LucesPro achieved a world-class auditory experience with cutting-edge FBT technologies, turning Pavilion Vik into a benchmark in the world of fixed installations in Uruguay.
FBT’s reputation for excellence in fixed installation applications drove the inclusion of the Italian audio company’s technology in high-profile permanent installation projects in Uruguay. When it comes to demanding requirements, such as those presented by Pavilion Vik, a brand like FBT is a natural choice.
LucesPro was founded in 2009 by Rodrigo Fernández, and the company was under his leadership until 2021. In October of that year, Inés Berrutti took over as the director, and she continues to lead LucesPro to this day.
Among its own facilities, the company has a 200 m2 showroom in the city of Montevideo, along with a warehouse area dedicated to maintaining a permanent stock of most of the products it sells. It also offers an extensive after-sales service area, as one of its premises is to provide excellent assistance to everyone who approaches LucesPro, not only at the time of sale but whenever they require it.
“In its beginnings, as the name suggests (LucesPro), we were dedicated to the import and distribution of lighting equipment for shows. We were pioneers in the migration from conventional lighting to LED systems, which gave us a strong position from the beginning and is why we are a reference today,” said Gerardo Hernández, the General Manager of the Uruguayan company.
Over the years, true to its principle of making its customers’ work easier, LucesPro expanded its offerings to include audio equipment. “Today, we represent the main brands of professional audio and have a wide variety of products for commercial installations within this field,” Hernández stated.
In search of representing a professional audio brand that could compete in the local market both in quality and price, and that would also allow them to offer their customers a broad catalog of solutions for their projects, LucesPro started distributing the FBT brand. Since then, sales of the Italian brand’s systems have steadily increased and continue to evolve.
In the case of the Vik project in José Ignacio, it arose from the need for this important tourist center to have sound equipment capable of covering a wide variety of social and cultural events, from electronic music parties with international DJs to weddings, corporate events, and conferences.
Pavilion Vik was conceived by Alex and Carrie Vik alongside Marcelo Daglio, who created a dazzling event space directly facing the sea with a large terrace on the beach.
With a natural, organic, and uncluttered aesthetic, its single-story dome-like structure boasts lapacho wood on its exterior and textured maple wood interiors that wonderfully enhance and celebrate all kinds of gatherings. The impressive interior captures visitors’ attention with hundreds of lights on the ceiling creating a starry sky, crafting a truly unique ambiance. The complex is composed of Playa Vik and Estancia Vik, with a capacity of up to 450 seated guests and 1000 in cocktail format. Pavilion Vik had everything to succeed; it only lacked an efficient and high-quality sound system. And LucesPro managed to find the solution by installing FBT products.
The authorities at Vik were looking for internationally renowned sound equipment that was versatile and had local support in Uruguay. Thus, LucesPro joined the project, starting with calculations and measurements. They then proceeded with the commercial development, and three months later, the installation of an FBT Horizon VHA system was completed.
The installation carried out in Vik required a total of 6 HORIZON VHA 406A systems, 2 HORIZON VHA 112A systems, along with 4 HORIZON VHA 118.2A systems and 1 DP548 control unit from XTA.
By incorporating a next-generation sound system, the new Pavilion Vik installations succeeded in improving audio intelligibility.
“The sound design was handled by our project department, taking into account all the characteristics of the location and the client’s needs,” acknowledged Gerardo Hernández, who added, “the speakers were suspended at a height of 6 meters with anchor points specifically generated for the installation.” Once the system setup was completed, LucesPro trained the venue’s technical staff in using these sound systems.
Gerardo Hernández, who led the project and system adjustments, collaborated with Diego de Carolis, who serves as assembly technician and safety supervisor, and Joaquín Villat, who assisted in the adjustment of the FBT Horizon VHA system.
When highlighting a quality of FBT cabinets, Hernández stated, “the clarity of the highs always stands out in FBT systems, and with Horizon VHA, this is no exception, combined with the impressive power of the Sub HORIZON 118A.”
The combination of the installed equipment precisely addresses Pavilion Vik’s needs, particularly in delivering the highest levels of clarity for speech, singing, and various performances. And, crucial for a complex like this, the durability and quality of FBT products mean that the Jose Ignacio Pavilion Vik will enjoy the benefits of its new audio solution for many years.
LucesPro understands the importance of having stock in its warehouse. Having products on hand allows them to immediately finalize a sale without the risk of cancellations due to waiting for a factory shipment. “We try to have the highest number of products from the FBT catalog in stock,” commented the manager of the Montevideo-based company.
Currently, LucesPro has stock of Ventis, Promaxx112, and Promaxx 114, Jmaxx112 and Jmaxx114, Mitus 152A and Mitus 215A, CS1000, Subline 118A and 218A, Xlite, Xpro, Xsub, Muse 210LA, and Horizon VHA. Regarding the installation line, the company offers Archon, CSL520tic, CSL630tic, and CSL840tic.
Among all these products, Hernández assured that “out of what we have in stock, the one I have liked the most is the CS1000. The sound quality, power, and size are truly remarkable.”
In the past year, in addition to the installation at Pavilion Vik Jose Ignacio, LucesPro completed several projects that showcased FBT products. These include installations at the Canelones Dinamo Intendency, Canelones Julio Sosa Hall, Montevideo Animation Unit Intendency, Smile Club BAR, Garrison BAR, Al Norte PUB, and La Panera Rosa.
Other significant projects in Uruguay that involved FBT were Bodega Garzón, Moviecenter Theater, and Punta Carretas Shopping.
Gerardo Hernández affirmed that “the companies have always worked together from the beginning. Being a family business, FBT supports LucesPro’s growth, understanding that the Uruguayan market is small and highly competitive in terms of product offerings and prices.”
“In this post-Covid stage, we’re facing factory order saturation and a shortage of raw materials, leading to delays in orders. FBT’s delivery times are genuinely fast, which is an advantage compared to the situation competitors are experiencing. In our region, not all projects are planned well in advance, or they simply don’t have the time to wait. But slowly, we’re building up more stock to provide short-term solutions,” Hernández continued.
“Luigi Paoloni, FBT’s export manager, is our direct channel of communication with the factory, always willing to solve problems and provide information about
new products. We’ve met at recent trade shows, and it’s always a pleasure to chat with him due to his experience in the international market. Without a doubt, Luigi is an important part of LucesPro and FBT’s growth in Uruguay,” Gerardo Hernández concluded.
FBT’s vision and technology have played a fundamental role in the success of audio in the realm of permanent installations, making Pavilion Vik a beacon of excellence in the sound systems that shape the AV industry.
LucesPro contributed its invaluable experience to bring together meticulous audio architecture design and execution. A highly skilled team of design and installation engineers, led by Gerardo Hernández, showcased their deep knowledge and expertise in designing audio systems dedicated to entertainment, social events, and corporate functions, undoubtedly raising the bar for professional sound system integration in Uruguay. Pavilion Vik stands as a testament to the brilliance that can be achieved when innovation, experience, and dedication converge in one place with the FBT quality.
