An L-Acoustics Professional Sound System Matches History and Style at The Surf Club at the Four Seasons Hotel in Miami
Founded in 1930, The Surf Club, located between Miami Beach and Bal Harbour, was established by tire mogul Harvey Firestone as a retreat for the wealthy and famous. During the Great Depression, it became a symbol of elite social gatherings. Throughout the years, the venue has preserved its charm, hosting prominent personalities such as Gary Cooper, Noel Coward, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., The Rat Pack, Elizabeth Taylor, and Douglas MacArthur for lavish themed parties, including one with elephants and another with 300 tables made entirely of ice. In 2017, a thorough renovation reimagined the club as a luxury condo-hotel overseen by Four Seasons, introducing restaurants, a private club, four pools, a gym, and gardens. In late 2024, The Surf Club aimed to enhance its sound design to reflect the sophistication and heritage of the venue. To elevate the musical experience at The Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Hotel Manager Richard Lanaud collaborated with Daniel Buckman, President of the boutique music consultancy BELLOSOUND, to significantly improve the audio throughout the property, including the iconic Champagne Bar.
The Challenge
The primary challenge was ensuring all modifications were approached with utmost respect for the venue’s architectural and cultural significance. To lead the technical design and implementation, Corry McGibbon, President of the 192 Group and overseer of BELLOSOUND’s technical strategy across global installations, was brought in. McGibbon emphasized the importance of maintaining a discreet approach and the need for a thorough design review to approve any updates. Adding to this complexity, the Champagne Bar’s reflective surfaces presented a challenge in maintaining balanced acoustics, particularly at higher volumes. The task was to create a solution that provided pristine sound for soothing ambient background music during the day and a vibrant soundscape for DJ-led evenings, all while preserving the club’s architectural and aesthetic integrity.
The Solution
“L-Acoustics offered the perfect solutions,” McGibbon says. Using Soundvision software, McGibbon’s team was able to precisely model the space and predict angles, allowing them to specify a minimalist Tilt 40 fixed bracket rather than relying on large adjustable mounts. These choices featured ultra-compact X4i loudspeakers, selected for their clarity and diminutive size, which blended effortlessly with the dimensions of the wood trim on the arched glass doors surrounding the room. The bespoke banquette planters that run down the center of the room were equipped with eight SB10i subwoofers that integrated flawlessly, providing a full, warm low-end presence without any visible impact. As a final flourish, a single Syva + Syva Low system was placed adjacent to the DJ booth, delivering the dynamic range and energy required for evening entertainment. L-Acoustics amplified controllers integrated seamlessly into the Q-SYS distributed audio system, also allowing for remote monitoring by support teams.
The Result
McGibbon highlights the visual appeal of the X4i, noting that its rich wood finish complements the lounge décor to perfection. In contrast, the white-finished Syva loudspeakers harmonize seamlessly with their surroundings. “You barely notice them, they fit so well; but when you do spot them, it’s clear that they belong in a place like this,” he says. The best compliment may be how much entertainers now enjoy performing at the restaurant and bar. “They’ve commented on how good the room sounds now,” says Buckman. “There are very high expectations for the sound here, and L-Acoustics has clearly met them.”
Project photos
The space and the sound are sophisticated and chic, celebrating the history and legacy of the venue. The association with Four Seasons means the sound quality has to be exceptional – and the L-Acoustics speakers deliver exactly that.
