d&b in VIP Jazz Club Zagreb
If jazz music is epitomised by freedom of expression then the VIP Jazz Club in Zagreb is better placed than most to understand that concept. Its location on Bana Jelacica square is practically at the heart of Croatian contemporary history; situated in downtown Zagreb, the square is significant for being the cradle of Croatian independence. The club itself is comparable in size to the venerable Ronnie Scott's in London and indeed hosts a similar range of recognised international jazz artists. Like Scott's it also boasts a d&b audiotechnik sound system.
Owner Mr. Kokanovic was already a well known jazz promoter in Zagreb when he gave first thought to opening a permanent jazz venue. At the time he called upon Miro Vidovic from Morris Studio (recording studio), a man whose skills Kokanovic admired, to act as an independent technical consultant. "After some preliminary proposals he approached us to bid," said Tomislav Koran of Sunflower, a Croatian pro audio specialist. "We made an audio demonstration of the d&b audiotechnik T-Series loudspeaker system in the club and Mr Vidovic said, 'I would be happy if my studio monitors sounded like this PA.'"
The decision made Koran set about the installation design. "I created an EASE model and assessed the live performance room; apart from a quite low ceiling the acoustic was good for amplified sound, quite dry in fact, and the T-Series system would be ideal for covering the confines of the room. I had my design concept approved by the d&b Application Support team, a very useful facility for Sunflower; they are always quick to respond and a ready source of advice. The VIP Club concert audio system is built around the T10 loudspeaker, the wider than usual 105° horizontal coverage pattern is well suited to a listening environment that is wide but not so long; SPLs are pretty uniform across the whole listening area. For low end I specified the B4-SUBs, small but with the kind of reach the discerning jazz fans enjoy."
"I opened the The VIP Club just before Christmas 2011 and have already staged over thirty live concerts," said Kokanovic. "Leading musicians such as John Pizzarelli, Don Byron, Dafnis Prieto, and Jason Lindner have all played and commented on the quality of the sound. For me d&b audiotechnik was a logical choice."
