London based sound specialists, Evolve Install, have carried out a sensitive JBL-based refit at Kricket Soho, the industrial-style bar and Indian restaurant off Piccadilly Circus.

After arriving auspiciously on the restaurant scene with its unique pop-up in Brixton’s shipping container space, entrepreneur / owners Rik Campbell and business partner Will Bowlby opted for something more permanent when they opened Kricket Soho at the beginning of the year. But the original sound system, didn't cut the mustard at the two-floor operation in Denman Street.

Having heard a neighbouring bar’s sound system, and realising they could improve the background music experience for their patrons, they contacted Sound Technology Ltd, the JBL UK and Ireland distributor, who wasted no time in referring the inquiry to Evolve Install.

Evolve director Elliot Patterson noted during his first site visit that the coverage was poor largely due to the speaker locations which did little justice to the background music, sensitively programmed by Music Concierge and output through their server.

“The old speaker placement was simply not complementing the space,” said Patterson. He could see the obvious solution from the outset — and that was the ultra compact JBL Control 25-1L. This is a two-way 5¼” speaker with rich sonic character, wide and consistent dispersion, versatile mounting options, and a contemporary high-design look — perfect for this type of environment.

Four of the speakers are wall-mounted both in the ground floor restaurant and down in the basement, where the system is complemented by a discreetly placed JBL Control 50S/T subwoofer, with its high-power, long-excursion 8in driver, mounted in the overhead electrical tray.

“I knew this set-up would provide the warmth the venue needed, with the sub operating in the basement, which is the livelier area.” Clever use of foam ensures the sub frequencies are heard vibration free by diners sat at the trestle tables underneath.

“As a result, the operators no longer need to turn it up so loud in order to get good coverage,” says Elliot.

Summing up the latest refit, Rik Campbell states: “Evolve Install has completely transformed our restaurant by bringing a warmth and sound that completes the customer experience. Our staff are enjoying it too!

With its open kitchen and exposed ductwork upstairs with counter dining and dedicated cocktail den, Kricket Soho now looks set to make an even greater mark on the area’s small bar/restaurant scene.