KUWAIT: When Barry’s opened its new fitness studio in Kuwait, the global fitness brand needed an audio system capable of matching the intensity of its signature 50-minute ‘Red Room’ workouts without compromising the venue’s sleek interior. Yamaha Music Gulf, together with local partner Adawliah Electronics Co, designed and installed a system built around an eclectic mix of products from Yamaha Professional Audio, comprising the DXR10 mkII and DXS15 mkII powered loudspeakers, complemented by VXH6 pendant speakers.

Founded in 1998, Barry’s has grown from its original West Hollywood studio to a global premium fitness brand operating in more than 20 countries. Its high-intensity interval training combines strength and cardio, with the surrounding environment forming an important part of the experience.

At the Kuwait facility, the brief called for powerful, immersive sound across the open-plan studio, while retaining sufficient control for quieter warm-up and cool-down periods. The audio system also had to integrate with the building infrastructure without interfering with the fitness equipment or the studio’s visual design.

Following a comprehensive site analysis, Yamaha Music Gulf and Adawliah Electronics Co specified DXR10 mkII powered loudspeakers alongside DXS15 mkII powered subwoofers for the main studio. The two-way DXR10 mkII is capable of 132 dB SPL, while the DXS15 mkII extends low-frequency response to 40 Hz and delivers a maximum SPL of 135 dB. Together, the systems provide the main studio with full-range reinforcement while maintaining a relatively discreet footprint.

The reception area, stretching room and corridor are covered by Yamaha VXH6 pendant speakers, which provide 120° dispersion and 300 W power handling for background music reproduction. The VXH6 units are powered by an XMV4280-D multi-channel power amplifier operating in high-impedance (100V) mode, with system processing and control handled by a Yamaha MTX5-D digital signal processor, three MCP1 multimedia control panels and the iPad-based ProVisionaire Control app.

The MTX5-D manages audio routing and processing, with music streamed from two laptops via Dante Virtual Soundcard. The system also includes two wireless microphones for gym instructors and an additional input for other sources via a WiFi router. Digital connectivity between the processor and amplifier provides the system’s signal path with minimal interference.

For day-to-day operation, the MCP1 panels and ProVisionaire Control allow staff without technical expertise to adjust volume and change sources. Engineers can also access the system remotely, allowing issues to be addressed without necessarily being on site.

“The system was designed to hit 100 dB, but during testing it reached 105 dB with ease. It now runs comfortably below 98 dB, giving Barry’s the headroom they need without sacrificing clarity,” says Ahmad Jaber of Adawliah Electronics Co.

“The result is a crystal clear, well balanced soundscape which has transformed the gym atmosphere, making it sound as good as it looks. The system is powerful, reliable and built to keep up with every beat of every workout. This is the first Yamaha installation for the Barry’s franchise, but it won’t be the last. The Yamaha speakers have helped our space drastically by providing a well balanced and high clarity sound throughout the amenity,” adds Amira Moghaddam, Operations Manager at Barry’s Kuwait.