotels and casinos, such as The Four Seasons Hotel, The Borgata, as well as other Hard Rock Casinos.

For the entertainment venue, Knauss incorporated 1 SOUND and Clair Brothers to give this legendary music-inspired brand its elevated audio experience to which it was aspiring, in the very anticipated 2-story event and entertainment space. This creatively designed space will be hosting some of the city’s most sought-after cultural moments and A-list performances, as well as fashion shows, after-parties, and gala dinners. Elyon Systems, another consultant and installer on the project, installed 1 SOUND in the RT60 Rooftop Bar & Lounge, which spans the entire floor. This glass-enclosed, music-infused space offers a main bar with lounge seating and a seamless flow to the outdoors for electric city views across two expansive terraces in the heart of Midtown. This will be a true entertainment destination with world-renowned DJs and emerging local talent.

"New York City is the culture capital of the world and as a brand, we have been eagerly anticipating the right opportunity to bring our entertainment-infused hospitality experience to this market. Hard Rock Hotel New York creates the perfect home base for exploring the city's most exciting attractions, but what's more, are the curated experiences for guests and locals that only we can offer through one-of-a-kind partnerships and collaborations with legendary artists, performers and musicians."

- Dale Hipsh, Senior Vice President of Hotels, Hard Rock International

The Hard Rock wanted to pay homage to the history of 48th Street, “Music Row.” The block that had the best music stores in town, including the legendary Manny’s Music, the first Sam Ash store, Rudy’s Music Stop, among others, was the reason the hotel named their entertainment space, “The Venue on Music Row.” This 12,717 square foot round space was designed to be flexible for performances or events with a dance floor/dining area that can be turned into a stage for live performances. Clair Brothers speakers were hung facing the dance floor and paired with 1 SOUND’s SUB310’s that were hung on the ceiling for powerful bass. Surrounding the dance floor are banquettes, tables, and a full sized bar. The Panorama MS34’s, used in mono + stereo mode, were hung using C-Clamps facing the bar and tables to provide high SPL and a full stereo image to the surrounding room. The MS34’s were used in a similar way on the second level of the venue as well. For distributed bass throughout the two levels, WSUB45’s were hidden in the banquettes. 

“With regard to any high-level playback or live performance sound system design, we aspire to provide the “holy grail.” The short definition of that goal is to provide a loudspeaker system that provides highly articulate mid-range and high-frequency performance with chest-pounding bass, yet one can still order drinks, have a conversation, or otherwise verbally communicate with others without shouting over the music. Aspiring to that goal is one thing, accomplishing it, another. For the Hard Rock Times Square Venue On Music Row project, the 1 SOUND MS34 loudspeakers coupled with the SUB310 and floor sub devices, met the “holy grail” goal and then some. The stereo image emanating from a single MS34 is unique, impressive and an absolute pleasure to experience.”

- Thomas Knauss, KMK Technologies

The rooftop bar and lounge is one of the largest rooftop terraces in NYC. This lounge space hosts intimate gatherings to large scale receptions, using the audio system for background music, but also live performances and DJ’s. Elyon Systems installed Cannon C6’s in the garden beds of the rooftop as well as a SUB310. C6’s have a low-frequency extension down to 60 Hz, a high SPL, and low distortion, making it a great speaker for an outdoor lounge.

Check out the feature on ProSoundWeb.

The Venue on Music Row

Products Featured: SUB310, Panorama MS34, WSUB45, Mono + Stereo Controller

Install by: Thomas Knauss, KMK Technologies, https://kmkinc.com/ 

RT60 Rooftop Bar & Lounge

Products Featured: Cannon C6, SUB310

Install by: KMK Technologies, Elyon Systems, https://elyonsystems.com/

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