The SoundTube DSM-16 Dante System Manager recently upgraded audio for Prati Italia, an upscale contemporary Italian restaurant in Jacksonville, Florida, showcasing the benefits of a Dante-enabled Power over Ethernet (PoE) audio solution in a restaurant setting.
Owned by chef Tom Gray and his wife Sarah Marie Johnston, Prati Italia’s audio system, originally installed in January 2013, required an audio system upgrade. The new upscale audio system was designed to complement the haute design and high-end culinary experience.
Jerry Gray, the IT manager, explained that their primary goal was to update the restaurant’s audio control capabilities, particularly in the conference rooms. The existing remote system, which was over 12 years old, was failing and no longer meeting their needs for audio distribution. This led to the decision to implement a hybrid system that could manage both new and existing audio equipment while providing flexibility in different areas of the establishment.
The SoundTube DSM-16 Dante System Manager was chosen for its ability to integrate with both new and existing audio equipment. The main challenge was integrating the new Dante-enabled system with the existing legacy amplifiers. The team overcame this by creating a hybrid system that allows for gradual upgrades as older equipment fails over time.
The DSM-16 Dante System Manager offers several valuable features that are beneficial for Prati Italia. It allows for flexible zoning, enabling different audio sources and volume levels in various areas of the restaurant. Staff can adjust volume levels in different spaces using tablets or wall-mounted controls. The system’s scalability was demonstrated when audio was added to the outdoor deck area. Additionally, the remote management capability allows for control and troubleshooting without the need for on-site technical support.
Jerry Gray reported positive feedback on the system’s performance. He said the team at Prati Italia appreciated the improved control it provides over the restaurant’s audio environment. Customers have also been enjoying the ambiance and sound, he said.
Prati Italia is already planning to implement a similar DSM-16 based system in its upcoming restaurant project, scheduled to open early in 2025. This new installation will feature additional SoundTube PoE products, including the IPD-4 PoE speakers, which can be powered and controlled via the network.
Legacy Crown and Ashley amplifiers power the original system at Prati Italia that was installed over a decade ago. The Dante-enabled system uses one DSM-16 with 3 IPD-Hub 2 DSP amplifiers to bring the property to the network. The system has evolved over the past 12 years and uses several versions of SoundTube speakers.
The outdoor deck uses 10 SM82 8in outdoor extreme weather surface mount speakers, 4 IPD-Hub 2 DSP amplifiers designed for multi-room applications using passive speakers, one IPD Hub 2 audio extender box, and a remote volume control.
The interior dining areas of Prati Italia use 18 RS500i pendant speakers with BroadBeam technology and 23 CM62-BGM 6in in-ceiling speakers for background music.
The outdoor areas (non-dining) include 3 SM500i 5.25in extreme weather outdoor surface mount speakers, 3 PunkRock 5.25in outdoor rock speakers and an EconoRock 6.5in outdoor rock speaker. Over the past 12 years, the outdoor speakers have survived and thrived through several hurricanes and tropical storms.
