Lewis CaliburnThe newest Super Mex location set out to raise the bar for the brand’s 22-strong restaurant chain with a statement bar, elevated interiors, a dedicated events hall and a high end audio system to match.
Integrator, Hosted Connections partnered with Optimal Audio to deliver a complete commercial audio ecosystem that transformed the venue with a versatile audio experience that was simple for all the staff to control.
Hosted Connections is the go-to provider of telecom and IT infrastructure for more than 4,000 clients nationwide, managing everything from routers to POS systems. Audio had never been part of the portfolio – until the team discovered the simplicity and reliability of Optimal Audio, backed by Optimal Audio’s technical expert and US Sales Manager, Jeff Miranda.
“The beautiful sound as well as the simplicity of Optimal Audio – in addition to the unfailing support we received from Jeff at every step of the way – made the transition into audio possible for us and now we have a new AV arm to provide for our customers’ audiovisual needs,” explains founder Hourash Rezaei.
Hosted Connections worked closely with the venue to design a new audio blueprint using the Optimal Audio ecosystem, with the space divided into multiple zones each tailored to its unique function. Control is handled via WebApp, giving staff instant access to adjust levels and switch modes, whether for subtle background sound during dining or a high-impact DJ set.
The bar is the heart of the venue. In this zone, eleven Cuboid 8 loudspeakers with low frequency support provided by four Sub 10s delivered full coverage, while a further two Cuboid 15s add punch for DJ sets.
“The owner wanted it loud – really loud,” says Jeff. “So we dialled it up with Cuboid 8s and reinforced it with Sub 10s. When the DJ fires up, the whole place comes alive.”
The dining area features five Cuboid 5s and two Sub 10s for a controlled, inviting soundscape. With two additional Cuboid 15s on standby, the space easily scales for live sets.
In the events hall, 14 UP6 ceiling loudspeakers and four Sub 10s provide smooth coverage for day-to-day use. For larger functions, a standalone system of two Cuboid 15s and two Sub 15s delivers the clarity and energy demanded by live entertainment. “The hall system has two layers,” explains Jeff. “Background music via the UP6s and a full-throttle DJ system when needed. They’re independent but integrated, so it’s super flexible.”
Every zone runs on SmartAmp amplification with control handled by WebApp downloaded onto a venue-dedicated iPad and iPhone, with manager settings locked with PIN access only.
The Super Mex installation was one of the first carried out by Hosted Connections. Rezaei admitted, “It looked complicated on paper, but it turned out to be surprisingly straightforward.”
Optimal Audio’s plug-and-play ecosystem is designed for seamless integration “The system is powerful, but it’s not intimidating. Even our team who come from a networking background found it intuitive,” says Hourash. “Super Mex was the first client to really go big with us on audio. They gave us the chance to prove we could deliver a high-end system. And thanks to Jeff and Optimal Audio, we did exactly that.”
With a future-proof system in place, Hosted Connections has expanded confidently into commercial audio, while Super Mex enjoys a sonic upgrade that enhances every aspect of the guest experience.