Sound Division set Compass for top N1 dance spot
Under the stewardship of the Loizou family, Islington’s Salmon & Compass has long been one of the best independent dance clubs in what is a highly-competitive late night leisure district.
In the past it has hosted a heady mix from house to deep funk and record company promo nights, and has featured the likes of Marshall Jefferson, Phil Asher, Bugz in the Attic, 4 Hero, Roots Manuva, the Next Men, Scratch Perverts, Andy Smith and Bill Brewster to name a few.
Although Chris Loizou and his father took over the Salmon (situated at the end of fashionable Chapel Market) four years ago, locally-based The Sound Division Group has been servicing the venue’s music requirements (as they have many clubs in the N1 area) for nearly 12 years.
Recently the Loizous decided to commit £500,000 on completely gutting the interior, replacing it with an industrial brushed stainless steel look and a potent Turbosound PA system from Sound Division. But the real advantage, says Chris, is that with an expanded capacity of 280 (including the private function room upstairs) it has placed them even higher on the clubbing map.
“The Loizous wanted a sound system with full clubbing capabilities,” remembers Sound Division’s Installation Manager, Elliott Patterson, “and after consideration we recommended a Turbosound TCS-56/TCS-215 system, powered by Crown XS amplification, along with a new mixer.” With a 2kW full range system complemented by a pair of 3kW subs, the system has to be considerably held back — despite heavy acoustic insulation treatment implemented by the owners.
But with an industry-standard Allen & Heath Xone:62 now in the DJ booth, Chris Loizou couldn’t be happier — particularly since his original Bose Panaray system has been given a full service by Sound Division and relocated upstairs.
“We’ve always been one of the best independent music bars in London,” notes Chris. But thanks to Sound Division and the new Turbosound rig, he knows they will be able to raise bar, and continue providing live bands like Little Barrie and top DJ’s until 3.30am, Thursday through Saturday.
November 2005