K-array loudspeakers provide sound for the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM)

The 1953 by Prince Rainier III. The Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM), founded and led by Prince Albert II since 1984, needed a complete audio system that would provide high-performance sound in the various rooms of the club. The choice for the prestigious project fell on K-array, an Italian manufacturer of professional audio solutions. BM Service is responsible for system integration.

With 2,500 members, the club attracts ship owners, sailors and yacht lovers from all over the world to its luxurious setting. The prestigious building, which resembles a high-tech yacht, was built according to a HEQ (High Environmental Quality) concept, intended to reflect the spirit of the YCM: cosmopolitan, innovative and concerned with aesthetics and environmental friendliness.

Against this background, the choice of the new audio system fell on K-array. “Everything had to be invisible, stylish and yet powerful – K-array’s usual values,” explains Alberto Gaetti, Product Support Specialist at K-array. “In addition, the IP rating and weather-resistant surfaces of our products are ideal for the YCM’s maritime environment,” Gaetti continues.

(Image: K-array)

Python base has been expanded

The speakers from the Italian manufacturer had a home advantage, as some of the speakers were already in use in the club. “Our speakers were already installed on the roof terrace, so the customer was already satisfied with our solutions. The next step was to extend the audio system to other key areas, including indoor and outdoor dining areas, a meeting room and a swimming pool area,” explains Gaetti.

The existing rooftop bar system consisted of six Python-KP102 I and four Python-KP52 I speakers, which ensure clear and powerful sound. In addition, four Thunder-KS2P subwoofers provided deep bass reproduction, which was driven by a Kommander-KA208 amplifier. This system had already proven its ability to maintain a high sound pressure level in a limited space while significantly reducing outdoor sound levels. Therefore, a club-wide introduction of K-Array products was initiated.

Background music for Aquarama Riva Bar

The Aquarama Riva Bar is located on Deck 5 of the club and offers unobstructed views of the harbor and the Rock of Monaco. Here the YCM needed a system that would be used primarily for background music, but could also provide sound for occasional parties or presentations. In this area, two Kobra-KK52 I in white were used, which are known for their slim, half-meter-long design and their powerful sound projection. They are complemented by two Domino KF26 full-range speakers, also in white. A Rumble-KU210 subwoofer is included in the delivery for the low frequencies.

The loudspeakers are mounted using K-array’s own mounting material to ensure optional sound coverage of the entire room. A Kommander-KA24 amplifier completes the system in the Aquarama Riva Bar. For members looking for a cozy and intimate setting, the Cigar Lounge offers a private room with a relaxing ambience. Four compact Lyzard-KZ1 in white and a Rumble-KU44W-2 I subwoofer were installed here. As an ultra-mini point source speaker, Lyzard blends seamlessly into the aesthetics of the room.

High quality speakers for the restaurants

The hospitality spaces at the Yacht Club de Monaco include the prestigious Restaurant 1909, reserved exclusively for club members and their guests. Six Kobra KK52W and eight Tornado KT2 speakers as well as a total of 10 Rumble KU44 I subwoofers provide high-quality background sound and offer a sophisticated dining experience with panoramic views of the YCM marina. All speakers are painted white so that the technology remains inconspicuous.

In the Sunrise outdoor restaurant, background music and sound systems were needed for parties. “We chose a combination of 11 Domino Series speakers with special marine finishes to create a reliable sound system that would withstand the elements all year round,” recalls Gaetti. “Although they are powerful speakers suitable for both parties and background music, the depth of the speakers is still small enough to be carefully integrated into a high-quality room without becoming intrusive.”

A similar system, consisting of weatherproof Domino and Tornado speakers, was also integrated into the sports bar. The ballroom at the Yacht Club de Monaco was equipped with a performance system consisting of two Pinnacle KR102, one Pinnacle KR202 and two Pinnacle KR402 systems. These lightweight, portable systems provide an all-in-one sound reinforcement solution consisting of K-array’s Thunder subwoofers and Kobra or Python line array elements

“The column array speakers in the self-powered Pinnacle systems offer excellent performance and easy setup,” emphasizes Gaetti. “Their ultra-slim form factor makes them unobtrusive, while the interconnected units give the Yacht Club de Monaco team the ability to change the angles of each element, adapting the system for different ballroom events.”

Language focus for meeting rooms

Clear speech reproduction was naturally of utmost importance for the club’s meeting room. In this room, used for conferences, presentations and events, a combination of eight Thunder subwoofers and four Python-KP102 Pure Line Arrays ensure reproduction of the entire speech frequency range with high intelligibility.

Of course, the Yacht Club de Monaco would be incomplete without its spacious sundeck, which also includes a swimming pool overlooking the marina. Another powerful Pinnacle system was chosen for the sound system, which is ideal for pool parties and at the same time offers a high level of versatility.

“Considering the combination of indoor and outdoor areas, when planning, we made sure that the systems were weather and moisture resistant,” says Gaetti. “By integrating a complete K-array solution, the Yacht Club de Monaco technical team can access the K-array software suite such as K-CONTROL and K-CLOUD to seamlessly control and manage the system.”