Sydney Unveils Bella LIVE

Sydney has opened the doors to Bella LIVE, a high-tech live music and events venue in the city's Hills district, following a multi-million-dollar transformation of a 1,029m² former storage warehouse. Operated by Momento Hospitality, the venue is positioned to become a cultural hub for Sydney’s Northwest, hosting both international and local talent.

Central to the venue's cutting-edge infrastructure is a Martin Audio Wavefront Compact (WPC) line array system, supplied by Total Audio Group (TAG) and installed by Vestec Electro, who handled the full AV integration.

Set within the Bella Vista Hotel precinct, Bella LIVE features a 10 x 8-metre stage, a 17.5-metre bar, VIP booths, and two fully equipped green rooms, all designed to meet rider standards. With 8-metre-high ceilings and a capacity of nearly 2,000, the space is designed by Archebiosis Architects to flex between headline DJ sets, stand-up comedy, major sporting events, or corporate functions.

TAG played a key role in the audio design, led by technical director Anthony Russo, who used Martin Audio's DISPLAY visualisation software and EASE modelling alongside acoustic consultants Gilfillan Soundwork. The team implemented 36 bass traps to manage the long reverberation time in the warehouse-style venue.

Russo explained the system design: "Challenged with meeting the operators’ exacting, rider-compliant sound reinforcement requirements, we developed a solution based around hangs of 12 Martin Audio WPC line arrays (six per side) combined with eight SX 218 dual 18in subwoofers, all powered by Martin Audio iKon iK42 DSP four-channel amplifiers. The system provides the SPL and headroom needed for full-house nights, enhanced by electronic steering and pattern control to manage the reverberant environment."

To optimise bass performance, the subs were arranged in a continuous horizontal line beneath the stage, with sandbags used to control energy emission from the rear, top, and sides. A delay system of 10 Martin X15s and six SX212 subs reinforces the main system and VIP areas, while the foldback system includes seven LE 200 wedges and an SX118 subwoofer, enabling an eight-send monitor mix.

All audio is networked over Dante with analogue backup to a Q-SYS system backbone, complemented by a high-spec lighting and video array. Vestec also installed a comprehensive house and stage patching system, including a 48-channel concert splitter, enabling live events to be broadcast or recorded seamlessly.

Since opening, Bella LIVE has already hosted major global acts, including Snoop Dogg, Will Sparks, NE-YO, Lil Jon, and Wiz Khalifa, showcasing the venue's world-class technical design and experienced on-site team.

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