Joji Bar Sydney, 388 George Street

LCI was engaged to provide Audio Visual Design Services by the ESCA Group and architect Matt Darwon to provide a state-of-the-art sound system design for Joji, a newly launched restaurant and cocktail bar in Sydney. ESCA Group had envisioned a venue where custom-made speakers would become a visual centrepiece, complementing the exposed DJ desk that acts as a nightly feature. Joji hosts live DJ performances seven days a week, making exceptional sound quality a non-negotiable requirement.

Project Challenges

• Compact Venue Design: Joji’s small footprint and low ceilings meant traditional large-format speaker boxes were unsuitable for achieving a full sound spectrum.
• Custom Speaker Reliability: While the custom-made speakers were integral to the design vision, they posed potential risks in terms of sound performance and durability.
• Acoustic Limitations: The interior design lacked adequate acoustic treatments, leading to high reverberation times that could interfere with music clarity.
• Limited Space for Speaker Placement: The ceiling was dominated by decorative ‘umbrella’ light fixtures, restricting available space for loudspeaker installation.
• Budget Constraints: Delivering premium sound quality and aesthetics while adhering to a set budget required innovative solutions.

Our Solutions To meet the client’s needs, LCI delivered a tailored solution balancing high-quality sound performance and visual aesthetics:

• Custom-Made Loudspeaker Cluster: A custom-made dual horn and mid-range driver system was installed above the DJ desk, providing excellent source localisation and covering the dance area with full-spectrum sound.
• Compact Ceiling Speakers: Six-inch coaxial speakers were discreetly mounted behind custom-designed grills to blend seamlessly with the venue’s aesthetic.
• Recessed Ceiling Subwoofers: Integrated subwoofers enhanced the bass response without compromising the venue’s design.
• Customised Finishes: All speakers were custom-painted to match the interior designer’s colour palette, ensuring visual harmony.
• Advanced Control System: A touch panel and mobile app functionality were included, allowing the sound system to be operated effortlessly when the DJ was not in action.

Collaboration & Execution The team worked together to:

• Review and approve samples.
• Assist in the prototyping and testing of the custom loudspeakers.
• Optimise placement and integration of all audio components within the design constraints.

Joji now boasts an immersive and visually striking sound system that complements its industrial-chic aesthetic. The custom-designed audio setup delivers exceptional performance for nightly DJ sets, while the intuitive control system provides seamless operation for non-performance hours. By overcoming the acoustic and spatial challenges, LCI helped bring the owner’s vision to life, making Joji a standout venue in Sydney’s nightlife scene.

Project Partners

• Client: ESCA Group
• Architect: Matt Darwon
• Audio Visual Supplier & Installer: TAG (Technical Audio Group)
• Speakers Used: Martin Audio