Iris Dubai

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K-array proves to be a sleek and powerful solution for Iris’ newest outlet in Dubai, writes Simon Luckhurst.

When a signature concept starts to resonate and get popular in a region, it’s often not long before we see the owners looking to replicate this success in other places. Located in the heart of Meydan, Iris Dubai is a product of this trend.

Iris’ first incarnation quickly gained popularity when it launched in Beirut back in 2010. While a major aspect of its popularity is undeniably the stunning views patrons can enjoy from its outdoor terrace, good music, cocktails, and a classy look have all successfully distinguished the venue from rivals and kept customers coming back time and time again. The concept became international when it opened in Abu Dhabi and Dubai followed by its recent franchise into Doha and Bahrain. Previously located at the top floor of The Oberoi in Dubai’s Business Bay, Iris recently migrated to a new site in Meydan.

With many signature traits, there is one universal key ingredient that remains a top contributing factor to Iris’ major success – great sounding audio. Keenly aware of this and impressed at the existing setup at previous Iris locations, the Iris management returned to the same partners for their latest outlet. Local distributor Procom Middle East handled the complete audio integration from design to execution and technical support, and like the other outlets, centered on a solution from Italian manufacturer K-Array. The low profile, sleek design of K-Array goes hand in hand with the Iris brand and had been engraved in its universal design and look throughout its locations.

‘Procom has been the main audio supplier for the Iris franchise for some time now,’ shares Anro Schroeder from, Procom Middle East. ‘We did the audio for both Iris Bahrain and Iris Beirut. While Iris was conceptualized as a lounge, the audio requirements go far beyond that. K-array has been Iris’ speaker of choice for all venues.’

The venue goes beyond the typical late-night DJ sets and provides both a Friday brunch service and live band music at various times, all of which provide a different set of requirements for the audio system. ‘We had to create an audio system that could cater to in excess of 2,000 customers and that offered enough power and punch for an outdoor venue while still remaining in control of many additional factors such as noise pollution and key design elements,’ notes Schroeder.

The large open-air space is an unusual shape and is divided into several sections with seating spread all around. There are five bars, high tables, lounges and two areas reserved for VIPs – all centred around a centralised view of downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa. ‘We needed a fully distributed system of subs and tops to cover all of the tables in all areas,’ adds Schroeder.

Having proved so successful at the previous outlets, Procom stuck with its tried and tested K-array formula. ‘These cabinets are high-powered, weatherproof and have a very sleek look – all essential attributes for Iris,’ explains Schroeder. ‘But the main feature of K-array that resulted in it being selected was simply the audio quality. The Iris management wanted a system that offered high-end, clear powerful audio and K-array delivered exactly this.’

The outdoor nature of Iris may be common to all outlets, but the location at Meydan suffers from extra restrictive noise regulations. As such, Procom had to pay extra attention in the design to limiting outside transmission. ‘This system was really designed by very carefully taking into account noise restrictions in the area and even though we had many limitations and factors to consider, we were able to install a system that has all the coverage and power requirements of a club installation and yet still meet the noise restriction requirements of the area.

K-array’s KX12 cabinet was central to the project. Affectionately dubbed the Dragon, the 12-inch solution is what the Italian manufacturer calls ‘a radical interpretation’ of a traditional coaxial that also it to be deployed as both a point source solution or as part of line array. Outputting up to 132dB, the Dragon provided amble SPL for the Iris lounge and ticked all of the boxes in terms of its compact size and sleek aesthetic. ‘K-array’s fundamental design is that of a line array and was perfect for the solution taking into account the need for narrow and precise audio within the listening area at Iris. At the same time, the system needed to have enough power to cater for the brunch and evening-goers and what we have installed does just that.’

The floor area and main bar have been outfitted with four pairs of KX12 finished in black to match the venue’s trademark pillars. These have been paired with K-array’s 18-inch KMT18 subwoofers tucked out sight. The four additional sidebars have been catered to with five KX12 and five  KM218. Here, K-array’s KP52 and  KP102 Python column loudspeakers have also been wall-mounted to provide additional coverage. The large VIP section relied solely on Python columns and features 12 KP52 spread uniformly throughout. Four KMT18 subwoofers generate the necessary low-end for this area. Away from the main rooftop, Procom integrated 12 KT2C  speakers into the ceiling for the wine cellar and toilet area.

Control of the various areas can be achieved via a Symetrix Jupiter 8 audio processor that works in tandem with arc-2e wall-mounted remote controllers and the Symetrix Arc-Web platform to create a wireless control network. ‘The system has full wireless control and all floor managers have a login to the system where they are able to control the levels and sources of all key areas as needed for day-to-day operation,’ explains Schroeder. A series of delays and key processing features were also added into the main system at the time of tuning to allow the primary aspects of the system to function together as one. The venue consists of a large, spread out listening area, and several design techniques including local masking in the listening areas were used to ensure that no delays or level differences were interfering with the end result.

‘We worked closely with the consultants on the job and designed the system over a period of three months, running multiple design options and simulations. Noise requirements, level checks, and site readings were taking and used regularly during the design process to ensure the neighboring residential areas would not be disturbed.’

As with the previous outlets, the Iris management could not be happier with the work done by Procom. ‘We would like to thank Procom for all the effort put into Iris Meydan,’ says Wassim Zouein, Iris’ Operations Manager. ‘From the design and installation to the final product, everything was of the highest quality. The sound system in our venue is excellent.’

The end result is also one that Procom is extremely proud of. ‘By utilizing a top-end brand with a cutting-edge product in terms of design and performance, we were able to deliver an end result that meets the most demanding and precise requirements of this project. A serious amount of work went into the design and supply of this system and the results prove just that.’