12th Knot – Elevating Audio at Sea Containers London

Perched atop the Sea Containers hotel on London’s South Bank, 12th Knot is celebrated for its sweeping city views, striking design, and lively yet sophisticated atmosphere. When the time came to upgrade its aging audio system, the venue sought a solution that would seamlessly support its dynamic programming from laid-back afternoon sessions to energetic weekend DJ sets without compromising its carefully curated aesthetic.

To achieve this, the hotel partnered with trusted technology integrator Tateside, who turned to CUK Group and 1 SOUND to deliver a transformative result.

Over time, 12th Knot’s existing audio setup had struggled to keep up with the evolving needs of the space. Frequent reconfigurations to support events had led to inconsistent coverage and compromised sound quality, while equipment placement often disrupted the venue’s visual flow. The objective for the upgrade was clear: create an evenly distributed high-fidelity system that would complement the interior design and provide reliable immersive audio throughout the venue.

Tateside designed a new system using 1 SOUND loudspeakers distributed in the UK and Ireland by CUK Group. Twelve Cannon C8i coaxial loudspeakers paired with two Cannon C4i units for support in tighter areas were selected for their compact size outstanding clarity and even coverage. The coaxial design offered a warm full sound ideal for a venue where the vibe shifts from day to night.

For the low end, six SUB310 triple 10-inch subwoofers were discreetly flown out of immediate sightlines providing powerful yet controlled bass that could be felt without overwhelming the space. In the DJ booth, two additional C8i loudspeakers were installed to deliver accurate monitoring for performers during the bar’s popular weekend sets.

Custom metalwork solutions were commissioned to ensure precise visually unobtrusive mounting. With walls of glass and open ceiling elements, careful planning was essential to achieve optimal speaker positions without impacting the venue’s architectural integrity.

The previous system’s rack equipment suffered from overheating due to a cramped poorly ventilated location. To resolve this, Tateside completely rerouted all cabling to a nearby communications room improving reliability and future scalability.

The backend overhaul included a Q-SYS Core processor for advanced signal processing and Dante audio networking, Powersoft Unica amplifiers for efficient scalable power, and a Netgear managed switch for robust signal management. Day-to-day control was simplified via a QSC touchscreen interface and Pragma Someo PoE wall controllers allowing staff to easily manage source selection and volume across different zones.

The installation presented significant logistical hurdles. Work had to be carefully scheduled around the venue’s daily operations with ceiling panels and interior elements dismantled each morning and fully restored before opening to guests each evening. Additionally, parts of the original AV system had to remain operational throughout requiring meticulous planning to ensure smooth changeovers with minimal disruption.

The result is a meticulously integrated high-performance audio system that supports 12th Knot’s diverse programming while enhancing its atmosphere rather than detracting from it. The new system delivers warm immersive sound that effortlessly transitions from background music to high-energy DJ nights all while remaining intuitive and easy for staff to operate.

This project exemplifies the impact of combining 1 SOUND’s innovative products CUK Group’s distribution expertise and Tateside’s detailed design-led approach to integration. 12th Knot now enjoys an audio experience that matches its iconic views elevating the guest experience and supporting the venue’s operational demands with style and precision.

Contact CUK Group to discuss a tailored solution for your AV requirements sales@cuk-group.com