Ministry of Sound has completed a major overhaul of its iconic main room, The Box, installing a new KV2 Audio sound system. The upgrade, which began taking shape in 2022 with initial discussions, culminates in the first significant change to the venue’s sound infrastructure in fifteen years, coinciding with the club’s 35th anniversary in 2026.
The refurbishment addressed the dual demands of hosting both high-energy club nights and corporate events, requiring a system capable of delivering powerful bass alongside clear, even sound distribution throughout the space. Louis Jemmott, now Sales Director for Patchwork London, who initially engaged with Ministry of Sound’s Technical and Production Manager, Oscar Zammit, in 2022, oversaw the project. “Oscar and I spoke about what a potential upgrade could look like, and in 2024, these conversations turned into reality,” Jemmott stated.
Patchwork London evaluated six different loudspeaker brands before settling on KV2 Audio’s point-source technology. A demonstration at the 2024 PLASA Show in London, followed by a visit to KV2’s factory in Czechia with Ministry of Sound Chairman Lohan Presencer, solidified the decision. “We were all absolutely blown away,” Jemmott said.
KV2 Audio designed the system, which is divided into three zones: The Box main room, the DJ booth, and a newly expanded VIP area. The main room now features a six-point system utilizing SL412 loudspeakers flown from the ceiling – two at the rear, two in the middle, and two at the front – coupled with eight VHD4.21 and six VHD2.16 subwoofers for low-frequency reinforcement.
Significant changes include a new VIP deck positioned behind the DJ, designed to increase capacity and improve interaction between patrons and performing artists. The DJ booth itself has been upgraded with two ESD312 loudspeakers and four ES1.8 units for monitoring. In the VIP area, ESD10 loudspeakers are paired with ESD1.12 subwoofers in each corner, supplemented by four ESD12 loudspeakers along the VIP deck to enhance clarity.
All amplification is provided by KV2’s custom-designed electronics, housed within three bespoke amp racks. Alongside the audio improvements, The Box’s renovation included a redesigned dance floor, a modular DJ booth capable of being lowered into the crowd, and large-scale lighting and video installations.
The integration process wasn’t without its challenges. A late-stage decision to revamp the lighting rig necessitated a partial redesign of the audio configuration. “We adapted the original sound system plan in tandem with the lighting design, which led to the six-point system in place now,” Jemmott explained. “Fortunately, we were not delayed by the other on-site work.”
Patchwork London also undertook infrastructure upgrades throughout the venue, replacing BSS Soundweb processors with QSC Q-SYS and adding Netgear network switches and touchscreen interfaces. These additions allow for flexible audio routing, enabling audio sources to be directed to different rooms and, conversely, audio from other rooms to be streamed into The Box.
“This marks a significant moment in our history,” said Oscar Zammit. “As we celebrate our 35th anniversary in 2026, we have undertaken the first change to The Box sound system in 15 years – transitioning from our long-standing supplier to KV2 Audio.”
