Escobar Palm Jumeirah: Upgrading to a Professional Sound System
Escobar is a Latin-inspired bar and lounge situated on the vibrant beach stretch of Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Known for its stylish interiors and high-energy atmosphere, the venue bridges the gap between a refined dinner service and a high-impact nightlife destination. As the venue’s popularity grew, management realized that the guest experience required a more robust audio foundation to align with its brand identity.
The Challenge
The Palm Jumeirah location was already operational, but it had outgrown its original audio setup. The initial system was designed for light background music and lacked the headroom and dynamic range required for high-energy evening sets. Maktabi Tech was tasked with designing a professional sound system that could deliver power and clarity while working within the constraints of the existing infrastructure, including the requirement to repurpose the venue’s original cabling.
The Solution
Maktabi Tech deployed a point-source solution featuring eight L-Acoustics X8 loudspeakers. These were strategically placed as front L-R and surround fills to ensure cohesive coverage throughout the lounge. To provide the necessary low-end impact for Latin-inspired rhythms, the team installed four SB15 subwoofers.
The system is powered by LA4X amplified controllers, with processing handled at the amplifier level. For seamless operation, the audio is managed via a Q-SYS Core 8 Flex, which is integrated directly into the venue’s fire alarm system for emergency muting. Before installation, the Escobar team attended listening sessions at the NMK Electronics showroom in Dubai to verify the system’s performance.
The Result
The installation provided an immediate upgrade to the guest experience. The X8-based system delivers a clear and powerful sonic signature that remains enveloping without becoming fatiguing for diners. Operationally, the system is highly efficient; staff use a custom iPad interface on the local network to adjust volumes in real-time as they move through the venue. This ensures the audio levels are always perfectly calibrated for the crowd density and time of day.
Project photos
They’ve now got what’s probably the best-sounding system on that stretch of beach for a venue of that size. The sound is clear, powerful, and enveloping without being overpowering—exactly what you want in a bar-lounge that bridges dinner and nightlife.
