Brief
Fabric London, one of the world’s most revered nightclubs and consistently one of DJ Magazine Top 100 Clubs, has shared a near 25-year partnership with Martin Audio. As Room One approached its latest refresh, the technical team faced a dilemma: how to modernise the system without losing the venue’s iconic sonic identity?
The goal was to breathe new life into the audio infrastructure while preserving the distinctive sound that has defined Room One for generations of DJs and clubbers.
Approach
Instead of replacing the system outright, Fabric opted for a bold and faithful solution: renovation over replacement.
Despite auditioning several premium brands, none could retain the character of the space. So, with full support from Martin Audio, the original W8L line array was overhauled with new drivers, and the entire infrastructure was reinforced with modern Martin Audio products—delivering continuity and innovation in equal measure.
The upgrade included:
- Reconditioning and powder-coating the W8L mid-tops.
- Adding SHX218 horn-hybrid subwoofers, installed in a tightly engineered cavity under the stage.
- Integrating iKON multi-channel DSP amplifiers
- Refreshing the DJ booth with FlexPoint FP12 monitors while repurposing the legendary Blackline F12s for rear downfill.
- Enhancing the mezzanine and live setups with X15, Blackline F15s, and XE300 wedges.
Martin Audio's technical support team also contributed to sub-array time alignment and design tuning, ensuring optimal performance.
“The amps are immensely powerful… we are just ticking over.”
Matt Smith
Outcome
The result is a revitalised Room One that retains its soul but delivers modern power, clarity and flexibility.
The installation delivers:
- Greater headroom and reliability thanks to iKON amplification.
- Improved coverage and punch while respecting the acoustic memory of the space.
- A scalable system design for club nights, live shows, or hybrid events.
Fabric’s Room One stands as a benchmark of how heritage and modernity can co-exist—and how long-term relationships between venues and manufacturers can lead to deeply considered, enduring results.
“It’s very clean, tight and punchy … but it’s not about volume for us, we want to keep it sounding good rather than loud.”
Matt Smith
