Mr. Panther, a sophisticated addition to Lagos’ nightlife, is a high-energy resto-lounge. Owned by the Standalone Group, the venue is located on the 7th floor of The Avenue Suites Hotel, offering stunning views and a dynamic atmosphere that transitions from a fine dining experience into a vibrant lounge as the night progresses. With its gold-accented interiors, sleek glass façades, and an overall design that epitomises opulence, Mr. Panther aims to leave a lasting impression on every guest. KV2 Audio was chosen to create an audio system to match this elevated vision.
The project resulted from a collaboration between Standalone Group and Freehand Acoustics. When the group decided to expand into Lagos, they brought Freehand Acoustics into the fold during the concept phase. “We were brought on board to design and commission the sound system. This allowed us to coordinate seamlessly with interior design, lighting, and audio to ensure all elements worked harmoniously,” explained Rayan Wehbe, Principal Consultant at Freehand Acoustics.
The brief for Mr. Panther was to create a system capable of supporting a high-end dining experience that evolves into a vibrant lounge atmosphere in the evening. Having experienced KV2 Audio’s systems in similar high-energy environments, Wehbe was confident in their ability to deliver exceptional audio quality. “KV2’s acoustical performance, especially their subwoofers’ rich low-end, always impresses. Coupled with competitive pricing among high-end brands, the decision was straightforward,” he notes. The ESD series proved to be a perfect fit for Mr. Panther – its compact design provided a powerful solution while meeting the venue’s spatial and aesthetic requirements.
To ensure every corner of the venue received impeccable sound coverage, a meticulous configuration of KV2 models was employed. The guest experience begins in the hotel’s lobby elevators, where the extremely compact gold-painted ESD Cube loudspeakers deliver full-range audio, setting the tone for the night ahead. The champagne bar, located at the entrance, is equipped with four custom-painted ESD5 loudspeakers mounted on the ceiling to provide ambient background music as guests wait for their tables.
On the main floor, the audio design features a robust LCR system, with ESD10 loudspeakers positioned left and right and an ESD12 used as a centre channel. These are paired with three ESD1.18 subwoofers integrated into the furniture, delivering immersive sound while maintaining a sleek aesthetic. Under the balcony, ESD Cubes are strategically placed to ensure even sound distribution across lounges that would otherwise face limited direct sound coverage.
The VIP mezzanine section features an L-R configuration of ESD8 loudspeakers paired with two ESD1.15 subwoofers to provide a rich, bass-driven experience for elite patrons. Even the restrooms maintain the venue’s signature ambiance with more ultra-compact ESD Cubes delivering high-quality sound. “A crucial factor was ensuring the loudspeakers’ directivity minimised reflections in a space with challenging acoustic properties,” Wehbe explained. “The venue’s combination of hard floors, glass façades, and thick felt-like materials created an acoustically challenging environment. To mitigate this, the KV2 system’s controlled dispersion and precise directivity was ideal in focsuing energy where needed and minimising excessive reflections.”
A Xilica Solaro QR1 processor handles the system control, with a custom-designed interface that allows the venue team to adjust levels, monitor performance, and recall presets easily from mobile devices or PCs. This flexibility is essential in a venue with shifting operational modes throughout the evening, transitioning from fine dining to a high-energy lounge.
Despite the space’s stunning aesthetics, integrating the audio system wasn’t without its challenges. Restrictions on loudspeaker placement near the glass façade and staircase required creative solutions. “We leveraged the extensive ESD series catalogue to achieve consistent coverage, minimising level and spectral variances while adhering to spatial limitations,” said Wehbe.
The feedback from the client has been overwhelmingly positive. “The client praised the system’s clarity and power. At full capacity, the system provides the required SPL while maintaining headroom,” Wehbe concluded. This harmonious blend of aesthetics, functionality, and audio excellence solidifies Mr. Panther as a premier destination in Lagos. KV2 Audio’s partnership with Freehand Acoustics once again showcases how cutting-edge technology and thoughtful design can create unforgettable hospitality.
