Bass uses its “Loaf” as launchpoint for a Martin lighting coup

September 13, 2000

The latest addition to Manchester’s rapidly expanding nightlife is arguably the most dynamic and all-encompassing venue to grace the city center thus far. Called Loaf, and situated within former railway arches in the newly developed Deansgate Locks area, the bar, restaurant and club operation is the latest brand to be developed by Bass.

Currently a one-off project, the £2 million Loaf manages to capture the excitement and character of an independent bar, while retaining the efficiency and high standards of operation, typical of one of the country¹s leading leisure operators.

While the bare brick, vaulted interior scheme of Loaf, courtesy of Raw Design, provides a beautifully cool atmosphere, night or day, it is the technology used in the venue that really catches the eye.

Orritt Lighting of Liverpool provided an exclusively Martin Professional effects lighting score, that employs Martin¹s revolutionary ProScenium multi-media programming software system as the core of the scheme.

The Martin ProScenium is based in one of the Loaf offices, and from there controls all house and effects lighting as well as the audio system, the output going through a de-multiplexer and onto the sound web.

The DJ console has a touch monitor from the ProScenium, and in conjunction with a Martin LightJockey PC based controller operates the dancefloor lighting. The dancefloor area is off the downstairs bar, and the very nature of the building, arches and coves, meant ceiling height was at a minimum.

Moving heads to provide the entire effects lighting performance.
The four MiniMAC profiles and six MiniMAC washes provide total saturation of color and form, as well as dynamic, darting movement that traditional effect lighting products simply cannot achieve in such a restricted ceiling height. Greatly enhancing the MiniMAC lightshow is a JEM StageHazer.

Loaf is a truly inspiring example of the new generation of all day, all night leisure operation that is shaping the future of the licensed trade in the UK. Open daily from the late morning, and until 2pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Loaf has employed the most sophisticated Martin Professional technology to provide the maximum entertainment potential, with the most time and staff efficient mode of operation.

It is undoubtedly a winning combination.

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