When Marc Jacobs opened the UK’s first Marc by Marc Jacobs diffusion line on Mayfair’s South Audley Street recently, part of the ambience was provided by Romford-based Digital Village, who equipped the boutique with a high quality JBL sound system.

The company’s installation manager Gareth Bevan ensured that sensitive audio treatment was given to the 3,896 sq ft shop, with its eye-catching window display, housed in a former 19th century bank building set in a prime corner location.

The sound system had to provide unobtrusive coverage across two floors (ground and basement), with zonal switching from another product in the Harman Pro stable, the dbx Zone Pro 640 6 x 4 zone processor. With a requirement for the volume to be run at different levels in different parts of the store, local control has been given via a pair of dbx ZC-8 remote wall controllers (one located behind the PoS counter, the other in the manager’s office).

The contract came in via the electrical contractor who had been working on the refurbishment of Digital Village’s own head office. “He said he had a retail outlet in the West End and introduced us to the client,” explained Bevan — and soon his team were onsite, working alongside architect Wendy Marshall from MRA Architects.

Music is fed from iPod and multiplay CD to 15 discreetly recessed white JBL Control 24C 4in ceiling speakers, set discreetly around the perimeter, while an additional pair of Control SB-2 slot-loaded subwoofers subs have been provided upstairs to give additional impact to the low frequencies. The entire system is powered by a pair of Crown XTi 1000 (2 x 500W) amplifiers, while Digital Village also supplied a 42in plasma display and DVD playback.

All of which helps the bazaar type atmosphere (described as “a designer pick ‘n’ mix”) in a chic interior festooned with synthetic white, red and blue roses.

“The client was very happy with the quality of the sound system, which has helped enhance the atmosphere in a shop that is always packed,” says the installer.