AUDIO UPGRADE FOR MELBOURNE LANDMARK

Established in 1859, the GPO is Melbourne’s famous landmark, transforming from postal hall to popular night spot and function centre in the 1990’s. Managed by Robertson Hospitality Group, the GPO most recently underwent a comprehensive update of its audio systems, selecting Allen & Heath mixing products throughout. “Ian Robertson (CEO) and Scott Thompson (Music Director) were looking for a premium quality audio system that could stay in the background visually but be very much in the foreground acoustically,” commented system designer and contractor Nathan Pugh of One Productions. The GPO offers four key function areas, The Lexington, The Music Room, The Library and The Terrace. The Lexington makes use of the heritage architecture of the GPO building, with grand archways, 7-metre high ceilings, huge period windows, Swarovski crystal chandeliers, draped private enclaves, and art-deco furniture. On Level 2, the Music Room is a loft-style club, which hosts international and local DJ’s as well as live acts. It also boasts two elegant private function rooms – the Black Room and the White Room - which can be attached to either The Lexington or The Music Room.

One Productions selected an Allen & Heath iDR-8 DSP system to manage audio distribution to all 4 spaces, providing all rooms with their own audio feeds. With its digital architecture of stored presets and easy to operate wall panels, hospitality staff can select the appropriate audio configuration for each function or application and, if necessary, make adjustments on the fly. The Library is the GPO’s new wine bar, opened on Level 2, and decorated with timber panelling and shelving for historic books. The Terrace is also a new Level 2 extension comprising a conservatory and outdoor garden area overlooking Melbourne’s skyline. An Allen & Heath GR05 analogue 4-zone installation mixer controls audio distribution to both these function areas, enabling staff to easily set up the rooms as separate areas or combined. The GPO also has 3 Allen & Heath Xone:62 DJ mixers – one installed in the Lexington, one in The Music Room, and a third unit available for use in any of the other rooms.