The term “bon vivant” denotes a person who has honed his or her refined tastes; this also fits this 164-foot yatch perfectly. The Codecasa-built Bon Vivant is the epitome of excellence; she can comfortably accommodate up to twelve guests in her six cabins, equipped with Nordic-inspired interiors. To complete the on-board experience, Finnish integrator 4Business Oy was called upon to install a complete AV system boasting advanced technology-hence 4Business’ decision to install Genelec speakers, an audio brand synonymous with prestige and reliability.
4Business was initially briefed on the need for AV systems that were reliable and autonomous and that were, a prerequisite, easy for the crew to use. When moving to the design phase, the team implemented a centralized matrix with automated logic controls that would best meet the needs of the crew and the client. To maintain the luxurious tenor of the yatch, all technical instrumentation had to be hidden from view. However, sonic clarity was the determining factor.
“We worked closely with the interior architect to ensure a smooth integration of the components. The owner expressed a need for a good sound system, and this influenced some of the architectural decisions,” explains Janne Lankinen, chief operating officer at 4Business. “Fortunately, we are accustomed to this level of interdisciplinary collaboration and using modeling tools to plan the project properly and cut down on integration timelines. The whole process took almost a year.”
Bon Vivant consists of three main areas: an upper deck that includes the lounge and deck, the middle deck that houses the salon, gymnasium, multi-functional spaces/offices, amateur cabin, and finally the lower deck, which consists exclusively of the remaining cabins. To meet the client’s needs for complete and clear audio coverage, all these spaces were equipped with their own Genelec sound system.
4Business came up with a solution that consisted of ceiling and wall-mounted speakers, in keeping with the minimalist style of the interior. Lankinen explains their idea:
“We opted mainly for the Genelec AIC25 model, which is the centerpiece of the installation. This ceiling-mounted speaker integrates perfectly into any room, giving impeccable audio-perfect for this type of project, where discretion is almost as critical as audio quality.”
There are a total of 37 Genelec speakers aboard the Bon Vivant: the flagship of the yatch, the amateur cabin, has five AIC25 models in the ceiling, with a 5041A subwoofer hidden in the wall to handle the low end. Even the bathroom has a pair of AIC25s installed! The VIP cabin comes close, being equipped with two AIC25 models and a 7350A subwoofer, and only one AIC25 in the bathroom. Each of the remaining rooms has a pair of AIC25s inside.
In addition to the living quarters, there is also a multifunctional space that can serve as an office or meeting room and an on-board gymnasium, both of which have identical ceiling speakers. The upper lounge and main salon areas required more substantial coverage, so the team installed five AIC25 models in the former and six AIW25 wall-mounted models in the latter. There is little difference in output between the two models, but in this case the speakers were more in keeping with the design of the lounge. When asked why 4Business had decided to opt for the implementation of Genelec solutions, Lankinen said:
“It’s simple! Genelec speakers are really reliable. Their construction and sound quality are unmatched in the audio world.” he continued, “It is impossible not to love the history that characterizes Genelec. It is a highly sustainable, family-owned Finnish brand. The end result speaks for itself-their speakers are simple to use and users do not need to learn new technologies. It is equally simple for integrators. Moreover, we know the brand’s mounting options, as we have relied on Genelec several times before-which makes the installation and mounting steps straightforward. Above all, Genelec’s very clear audio characteristics make it possible to achieve great results even in those environments that are acoustically challenging. They also offer extraordinary support when needed.”
The extensive control of the yatch has been realized with an intuitive interface that connects the devices for them to work in unison. This also provides management of other ports relative to players and DSP processors from other brands and the mixer, which connect all individual areas. It also controls the video matrix and NAS units and finally the TV lists and preamplifiers for multichannel audio. All these elements can be accessed through an ‘app on the cell phone and also with remote controllers.
“This is actually one of the last times we will see the AIC25 model in action, as it has been replaced by the 4435 Smart IP ceiling model,” explains Lankinen. “It’s really exciting, as the new 4435 offers all the clarity and coverage of the AIC25 model, but with the difference that audio, power, and management are through a single CAT cable. The network capabilities of the 4435 model offer convenience, ease of installation, and scalability-which makes our work easier while giving rise to new opportunities!
“The system sounds really good in any space. In fact, much better than it is in superyatches,” Lankinen concludes.
“In particular, the audio in the upper hall and amateur booth provides a unique immersive experience and also simplifies karaoke sessions. Usually for this type of installation, clients are more interested in aesthetics, but here the quality of the audio was just as important!”
