Penguin City Brewing Company
Penguin City Brewing Company occupies a 33,000 sq. ft. former manufacturing facility in Youngstown, Ohio. Redeveloped in 2020, the building now houses a production brewery, taproom, and event space designed to support live music, DJs, private events, and community gatherings. The primary focus of the audio upgrade was the 11,000 sq. ft. taproom, a large open room defined by corrugated steel, concrete surfaces, and an industrial layout.
The taproom previously relied on a pendant-style speaker system suitable for background music but not capable of supporting live performances. Output, low-frequency extension, and control were limited, and the room’s reflective surfaces caused the sound to change significantly as occupancy increased. Temporary solutions were not desirable, and the venue needed a permanent system that could scale between everyday operation and higher-impact events without dominating the space visually.
“By treating the taproom as a set of zones rather than a single room, we were able to give the venue the impact it wanted for shows while keeping the space comfortable for everyday use.” - Daniel Celio, Owner, DanceLion LLC
DanceLion LLC evaluated multiple system configurations using K-array’s design tools, focusing on coverage, array behavior, and control within a challenging acoustic environment. The goal was to deliver concert-level sound near the stage while maintaining comfortable levels at the bar and surrounding areas, all within a restrained physical footprint.
The final design centers on a flown KGEAR GPX/GPXA loudspeaker system, angled at 20 degrees to provide even coverage across the audience while minimizing energy directed toward reflective rear surfaces. Low-frequency reinforcement is handled by four 18-inch KEAR GS218 subwoofers, corner-loaded to support consistent bass response throughout the room.
The subwoofers also integrate with the existing house system, allowing background music and live sound to share a common low-frequency foundation. Pendant speakers were time-aligned with the main system to create distinct zones within the taproom, enabling higher-impact sound near the stage while preserving a more conversational atmosphere elsewhere.
At the amplifier level, the system is equalized to a flat response, creating a straightforward operating environment that supports frequent changes in programming. Both sound engineers and staff can make adjustments in real time without complex reconfiguration.
“Working with K-array was a super easy and fun experience. They knew exactly what we needed and the execution and service was exceptional. We are very pleased with our system and look forward to working with K-array in the future when we expand our sound system." - Aspasia Lyras, Co-Owner, Penguin City Brewing Co.
The completed system provides Penguin City Brewing Company with a permanent, scalable audio solution that supports live performances, events, and daily operations from a single infrastructure. By balancing output, coverage, and control, the installation allows the taproom to function as both a performance venue and a social space, without the need for temporary systems or visual compromise.
