Located at the 7Pines Resort in the Costa Smeralda area of Sardinia, the Cone Club is the Mediterranean’s very latest jet set beach club hotspot. Offering indulgence and relaxation in equal measure, its laidback, luxurious spaces, which include a beautifully appointed lounge, bar, club and restaurant, are embedded in the secluded coastline and are a haven for those prepared to go the extra mile for a special experience.
Michelin starred chef Tohru Nakamura curates the Club’s food concept, international mixology star Philip Bischoff takes care of the signature drinks range, and patrons enjoy the rich sounds of a Pioneer PRO AUDIO system which caters for chilled downtempo days and typically Sardinian upbeat nights.
Designed by architect Daniel Hilkmann and comprised of wooden structures and sun protection ‘sails’ which blend beautifully with their natural surroundings, the Cone Club opened last summer under the guidance of strategic consultant Mirko Negri. High quality audio across every area of the Club was considered fundamental to the concept, and its Artistic Director and Guest DJ, Nello Simioli consulted with leading installers Frenexport over a solution that could deliver not only great sound but also meet the stringent aesthetic demands of the design. He explains:
“Marco Cresci from Frenexport proposed Pioneer PRO AUDIO for the solution and arranged a demonstration so we could experience the system at work. As well as the quality of the audio, we loved the compact size and aesthetics of the speakers, which were ideal for the look and feel of the Club.”
The final system drew from across the Pioneer PRO AUDIO range, including professional and commercial loudspeakers from the XY-Series and CM-Series respectively.
The main dance-floor area of the club was covered by 8 XY-81 8” two-way full-range loudspeakers in combination with 2 XY-118 18” bass reflex subwoofers. XY-Series speakers are the first choice for some of the world’s leading nightspots, festivals and music venues.
In the bar, 4 CM-S56T 6” surface mount speakers were combined with a single CM-510ST 10” subwoofer, while the main restaurant area benefited from 8 CM-S58T 8” surface mount speakers. A further 4 CM-S56T were installed into the Club’s private restaurant. The Pioneer PRO AUDIO CM-Series is fast becoming a benchmark for hospitality and retail settings of every type and scale.
A single powered XPRS-12 full-range speaker was installed as a DJ monitor and the system was completed by 2 XY-2 8” mid-highs and 2 XY-215S dual 15” subwoofers directed towards the adjacent beach.
Amplification comprised 2 Powersoft four channel 4808 DSP, 2 four channel 2404 DSP and 1 K2, all controlled by a digital Xilica processor which allows the DJ to independently adjust the level and EQ of each zone through a dedicated app.
Marco Cresci of Frenexport describes a smooth install: “We took a step by step approach to the work, taking careful account of the Club’s structural designs. Using simulation software, we were able to gain insights into the optimal height and positions for the speakers which would provide the best coverage without disturbing adjacent areas. Some of the speakers were custom painted to blend with their surroundings, completing a straightforward and highly effective installation.”
The team at Cone are very happy with their Pioneer PRO AUDIO system according to Nello Simioli:
“From the very first listen, the system has a dynamic and well-balanced sound across all frequencies. We’re very pleased with the installation, which has received a very positive response from our guests. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with Pioneer PRO AUDIO products in the future.”
Cresci agreed: “We obtained a very warm and enveloping sound in the bar and restaurant sections, while for the beach, the sound is beautifully clear and warm but can deliver very high performance for special events without compromising the timbre and system fidelity. The customer is enthusiastic and very satisfied with the system and the Frenexport quality of service!”
The development of its CM-Series of commercial audio loudspeakers has seen Pioneer PRO AUDIO significantly expand its remit in supplying turnkey systems like the one at the Cone Club. Versatile and adaptable, the range draws on the same audio heritage as its XY, XPRS and GS-WAVE Series counterparts, allowing system designers and installers to combine elements from the whole Pioneer PRO AUDIO range to deliver consistent, high quality audio to every space.
