AUSTRALIA: Few venues carry the cultural weight of Bondi Icebergs, but its latest evolution into The Bergs signals far more than a cosmetic upgrade. Following a comprehensive multi-stage renovation, the venue has emerged as a highly flexible, multi-experience destination—where a carefully considered AV infrastructure, delivered by Showtime Production Services with equipment supplied by MadisonAV, plays a central role in redefining how the space operates.

The refurbishment introduces two new bars, expanded dining areas, a revamped kitchen, upgraded amenities, and dedicated function spaces, replacing dated interiors with a contemporary, elevated aesthetic. Crucially, the transformation is not just visual; it is operational. The Bergs now accommodates multiple, simultaneous experiences, shifting seamlessly between general trade, private functions, live entertainment, and sports viewing across distinct zones within the same footprint.

“The work has elevated every space and allows us to create different experiences in one venue. It’s now multifunctional, expanding our opportunities greatly – we’re no longer stuck in one type of offering,” explained Cassie O’Brien, General Manager, The Bergs.

To support this level of adaptability, Showtime Production Services, led by Scott Masters, designed and deployed a distributed, multi-zone audio system alongside a video-over-IP infrastructure. Flexibility and scalability were central to the design philosophy, ensuring the system could evolve alongside the venue’s operational demands.

“The design prioritised flexibility and room for expansion,” noted Scott Masters. “I knew further growth and ad-hoc changes were inevitable. After 25 years in the registered club industry, flexibility is key.”

Working within a realistic budget, the system architecture was built around BSS BLU DSP management, forming the backbone of an integrated Harman Professional ecosystem that includes JBL Professional Control loudspeakers and Crown amplification, all supplied by MadisonAV. The choice of components balanced performance with durability—particularly important given the venue’s exposed coastal location.

“I chose JBL for audio quality and robustness. Being on a cliff overlooking the ocean, stainless-steel weatherproof grilles were essential to keep rust at bay. Mostly I used the smaller surfacemount models (JBL Control 25AV) and four of the larger eight-inch model (JBL Control 29AV) for two areas that need the extra power. A JBL (ABS6112B) sub is available when required but there wasn’t the space to permanently install it. But all up, it means the club can ramp things up for DJs or bands, while daily use stays subtle,” Masters explained.

Audio connectivity is handled via analogue inputs routed back to a BSS BLU 100, accommodating sources ranging from simple mobile devices to full DJ setups, while Crown CDI amplifiers provide the necessary power and flexibility. In the reception area, JBL Control 424 in-ceiling loudspeakers with waveguides and low-profile magnetic grilles are paired with a Crown CSA amplifier to deliver discreet yet high-quality ambience.

“In the reception area we used the new JBL Control 424 in-ceiling speakers with waveguides and low-profile magnetic grilles – superb quality, minimal visual impact, paired with a Crown CSA amp for warm, clear ambience. The Sydney demo of those in-ceiling speakers really impressed me. I rarely get wow’ed by much these days, but that launch excited me,” added Masters.

On the video side, the system is intentionally streamlined, comprising two LCD displays and two LED screens. Content sources include four Foxtel boxes, a Sky Racing STB, and three HDMI wallplates, all managed through a WyreStorm Network HD video-over-IP platform.

“I deployed the WyreStorm system because it’s flexible, powerful, easy to use, and has its own app control. I’ve had experience with various IPTV systems over the years but the WyreStorm system is almost ‘out-of-the-box’ – it’s far quicker to configure and deploy,” Masters noted.

User control is delivered via tablet interfaces, combining BSS control with WyreStorm’s app-based layer, ensuring intuitive operation for venue staff across different zones and use cases.

The project was executed in two phases, introducing additional complexity, but the modular system design enabled a smooth rollout and future scalability. “The two-stage installation had challenges, but the modular design made staging and expansion straightforward. That said, I’m grateful to our MadisonAV Account Representative, Scott Montebello, who at times moved heaven and earth for us,” Masters commented.

For The Bergs, the result is a venue where technology underpins experience at every level, enabling seamless transitions between vastly different atmospheres within a single space.

“The renovation gives us opportunities we didn’t have before. The physical facelift needed matching ambience and experience, and the tech provides that finishing touch – the glacé cherry. A great fit-out alone isn’t enough; the right music and control create the full atmosphere. We’d be lost without it,” concluded Cassie O’Brien.