Under the Bridge choose SFL

The Client

Under the Bridge is a purpose built, plug and play, multifunctional space with a 550 persons capacity that caters to both public and private events. Located under Stamford Bridge Stadium, the venue boasts state-of-the-art sound and lighting, perfect for gigs, press calls, showcases, fashion shoots, live broadcasts, after-parties, comedy nights, corporate events and much more.

The Challenge

Due to a surplus of loudspeakers in the venue, the overriding issue was the challenge of maintaining effective audio dispersion and acceptable intelligibility characteristics. In addition, the venue experienced a variety of day-to-day issues. The in-house system was certainly starting to show its age and six 18-inch dual driver subs located under the stage resulted in artists frequently struggling with the clarity of their on-stage monitoring.

As a venue linked to a world-famous brand, the reality was that unfortunately at times the standard of quality fell short of the understandably high expectations and in some instances had an impact on the venue’s overall confidence in selling the space.

The Solution

Under the Bridge chose d&b audiotechnik as their preferred loudspeaker manufacturer due to its world class reputation for quality and reliability and consequently proving to be very rider friendly. The solution ensures an optimal and professional experience for both artists and audience.

SFL designed and demonstrated a potential solution which resulted in the installation of a new loudspeaker system using a combination d&b V-Series line array, V-Series point source as well as Y-Series point source as fills around the venue. Monitoring was provided by several M4 monitors. Rounding out the performance of the system is a combination of B6-SUBs as well as flown V-SUBs. Amplification was provided using 10D, 30D and 40D amplifiers.

The Impact

The d&b V-Series solution has brought real compactness and unprecedented neatness in the venue. This is due to a significant reduction in the quantity of speakers required in addition to d&b loudspeakers being much smaller in size.

An overall design change has resulted in a much more open and clear view of the stage from the engineering pit and compared to the previous solution, now not needing additional S on stage, has instantly increased stage space. Instead, some subs are now flown which in conjunction with the subs positioned under the stage provide increased coverage. The cardioid design of the d&b subwoofer system results in a much quieter on-stage experience.

With regard to amplification, due to d&b’s technological efficiency, the venue has managed to reduce the amplifier count from three 40u amp racks to half a rack only. In addition, d&b amplifiers use up to 90% less energy than conventional amplifiers due to its highly efficient ‘stand by’ mode. The shutdown time has been significantly reduced and the process vastly simplified. d&b technology certainly aid the venue’s ambitious sustainability goals and aspirations.

The venue now boasts a world class audio solution, ensuring optimal trust and confidence and providing unprecedented clarity as well as outstanding coverage to the varied audiences it plays host to.

The Supplier

Under the Bridge chose SFL due to its reputation of valuing relationship and partnership. SFL showed real attentiveness in listening to the brief and attention to detail in delivering to budget. From the outset, SFL Group brought an ‘outside the box’ and ‘extra mile’ approach in offering several alternatives and options to the challenge at hand.

Throughout the process, the venue consistently trusted in SFL, never had a reason for concern and valued the transparency, honesty, patience and professionalism shown.

In addition, with the project taking place during the pandemic, the venue was incredibly impressed with the agility and adaptability in consistently working within Covid guidelines and restrictions on site.

SFL brought a problem-solving and explorative approach the project which in turn resulted in a better than anticipated overall solution.