AUSTRALIA: Sydney’s iconic former Bristol Arms Hotel has been reborn as The Bristol — a five-storey, multi-concept dining, nightlife and entertainment destination in the heart of the CBD — following a major makeover by owners Oscars Group. After four years of closure, the venue returns with restaurants, bars, a sports lounge, event spaces, a rooftop and a reimagined nightclub, all connected by a single audio constant: an extensive Martin Audio CDD installation stretching across every level.

Retaining the spirit of its 80s retro heritage while embracing a premium modern aesthetic, the venue’s beating heart is the Calypso nightclub — a dramatic, mirrorball-laden space where Martin Audio’s CDD coaxial differential dispersion series takes centre stage. More than 60 units of the CDD enclosures have been deployed throughout The Bristol, mounted in dedicated yoke assemblies and optimised for wide, consistent coverage.

The project was delivered by Anthony Russo, Technical Director of Technical Audio Group (TAG), Martin Audio’s Australian distributor, working closely with system integrators Pro Sound and Lighting. With TAG having previously equipped Oscars Group venues with Martin Audio solutions, the client insisted on the brand for this flagship redevelopment.

Calypso makes the boldest sonic statement, with soft furnishings and a carpeted dancefloor echoing a refined New York club ambiance. The main room features six CDD15s distributed around the dancefloor in an immersive layout, supported by a pair of SX118 subwoofers beneath the booth and another pair for delay. “CDD’s wide dispersion really lent itself to the low ceiling, and its throw onto the dancefloor,” Russo explains. “Being coaxial it is a true point source, whether on or off axis, with great time alignment.” Each booth receives focused coverage from its own CDD10, while a neighbouring annexe — equipped with CDD10 and SX212 subs — can operate as a standalone breakout room or serve as an extension of the main club.

The venue has already drawn significant attention, hosting artists such as Groove Armada, who delivered a DJ set in the Calypso lounge shortly after opening.

Beyond the club, Martin Audio’s presence extends throughout the entire venue. On the Rooftop, where Sunday sessions overlook the harbour, weatherised CDD10-WRs deliver open-air energy as DJs perform under the sky. The Bristol Sports Bar harnesses the power of the CDD range to drive atmosphere around its massive 11-metre screen, while other floors include Ela Ela, a ground-floor Greek restaurant, and the Midtown Bar & Lounge piano and cocktail bar.

General Manager of Pro Sound and Lighting, Claude Spinelli, highlights the transformation: “We have completed a brand-new Martin Audio speaker installation which brings world class sound to one of the region’s favourite venues. This upgrade delivers crystal clear vocals, warm, full low-end and even coverage across the entire room — perfect audio for DJs, bands, functions and weekend parties.

“With the new Martin Audio system, guests will enjoy a richer, more immersive sound experience — no dead spots, no harsh highs, just beautiful balanced audio everywhere you stand. Installed by Pro Sound and Lighting, this setup is built for reliability, power, and premium performance, making the Bristol event-ready for any night of the week” said Spinelli.