From its origins as a single wine store, San Francisco’s PlumpJack Group has grown
into a multi-faceted hospitality and lifestyle business. In late 2015 it opened Verso,
a premier event space and night club where exceptional sound quality had to be
guaranteed for all events. PlumpJack wanted something better than what major US
nightclubs were delivering, which made Alcons the perfect choice.

Bradley S. Katz of the city’s JK Sound had previously worked with PlumpJack on
another venue, MatrixFillmore, and was asked to look at Verso as a result of that
venue’s success. “Verso was to be a more “serious’ venue and the AV design had to
reflect their vision of a truly unique experience,’ he says. “We won the design and
installation contract for the sound and lighting after a series of demos, and I
personally saw the job through to completion.’

Katz and the JK Sound team set up two demos, one of which was at a PlumpJack
company party in the unfinished Verso venue. “We set up a few systems and it gave
everyone involved a chance to listen and compare them,’ he continues. “Alcons
came away the clear winner.’

He continues, “One of the key design elements was that the space had to move
seamlessly from a corporate event to a full-on nightclub experience, without re-
configuring it. Every seat was potentially a “big money’ seat and every bit of floor
had to be able to be part of the immersive nightclub or corporate party experience.’

To achieve this, Katz specified a four corner dance system comprising four Alcons
pro-ribbon VR12 loudspeakers as flown main loudspeakers, with two Alcons BF302
MKII dual 15-inch units for bass and four BQ211 21-inch subs.

Compact VR8 pro-ribbon units were installed as fills for the dance floor and DJ
monitors, with TS7 ultra-compact, two-way loudspeakers to cover the seating
areas. A Sentinel3 and two Sentinel10 amplified loudspeaker controllers were
provided to power and control the system.

A combination of Alcons brackets and custom rigging ensured that the system is
both safe and aesthetically pleasing, while bespoke movable mounts help the VR8
DJ monitors to always be in the right place.

A custom audio processing setup ensures tracks on MP3 files, older and lo-fi
mastering all sound superb and the Alcons system is the final link to ensure that
Verso customers enjoy the ultimate sonic experience.

With a happy client, Katz is unequivocal in his praise for Alcons systems. “The client
has been thrilled with both systems. I consider Verso a cutting edge showroom of
what’s possible in venue design… and we are just getting started. Alcons has
exceeded all expectations.’ he says.

For more information, visit www.versosf.com, www.alcons.audio and www.jksound.com.