Hotels, restaurants & clubs engineering notes, UAE

01Overview

Three operating tasks, three system designs.

A restaurant needs music that suits each zone and time of day. A hotel needs independent rooms that can become one event space. A club needs stage sound, video and lighting, while the lounge keeps its own programme and level.

We define the sources, zones, staff roles and guest connections before selecting equipment. Interior coordination, access for maintenance and installation windows form part of the design, including work in an operating hotel where phasing is agreed with the operator.

These three reference configurations describe intended functions and example quantities. They are starting points for project design, not fixed packages or evidence of completed installations. Final equipment, room coverage and integration behaviour require project selection and acceptance tests.

Explore meeting and conference rooms for two-way calls and digital signage for event listings and managed content.

02Where it is used08 environments

Real environments, real priorities.

Application register
No.	Environment	Who uses it	Work and content	What matters most	Typical systems
A01	Restaurants and bars	F&B teams	Day and evening service, local announcements	Independent sources and bounded volume by zone	HS-01: four indoor background audio zones
A02	Divisible hotel function rooms	Banquet team and event technicians	Two simultaneous events or one combined event	Correct audio, video and permissions in every partition state	HS-02: two rooms, A and B
A03	Clubs and small performance spaces	DJ, stage operator and duty manager	DJ sets, spoken performances and programmed light scenes	Stage sound and visual operation with a separate lounge	HS-03; performance requirements determine the final PA
A04	Lobbies and pre-function areas	Front office and events team	Background music, announcements and event listings	Zone control and a clear content workflow	Adapt HS-01 audio; signage is separately specified
A05	Hotel meeting and conference rooms	Guests and hotel support team	Presentations and remote meetings	Readable content and a tested call workflow	HS-02 covers presentation and room combining; cameras and conferencing need a separate room design
A06	Pool decks and terraces	F&B and engineering teams	Outdoor service and events	Environmental suitability and sound spill	Extend the zone design with equipment selected for the actual exposure; indoor speakers are not an outdoor specification
A07	Spa and wellness areas	Spa operations	Quiet background music	Discreet coverage, local limits and moisture conditions	Adapt the background audio design and finishes to the room
A08	Guest rooms	Guests, hotel IT and TV service provider	TV and private casting	Room isolation and supported interfaces	Separate TV/casting scope with the provider; not included in HS-01–03

03Typical configurations

Three starting points, compared.

Compare all 3 configurations

Configuration

Restaurant audio zones

HS-01

Set music and announcement levels across four indoor zones. Reference design; integration and site tests required.

Explore HS-01

Divisible hotel rooms

HS-02

Run two separate presentations or one combined event. Reference design; every room mode must be tested.

Explore HS-02

Club stage & lounge

HS-03

Operate stage sound, LED and light while the lounge keeps its own music. Reference design; acoustic and production brief required.

Explore HS-03

Primary task

Background music and everyday announcements

Separate events or one combined event

DJ/performance sound, stage visuals and independent lounge music

Example scope

Four indoor zones

Two adjacent rooms with one movable partition

One stage area and one lounge

Programme sources

Two music players and one paging microphone

Two guest presentation inputs, two music players and four microphones

One guest DJ set, four microphones, one lounge player and one video player

Room sound

Sixteen ceiling speakers, four per zone

Sixteen ceiling speakers, eight per room

Two active tops and two active subwoofers; four lounge ceiling speakers

Video

Optional, separately specified

Two displays and one 4 × 2 matrix; two inputs reserved

One LED surface with processor and one player

Lighting

Outside base scope

Building lighting interface optional

One console, one isolated DMX splitter and twelve example fixtures

Control

Four zone panels and a scheduling controller

Two panels, a partition sensor, network contact interface and room-combine processor

Two staff panels, system controller and separate audio/video/light operator controls

Key limit

Background and speech duties; no stage PA

Ceiling sound for speech and modest background programme; no conferencing in the base design

PA coverage, sound spill, LED size and fixture selection remain project specific

Status

Reference design; integration and site tests required

Reference design; every room mode must be tested

Reference design; acoustic and production brief required

Restaurant audio zones

HS-01

Set music and announcement levels across four indoor zones. Reference design; integration and site tests required.

Explore HS-01

Primary task: Background music and everyday announcements
Example scope: Four indoor zones
Programme sources: Two music players and one paging microphone
Room sound: Sixteen ceiling speakers, four per zone
Video: Optional, separately specified
Lighting: Outside base scope
Control: Four zone panels and a scheduling controller
Key limit: Background and speech duties; no stage PA
Status: Reference design; integration and site tests required

Divisible hotel rooms

HS-02

Run two separate presentations or one combined event. Reference design; every room mode must be tested.

Explore HS-02

Primary task: Separate events or one combined event
Example scope: Two adjacent rooms with one movable partition
Programme sources: Two guest presentation inputs, two music players and four microphones
Room sound: Sixteen ceiling speakers, eight per room
Video: Two displays and one 4 × 2 matrix; two inputs reserved
Lighting: Building lighting interface optional
Control: Two panels, a partition sensor, network contact interface and room-combine processor
Key limit: Ceiling sound for speech and modest background programme; no conferencing in the base design
Status: Reference design; every room mode must be tested

Club stage & lounge

HS-03

Operate stage sound, LED and light while the lounge keeps its own music. Reference design; acoustic and production brief required.

Explore HS-03

Primary task: DJ/performance sound, stage visuals and independent lounge music
Example scope: One stage area and one lounge
Programme sources: One guest DJ set, four microphones, one lounge player and one video player
Room sound: Two active tops and two active subwoofers; four lounge ceiling speakers
Video: One LED surface with processor and one player
Lighting: One console, one isolated DMX splitter and twelve example fixtures
Control: Two staff panels, system controller and separate audio/video/light operator controls
Key limit: PA coverage, sound spill, LED size and fixture selection remain project specific
Status: Reference design; acoustic and production brief required

Reference configurations. Example quantities require project selection, compatibility checks and system acceptance tests.

Follow the signal path for your configuration.

HS-01

Restaurant audio zones

Reference design; integration and site tests required

Four indoor restaurant areas select from two shared music sources. Staff adjust only their own zone, choose day or evening settings and make an announcement to selected zones.

Discuss HS-01

Two music players and a paging microphone feed four independent restaurant audio zones. Staff controls and the scheduling controller use separate control routes.

Signal flow

Signal flow. Devices, connections and conditions follow the drawing.Open SVG ↗

Devices, connections & design conditions 4 connections

Two music players and a paging microphone feed four independent restaurant audio zones. Staff controls and the scheduling controller use separate control routes.
HS-01 reference diagram showing five analogue inputs, four 100 V speaker lines, four wall controls and programme mute coordination.

BGM: 2 music players 4 analogue channels
DSP: 1 zone DSP 8 in / 8 out L/R summed internally
MIC: 1 paging microphone set zone selection + talk
AMP: 1 four-channel amplifier 4 × 120 W / 100 V
SPK: 16 ceiling speakers 4 zones × 4 speakers 6 W tap / 24 W per line

BGM → DSPL/R × 2
MIC → DSP1 balanced mic
DSP → AMPOUT1–4: four mono line feeds
AMP → SPK4 separate 100 V lines

Shared once per restaurant rack, AC power, mounting, cables, licences 2 players allow 2 different programmes

Reference quantities, not measured coverage Everyday paging and programme mute do not replace a certified voice alarm system

Control & status

Signal flow. Devices, connections and conditions follow the drawing.Open SVG ↗

Devices, connections & design conditions 7 connections

Two music players and a paging microphone feed four independent restaurant audio zones. Staff controls and the scheduling controller use separate control routes.
HS-01 reference diagram showing five analogue inputs, four 100 V speaker lines, four wall controls and programme mute coordination.

DSP: 1 zone DSP 8 in / 8 out L/R summed internally
MIC: 1 paging microphone set zone selection + talk
PAN: 4 staff panels one role per zone
CTL: 1 controller day/evening schedule clock + permissions
NET: 1 managed 16-port switch 10 ports assigned PoE budget ≥180 W
FIRE: 1 building signal interface external contractor
ISO: 1 isolation interface set

PAN ↔ CTLIP commands / status
NET → PANLAN + panel PoE
NET → CTLcontrol LAN
CTL ↔ DSPUDP/IP commands / status driver to verify
MIC → DSP4 zone contacts + PTT 5 GPIO inputs
FIRE → ISOagreed contact
ISO → DSPGPIO input 6: programme mute includes paging

Shared once per restaurant rack, AC power, mounting, cables, licences 2 players allow 2 different programmes

Reference quantities, not measured coverage Everyday paging and programme mute do not replace a certified voice alarm system

Typical architecture · not a project drawing

Workflow, boundaries and intended result

Composition

Two stereo music players, one paging microphone with zone selection and talk control, one 8-input/8-output audio processor, one four-channel 100 V amplifier and sixteen ceiling loudspeakers. Four wall panels and one separate scheduling/control processor provide the operating interface. A managed control switch, power, cabling and installation materials are counted once for the restaurant.

Architecture

The players occupy four analogue input channels; the microphone uses one. Stereo sources are summed inside the processor, which creates four independent mono zone outputs. Each output feeds its own amplifier channel and four loudspeakers. At an illustrative 6 W tap per speaker, each line carries 24 W. This is an electrical load calculation, not a coverage measurement.

Boundaries

Two players allow two different music programmes at once; four zones do not create four independent streams. Announcements lower or mute music only in the selected zones, then restore the agreed setting. Screens, outdoor speakers and stage sound are additional scope. Staff controls and scheduling require a documented, tested device interface.

Intended result

Staff can run day and evening service, make a local announcement and keep other zones at their own settings.

Example equipment for HS-01

Example quantities for the selected configuration; final selection follows the approved design. A catalogue listing does not confirm stock, delivery time or complete-system compatibility.

Background music players: 2
Audio sources
Audio sources
Microphone channels: 1 paging
Microphones; wireless substitution by RF brief
Microphones
Zone / room-combine processor: 1
Audio processors · Network audio
Audio processors
Network audio
Four-channel 100 V amplifier: 1; four channels used
Amplifiers
Amplifiers
Ceiling loudspeakers: 16
Loudspeakers
Loudspeakers
Staff panels / separate controller: 4 / 1
Select with control API, status and power requirements
Guest presentation connections / displays: Optional
Display type and transport by room design
Shared installation infrastructure: One set per restaurant
Control network, power, racks, mounting, cabling and licences scheduled separately

HS-02

Divisible hotel rooms

Reference design; every room mode must be tested

Rooms A and B host different presentations with the partition closed. With the partition open and an authorised operator's confirmation, they share one presentation and a combined microphone mix.

Discuss HS-02

Independent video outputs and audio mixes follow the approved A/B/A+B room mode. The partition sensor connects through a network contact interface.

Signal flow

Signal flow. Devices, connections and conditions follow the drawing.Open SVG ↗

Devices, connections & design conditions 8 connections

Independent video outputs and audio mixes follow the approved A/B/A+B room mode. The partition sensor connects through a network contact interface.
HS-02 reference diagram showing two displays, output audio extraction, room audio processing, separate 100 V lines and confirmed mode feedback.

GUEST: 2 guest sources A and B / customer devices
MAT: 1 HDMI matrix 4 × 2
EX: 2 stereo audio extractors one per matrix output
DISP: 2 displays A and B internal speakers off
MIC: 4 microphone channels A1/A2 and B1/B2
CORE: 1 room-combine processor 12 inputs / 2 mono outputs used A / B / separate / A+B
BGM: 2 background players
AMP: 1 four-channel 100 V amplifier CH1 / CH2 used CH3 / CH4 spare
SPK: 16 ceiling speakers 8 per room × 6 W 48 W on each line

GUEST → MATHDMI IN1 / IN2 IN3 / IN4 reserved
MAT → EXOUT A / OUT B
EX → DISP2 HDMI pass-through paths
MIC → CORE4 balanced feeds
BGM → CORE4 analogue L/R channels
CORE → AMPOUT1 = A / OUT2 = B balanced line
AMP → SPK2 electrically separate lines
EX → COREEX-A L/R + EX-B L/R 4 analogue channels

Shared once per room pair rack, AC power, mounting, cables, control licences Alternative: built-in dual audio extraction replaces both extractors

A+B: one programme feed, selected microphone mix Do not sum EX-A and EX-B when carrying the same source Unknown partition: block automatic combine and show fault AV programme mute is not certified voice alarm

Control & status

Signal flow. Devices, connections and conditions follow the drawing.Open SVG ↗

Devices, connections & design conditions 9 connections

Independent video outputs and audio mixes follow the approved A/B/A+B room mode. The partition sensor connects through a network contact interface.
HS-02 reference diagram showing two displays, output audio extraction, room audio processing, separate 100 V lines and confirmed mode feedback.

MAT: 1 HDMI matrix 4 × 2
DISP: 2 displays A and B internal speakers off
CORE: 1 room-combine processor 12 inputs / 2 mono outputs used A / B / separate / A+B
SENSOR: 1 partition sensor assembly open + closed contacts
GPIO: 1 network contact interface 3 inputs used PoE Type 1 Class 3
FIRE: 1 building signal interface external contractor
ISO: 1 isolation interface set
PAN: 2 room panels local roles / combined master
NET: 1 managed 16-port switch 11 ports assigned PoE budget ≥120 W

SENSOR → GPIO2 contact inputs
FIRE → ISOagreed contact
ISO → GPIOthird input: programme mute
NET → GPIOLAN / PoE
NET → PANLAN / PoE
GPIO → COREIP: position + mute + link status no direct GPIO on chosen processor v2
PAN ↔ COREIP commands / confirmed mode
CORE ↔ MATIP route command / actual route
CORE ↔ DISPIP power command / status

Shared once per room pair rack, AC power, mounting, cables, control licences Alternative: built-in dual audio extraction replaces both extractors

A+B: one programme feed, selected microphone mix Do not sum EX-A and EX-B when carrying the same source Unknown partition: block automatic combine and show fault AV programme mute is not certified voice alarm

Typical architecture · not a project drawing

Workflow, boundaries and intended result

Composition

Two guest presentation connections, two displays, a 4 × 2 video matrix, two output audio extractors, two music players and four microphone channels, two per room. One room-combine audio/control processor, one four-channel 100 V amplifier and sixteen ceiling loudspeakers serve the two rooms. Two staff panels, one partition sensor assembly and a separate network contact interface handle operation and partition status. The two extractors are omitted if the selected matrix already provides the required two independent stereo audio outputs.

Architecture

Each display output has its own extracted stereo audio feed to the audio processor. Four microphones, four presentation audio channels and four music channels require twelve analogue inputs. Separate mono outputs feed amplifier channels A and B; the other two amplifier channels are unused in the reference design. Each room has eight speakers at an illustrative 6 W tap: 48 W per line. Combining rooms changes the signal routing; the two 100 V lines remain electrically separate.

Boundaries

The sensor reports position; it does not authorise an unexpected event change. Unknown position blocks automatic combining, and the interface shows a fault. Video routing and display status must be checked before indicating a completed mode change. A room-combine function does not merge two conferencing calls. Cameras, recording, hearing assistance, stage PA and additional production inputs are specified separately when required.

Intended result

The banquet team can prepare separate or combined events with matching picture, sound and controls, using a documented room-mode procedure.

Operating modes
Mode	Video	Audio	Staff control
A only	A selects its source; B is blanked or off	A microphones and selected programme in A; B muted	A controls A; B cannot change A
B only	B selects its source; A is blanked or off	B microphones and selected programme in B; A muted	B controls B; A cannot change B
A and B separately	Independent sources on the two screens	Each room hears only its own microphones and selected programme	Local panels control their own room
A+B combined	The chosen source reaches both screens	One programme feed plus the selected microphone mix reaches both rooms	An authorised master controls the combined event; both panels show the confirmed mode

Example equipment for HS-02

Example quantities for the selected configuration; final selection follows the approved design. A catalogue listing does not confirm stock, delivery time or complete-system compatibility.

Background music players: 2
Audio sources
Audio sources
Microphone channels: 4; two per room
Microphones; wireless substitution by RF brief
Microphones
Zone / room-combine processor: 1
Audio processors · Network audio
Audio processors
Network audio
Four-channel 100 V amplifier: 1; two channels used
Amplifiers
Amplifiers
Ceiling loudspeakers: 16
Loudspeakers
Loudspeakers
Staff panels / separate controller: 2 / processor-integrated
Select with control API, status and power requirements
Partition sensor / network contact interface: 1 / 1
Select for position inputs, isolation and processor support
Guest presentation connections / displays: 2 / 2
Display type and transport by room design
Video matrix / stereo audio extractors: 1 / 2, or equivalent built-in extraction
Video matrices
Video matrices
Active tops / active subwoofers: Optional redesign
Selected by acoustic design
Shared installation infrastructure: One set per room pair
Control network, power, racks, mounting, cabling and licences scheduled separately

HS-03

Club stage & lounge

Reference design; acoustic and production brief required

An operator runs a DJ set or spoken performance with stage video and lighting. Lounge music remains on its own source and volume setting.

Discuss HS-03

Stage PA, lounge audio, LED video and DMX lighting have distinct signal paths and operating responsibilities.

Video & data

Signal flow. Devices, connections and conditions follow the drawing.Open SVG ↗

Devices, connections & design conditions 2 connections

Stage PA, lounge audio, LED video and DMX lighting have distinct signal paths and operating responsibilities.
HS-03 reference diagram showing active stage speakers with individual power, independent lounge sound, LED data and isolated lighting branches.

PLAYER: 1 video player silent visuals in base scope
LEDP: 1 LED processor
LED: 1 LED surface cabinets + receiver cards count by geometry

PLAYER → LEDPHDMI
LEDP → LEDmatched LED data links not a general LAN switch

3 end terminators one per active branch

DMX is one-way here cue state is not fixture telemetry each fixture also requires AC power

Shared: rack, signal cables, power, mounting and licences 4 separate PA AC feeds + 12 lighting feeds + LED power by design No external power amplifier for active PA Stage monitors are an option; add aux feeds, AC and mute coverage

Reference quantities, not a coverage or capacity guarantee No automatic timecode show or fixture feedback in this baseline AV programme mute does not replace certified voice alarm

Audio & return paths

Signal flow. Devices, connections and conditions follow the drawing.Open SVG ↗

Devices, connections & design conditions 9 connections

Stage PA, lounge audio, LED video and DMX lighting have distinct signal paths and operating responsibilities.
HS-03 reference diagram showing active stage speakers with individual power, independent lounge sound, LED data and isolated lighting branches.

DJ: 1 guest DJ set
DI: 1 stereo line isolation
MIX: 1 stage mixer 6 of ≥8 inputs used
MIC: 4 wired microphone channels
PROC: 1 speaker processor 2 inputs / ≥4 outputs limits, filters, delays, mute
TOP: 2 active tops each: signal + AC
SUB: 2 active subwoofers each: signal + AC
BGM: 1 music player
DSP: 1 zone DSP 2 inputs / 1 output used
AMP: 1 four-channel 100 V amplifier CH1 used; CH2–4 spare
SPK: 4 ceiling speakers 6 W tap / 24 W line

DJ → DIstereo line
DI → MIXCH1/2
MIC → MIXCH3–6
MIX → PROCbalanced L/R
PROC → TOPOUT1/2: line L/R
PROC → SUBOUT3/4: line
BGM → DSPanalogue L/R
DSP → AMPmono line
AMP → SPK1 independent 100 V line

3 end terminators one per active branch

DMX is one-way here cue state is not fixture telemetry each fixture also requires AC power

Shared: rack, signal cables, power, mounting and licences 4 separate PA AC feeds + 12 lighting feeds + LED power by design No external power amplifier for active PA Stage monitors are an option; add aux feeds, AC and mute coverage

Reference quantities, not a coverage or capacity guarantee No automatic timecode show or fixture feedback in this baseline AV programme mute does not replace certified voice alarm

Control & status

Signal flow. Devices, connections and conditions follow the drawing.Open SVG ↗

All 12 connections · 12 devices and services

Choose a connection to read its endpoints, direction and interface. Repeated device IDs refer to the same equipment across views.

Devices, connections & design conditions 12 connections

Stage PA, lounge audio, LED video and DMX lighting have distinct signal paths and operating responsibilities.
HS-03 reference diagram showing active stage speakers with individual power, independent lounge sound, LED data and isolated lighting branches.

PROC: 1 speaker processor 2 inputs / ≥4 outputs limits, filters, delays, mute
DSP: 1 zone DSP 2 inputs / 1 output used
LEDP: 1 LED processor
LIGHT: 1 lighting console ≥1 DMX universe
SPLIT: 1 isolated splitter ≥4 outputs; 3 used
WASH: 8 wash fixtures ≤8 slots each
MOVE: 4 moving fixtures ≤16 slots each
PAN: 2 staff panels lounge and duty manager
CTL: 1 system controller permissions + agreed presets
NET: 1 managed 16-port switch 12 ports assigned / reserved PoE budget ≥120 W
FIRE: 1 building signal interface external contractor
ISO: 1 isolation interface set two programme mute paths

LIGHT → SPLITDMX
SPLIT → WASHbranches 1/2 addresses 1–64
SPLIT → MOVEbranch 3 addresses 65–128
PAN ↔ CTLIP commands / status
NET → PANLAN / panel PoE
FIRE → ISOagreed contact
CTL ↔ DSPIP source / gain / status driver to verify
CTL ↔ PROCIP agreed preset / status interface to verify
CTL ↔ LEDPIP agreed commands / status
CTL ↔ LIGHTIP cue commands / console state if supported by selected console
ISO → PROCcontact: all stage outputs mute
ISO → DSPcontact: lounge mute

3 end terminators one per active branch

DMX is one-way here cue state is not fixture telemetry each fixture also requires AC power

Shared: rack, signal cables, power, mounting and licences 4 separate PA AC feeds + 12 lighting feeds + LED power by design No external power amplifier for active PA Stage monitors are an option; add aux feeds, AC and mute coverage

Reference quantities, not a coverage or capacity guarantee No automatic timecode show or fixture feedback in this baseline AV programme mute does not replace certified voice alarm

Typical architecture · not a project drawing

Workflow, boundaries and intended result

Composition

One guest DJ set, one stereo line isolation interface, four wired microphone channels, a stage mixer and a speaker processor feed two active tops and two active subwoofers. The active speakers each need a line-level signal and their own power feed; they have no separate external power amplifier. One music player, a zone processor, one 100 V amplifier and four ceiling speakers serve the lounge. One media player, one LED processor and one LED surface provide visuals. One lighting console, one isolated splitter, eight example wash fixtures and four example moving fixtures provide the starting lighting layout. Two staff panels and one system controller manage agreed presets and permissions.

Architecture

Stereo stage audio reaches the speaker processor, which provides four separate line outputs for the tops and subs. Lounge audio uses a separate mono output and 100 V line, with a 24 W reference speaker load. Video travels over HDMI to the LED processor, then over the selected LED system's data links to its receiver cards. The lighting console feeds the fixtures through isolated DMX branches.

Boundaries

Two tops and two subs are an initial arrangement, not a capacity or sound-level guarantee. Coverage, low-frequency spill and isolation from neighbouring rooms require an acoustic design. The base scope has no stage monitors; performers needing them require the separately listed monitor option and additional mix outputs. LED dimensions, resolution and power follow the actual surface. Lighting quantities are a layout assumption, with fixture modes and addresses agreed during design. Timecode shows, automatic audio/video synchronisation, recording and broadcast are outside the baseline.

Intended result

Technical staff can change between DJ and microphone-led operation, play stage visuals, recall tested lighting scenes and keep lounge settings independent.

Example equipment for HS-03

Example quantities for the selected configuration; final selection follows the approved design. A catalogue listing does not confirm stock, delivery time or complete-system compatibility.

Background music players: 1 for lounge
Audio sources
Audio sources
Microphone channels: 4 wired
Microphones; wireless substitution by RF brief
Microphones
Zone / room-combine processor: 1 for lounge
Audio processors · Network audio
Audio processors
Network audio
Four-channel 100 V amplifier: 1; one channel used
Amplifiers
Amplifiers
Ceiling loudspeakers: 4 in lounge
Loudspeakers
Loudspeakers
Staff panels / separate controller: 2 / 1
Select with control API, status and power requirements
Guest presentation connections / displays: Separate LED workflow
Display type and transport by room design
DJ set / stereo line isolation / stage mixer / speaker processor: 1 / 1 / 1 / 1
Guest DJ set; audio processing by interfaces
audio processing
Active tops / active subwoofers: 2 / 2
Selected by acoustic design
Video player / LED processor / LED surface: 1 / 1 / 1 set
LED equipment
LED equipment
Lighting console / isolated splitter: 1 / 1
Lighting controls
Lighting controls
Wash / moving fixtures: 8 / 4 example positions
Lighting equipment
Lighting equipment
Shared installation infrastructure: One set per club
Control network, power, racks, mounting, cabling and licences scheduled separately

05Reference architectureInteractive

How a typical system fits together.

Typical architecture · Hotels, restaurants & clubs

L2 · Selected layerProcessing & transport

How signals are routed and processed in a typical system of this kind.

Components and interfaces

Zoned DSP and 100 V amplificationHDMI / AudioStage signals go to active PA at line level; a 100 V output must never feed an active speaker input
Video matrix and extractionHDMI / AudioStage signals go to active PA at line level; a 100 V output must never feed an active speaker input
Stage speaker processingHDMI / AudioStage signals go to active PA at line level; a 100 V output must never feed an active speaker input
LED processingHDMI / AudioStage signals go to active PA at line level; a 100 V output must never feed an active speaker input
DMX distributionHDMI / AudioStage signals go to active PA at line level; a 100 V output must never feed an active speaker input

Documented scope · Hotels, restaurants & clubs

Zoned background music, everyday announcements and staff controls.
Divisible hotel rooms with coordinated audio, presentation video and operating permissions.
Guest presentation and production connections with defined signal levels.
Club stage sound, LED video and operated lighting, with a separate lounge audio zone.
Interfaces to hotel networks, signage and building systems where specified.
Drawings, configuration backups, acceptance records and training for each staff role.

Prepare for the first conversation

01Plans, sections, ceiling heights, zone names and partition positions.
02Day/evening routines, event types, layouts and simultaneous source requirements.
03Existing sound, screens, controls, cabling and hotel technology standards.
04Guest/DJ connections, sample presentation and video content, and typical technical riders.
05Acoustic information, neighbouring uses, level limits and outdoor exposure where relevant.
06Staff roles, panel locations, required languages and accessibility needs.
07IT, power, mounting, fire alarm and building-system interface contacts.
08Installation windows, maintenance access, budget brief and project contact.

Share your venue plans

06Design parametersTypical guidance · confirmed per project

What the design has to get right.

Design parameters
No.	Parameter	Guidance	Rule of thumb	Confirmed with
D01	Zone boundaries	Service areas, sources and staff responsibilities	One controlled mix per independent zone; count simultaneous programmes separately	F&B and operations
D02	Loudspeaker loading	Transformer taps, cable lengths and losses	Sum the selected taps on each 100 V channel and document the amplifier margin	AV designer and installer
D03	Sound coverage	Ceiling height, finishes, background noise and event layouts	Predict coverage and measure against agreed project targets	Acoustic designer and operator
D04	Divisible rooms	Partition positions, simultaneous events and operator rights	Test A, B, separate A/B and combined A+B, including fault recovery	Banquet and engineering teams
D05	Screens and LED	Actual content, viewing positions, light and service access	Select screen size and pixel mapping for the approved layout	Events team and interior designer
D06	Guest connections	Source format, connector, level and cable distance	Label each tie-in and test the agreed guest equipment	Event technicians
D07	Stage sound	Programme, low-frequency demand and neighbouring rooms	Choose PA and level limits from the acoustic brief	Venue operator and acoustic designer
D08	Lighting	Fixture placement, modes, addresses and cues	Issue a patch and test each scene and loss-of-data behaviour	Lighting operator and fit-out team
D09	Staff operation	Local volume limits, scene access and device feedback	Separate staff and technical functions; expose unresolved faults	Each operating team
D10	Building and accessibility interfaces	Programme mute, hearing assistance, environment and access	Agree interfaces and acceptance responsibilities before ordering	Responsible building specialists
D11	Power and mounting	Every active device, LED and lighting circuit, structural loads	Use nameplate data and approved mounting details; retain maintenance access	Electrical and structural designers
D12	Hotel constraints	Operator technology standards, existing systems and access windows	Confirm deviations and phased work before installation	Hotel operator and contractor

Common mistakes

And how the design process prevents them.

M01
Mistake: Four zones need four different playlists but only two players are provided.
Prevention: Count simultaneous programmes during scoping.
M02
Mistake: A speaker count is mistaken for sound coverage.
Prevention: Calculate the electrical load and the acoustic coverage separately.
M03
Mistake: The combined room plays the same presentation audio twice.
Prevention: Select one extracted programme feed for A+B and distribute that mix to both room outputs.
M04
Mistake: A partition contact changes while an event is running.
Prevention: Show the requested state and require authorised confirmation; retain a defined fault procedure.
M05
Mistake: A guest mixer bypasses house sound limits or programme mute.
Prevention: Route the agreed tie-in through house processing and test the complete path.
M06
Mistake: A lighting cue or device command is shown as confirmed without feedback.
Prevention: Display acknowledged state where supported and require a visual check where it is not.

07Design referencesEditions checked per project

The references we design to.

Equipment documentation and industry guides03

ANSI/AVIXA A102.01Audio Coverage UniformityDefine and measure the listening areaCheck current edition
ANSI/AVIXA V202.01Display Image Size for 2D ContentSize presentation displays and check viewing positionsCheck current edition
ANSI/AVIXA D402.02AV Systems Performance VerificationAgree verification criteria and report resultsCheck current edition

Local and project requirements01

Project requirements and applicable local rulesProject design referenceElectrical works, mounting, access, radio equipment, accessibility and building interfacesCheck current edition

08Integrations08 interfaces

Connected to the building and its IT.

I01
Music services
Player analogue output and documented service access
Content rights, subscriptions and recovery from a lost service are agreed with the operator
I02
Partition system
Position contacts through the specified network contact interface
HS-02: report position; authorised room-mode logic controls audio and video
I03
Visiting production
Labelled balanced audio and agreed video inputs
Define house processing, levels and programme mute; additional PA or broadcast routes are separate scope
I04
Hotel IT
Managed control network and agreed internet access
Keep device control separate from guest access; specify addressing, power and support ownership
I05
Signage and event booking
Documented export/API to the selected signage service
Optional event listings with reviewed templates and manual fallback; no booking connector is assumed
I06
Building and lighting controls
Documented IP/serial interface or isolated contacts
Optional building presets and status; stage DMX operation remains with the lighting console
I07
Fire alarm interface
Agreed isolated signal from the responsible contractor
Mute programme audio, including agreed guest feeds; this AV function does not replace a certified voice alarm system
I08
Hearing assistance / TV and casting
Specified audio feed / provider-supported connection
Separate project scope, including room isolation, commissioning and accessibility checks

09Equipment06 catalogue types

What a system of this kind is built from.

Audio8 products

Mixers and processorsIn the catalogue Audio13 products

Power amplifiersIn the catalogue Audio155 products

LoudspeakersIn the catalogue Audio31 products

MicrophonesIn the catalogue Lighting5 products

Control and signalIn the catalogue Video15 products

Modular matricesIn the catalogue CatalogueAll 1,484 products, with the manufacturers' specifications and documents.Open the catalogue

10Delivery

From the brief to an accepted system.

Stage 01
Scope and architecture
Agree venue zones, day and evening use, event formats and staff roles. Record the partition modes, guest connections and boundaries of each subsystem.
- Venue zones and staff roles
- Day and event operating modes
- Guest connection brief
Stage 02
Design and approval
Issue zone, display and fixture layouts; audio/video/control diagrams; 100 V loading and room-mode tables. Coordinate power, mounting, interiors and building interfaces.
- Audio, screen and fixture layouts
- Signal and control diagrams
- Zone loads and room-mode table
Stage 03
Selection and supply
Confirm exact amplifier variants, speaker taps, active PA interfaces, matrix outputs, control licences and lighting modes. Resolve availability and compatibility against the approved schedule.
- Equipment matched to each zone
- Checked amplifier and PA interfaces
- Control and lighting schedule
Stage 04
Installation and programming
Install and label the system. Configure source routes, level limits, announcement priority, room combining and the included lighting scenes; expose device and mode status to staff.
- Labelled sources and zones
- Volume limits and staff panels
- Programmed modes and selected cues
Stage 05
Commissioning and tests
Test zone independence, each room combination and guest inputs. Measure the agreed sound performance, review video and lighting, and test programme mute with the responsible contractor.
- Zone and room-mode checks
- Guest input and scene tests
- Sound and building-interface records
Stage 06
Handover
Train F&B, banquet, duty-management and technical teams for their own tasks. Deliver as-built drawings, tap and patch schedules, configurations, test reports and an agreed service procedure.
- Training for each staff role
- As-built drawings and settings
- Quick guides and service procedure

Documented outcomes

01

Set music and announcement levels across four indoor zones.

02

Run two separate presentations or one combined event.

03

Operate stage sound, LED and light while the lounge keeps its own music.

11Acceptance

Verify the complete workflow.

HS-01

Reference design; integration and site tests required

Independent panel operation, both sources, day/evening schedules, selected-zone paging and return to music Building mute, power recovery, access permissions and restore of saved settings

Record supplied: Zone map, tap schedule, approved levels and control results Witnessed interface record, configuration backup and handover checklist

These are planned project checks. The reference configuration has not passed physical system acceptance.

HS-02

Reference design; every room mode must be tested

A only, B only, simultaneous separate events and A+B; source/audio matching, panel permissions, contact and restart faults Building mute, power recovery, access permissions and restore of saved settings

Record supplied: Room-mode matrix, routing results and recovery procedure Witnessed interface record, configuration backup and handover checklist

These are planned project checks. The reference configuration has not passed physical system acceptance.

HS-03

Reference design; acoustic and production brief required

DJ and microphone operation, separate lounge settings, every PA output, LED mapping, lighting cues and guest tie-in mute Building mute, power recovery, access permissions and restore of saved settings

Record supplied: Acoustic results, signal/power schedule, LED map, DMX patch and operator checks Witnessed interface record, configuration backup and handover checklist

These are planned project checks. The reference configuration has not passed physical system acceptance.

12Inputs and FAQ

Before we begin.

What to send us, and practical answers before the project starts.

Can every restaurant zone play different music?

Each zone has its own source selection and level. HS-01 has two music players, so it supports up to two different music programmes at a time. Four simultaneous playlists need additional sources and a revised input schedule.

How are hotel rooms combined?

The partition sensor reports position through a contact interface. An authorised operator confirms the mode, and the control system coordinates the two screens, sound mixes and panels. A+B uses one programme feed and the agreed microphones. A fault or unknown position must be visible to staff.

Does combining rooms also combine video calls?

No. HS-02 provides presentation and room audio. Conferencing needs its own camera, microphone, echo-control and platform design, tested for separate and combined room use. See our meeting and conference room solution.

Can the ceiling speakers serve a club performance?

The reference ceiling system serves background music and speech. HS-03 uses a separate active PA for the stage, selected against coverage, programme and sound-spill requirements. Live performers may also need the optional monitor system and a larger input schedule.

Are light shows and LED video synchronised automatically?

HS-03 includes operated lighting scenes and a separate LED video path. Timecode, beat synchronisation or a single show-control timeline need an additional control design and tests. The reference layout includes eight wash and four moving fixtures; exact types follow the venue brief.

Can existing hotel systems and guest production be connected?

Yes, where their interfaces and operating responsibilities are confirmed. We define labelled guest inputs, signal levels and house processing. Event listings, TV/casting, building controls and outdoor areas require their own agreed scope. Existing equipment is assessed for condition, compatibility and support.

Does this provide emergency voice announcements?

No. Everyday paging and programme muting are AV functions. The fire alarm interface is coordinated and tested with the responsible contractor, and the certified voice alarm system remains separate. Guest systems and each included audio route must be covered by the agreed interface procedure.

Can installation and staff training fit an operating venue?

Access, noisy work and room closures are planned with the operator before work starts. Training follows staff roles: local service controls for F&B, room modes for banquet staff and signal, patch and recovery procedures for technical teams. Delivery phasing depends on the agreed access windows.

13From our team’s projectsRC-08 · working drawing, anonymised

The working drawing,
as we issue it.

Structural connection diagram, background sound and announcements: a working drawing of project RC-08 with device tags, connectors and numbered cables — Sheet 4 — Background sound and announcementsRC-08 · A2 · anonymised

Open the sheet full size, PDF

Set the room for the moment.

Three operating tasks, three system designs.

Real environments, real priorities.

Three starting points, compared.

Restaurant audio zones

Divisible hotel rooms

Club stage & lounge

Restaurant audio zones

Divisible hotel rooms

Club stage & lounge

Follow the signal path for your configuration.

Signal flow

Control & status

Composition

Architecture

Boundaries

Intended result

Signal flow

Control & status

Composition

Architecture

Boundaries

Intended result

Video & data

Audio & return paths

Control & status

Composition

Architecture

Boundaries

Intended result

How a typical system fits together.

What the design has to get right.

The references we design to.

Connected to the building and its IT.

Music services

Partition system

Visiting production

Hotel IT

Signage and event booking

Building and lighting controls

Fire alarm interface

Hearing assistance / TV and casting

What a system of this kind is built from.

From the brief to an accepted system.

Scope and architecture

Design and approval

Selection and supply

Installation and programming

Commissioning and tests

Handover

Set music and announcement levels across four indoor zones.

Run two separate presentations or one combined event.

Operate stage sound, LED and light while the lounge keeps its own music.

Verify the complete workflow.

Before we begin.

The working drawing,as we issue it.

Share your venue plans.

The working drawing,
as we issue it.