CHINA: Martin Audio speakers have recently been installed in a large conference hall of a Chinese public security bureau. The systems were selected by the bureau to enhance the audio experience during important meetings and events with improved speech clarity, as well as by minimising background noise. The aim was to create an immersive sound environment in which all participants would be able to clearly hear and understand proceedings.
The manufacturer’s TORUS constant curvature line array speakers have been implemented, with a pair of T1215s and a T1230 flown on both sides of the stage as the main speakers. The series features adjustable horizontal coverage which allows the performance of the speakers to differ greatly in terms of tone and coverage efficiency.
Additionally, two double 18-inch PI218 subwoofers from the Martin Audio PI series join forces with four 12-inch PI12 full-range speakers which are used as fill speakers, along with four 12-inch LE100 coaxial monitor speakers at the entrance of the stage. The compact LE series utilises the CDD coaxial differential dispersion technology, which has been designed to deliver penetrating sound and is compatible with traditional monitor speakers.
SOUTH BEND, Indiana, September 02, 2024 — Furthering its mission to expand its worldwide footprint by giving dedicated attention and time to each region, LEA Professional announces the appointment of Jon Han as Business Development Manager for the APAC region. Han will support the sales of LEA’s renowned technology catalog, featuring industry-first advancements in intelligent IT solutions, industry-leading DSP, and smart power management.
Han brings over 18 years of experience in Pro AV solution sales to LEA. Throughout his career, he has enhanced sales through strategic strategies and brand-building for numerous companies. To effectively represent the company in the APAC region, Han will collaborate closely with Generation AV, LEA’s authorized sales partner.
“I’m thrilled to join the LEA team. It’s always a pleasure to represent a company with outstanding technology and company values,” said Han. “I’m ready to hit the ground running and work closely with the whole team at LEA and Generation AV to bring LEA to more APAC customers.”
Han will help bring LEA’s entire catalog to customers in the APAC region, including the award-winning Network Connect series of professional amplifiers and companion Dante Connect series featuring Dante and AES67 connectivity. These series enable integrators to utilize cloud-based remote control, monitoring, notifications, and more from any internet-enabled device, allowing them to stay connected anywhere in the world.
“Our goal is to bring only the best technology to our customers, and the addition of Jon to the LEA team will help to expand and further this mission,” said David McKinney, Managing Director of Generation AV. “We look forward to working together to grow our partnerships with system integrators, consultants, and customers across the region.”
LEA Professional’s smart amplifiers are the most feature-rich amplifiers available in the industry — featuring onboard 96kHz DSP, LEA Cloud connectivity, WebUI, third-party API control, real-time load monitoring, Lo-Z/70V/100V selectable by channel, smart power bridge, fault monitoring, high-efficiency power design, over 3,000 speaker tuning presets, and LEA’s advanced amplifier control software, SharkWare.
“Increasing our presence in the APAC region has always been a priority,” stated Scott Robbins, VP of Sales at LEA Professional. “Bringing Jon on board will greatly enhance our presence there and grow our customer base. It’s a great way to close out another year of strong sales growth and an expanding catalog of award-winning products.”
About LEA Professional:
Headquartered in South Bend, Indiana, LEA Professional is a manufacturer of innovative, high-quality, professional-grad amplifiers with cloud- and IoT-based technologies. It was founded to provide dealers/integrators in the professional AV market with the highest-performing, best-connected amplifier technology possible. Privately held, LEA Professional is led by industry veterans with proven capabilities on the executive, engineering and channel aspects of professional AV. The company was founded in 2019 and is organized to be a major force in professional AV. Visit leaprofessional.com to learn more and follow LEA at facebook.com/leaprofessional, twitter.com/leaprofessional, Instagram.com/lea_professional and linkedin.com/company/lea-professional.
To enhance the audio experience at the Alachua Equestrian Center, JCS Systems needed a solution that could deliver both power and precision. They decided to go with LEA Connect Series amplifiers.
THE SPEC
Venue: Alachua Equestrian Center | Gainesville, Florida
The 37-acre site’s development involved the construction of new pole-barn structures, refurbishment of a 250’ x 150’ indoor equestrian arena, and construction of a new outdoor arena. These arenas included new lighting, PA systems, bleachers, and other infrastructure elements.
THE INSTALL
To expand research opportunities and community resources, the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners partnered with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) to develop the Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center. The center was created to provide a comprehensive venue for livestock shows, agricultural fairs, equestrian events, and various community activities.
“The equestrian center wanted to make sure that speech intelligibility and audibility of the PA system was excellent in both arenas and the stables to ensure participants stayed well-informed,” said Hunt. “LEA amplifiers were my first choice to ensure the audio was exceptional.”
One of the PA system requirements involved being able to page the stables from either arena using the Crestron-controlled system, so Hunt deployed Connect Series 704 smart amplifiers for the stables and the pole-mounted loudspeakers around the arenas. The IoT-enabled 4-channel 704D provides 700 watts per channel, supports Hi-Z (70V or 100V) and Lo-Z selectable by channel, and features Smart Power Bridge technology. With three ways to connect, the equestrian center can engage the built-in Wi-Fi access point, connect to the center’s Wi-Fi, or connect to the local area network via Cat5 or Cat6 cable.
The Connect Series delivers an industry-first professional amplifier family to feature cloud connectivity, a revolutionary advancement and a significant benefit for anyone maintaining the systems. With LEA Cloud, AV teams can remotely control and monitor the amplifiers regardless of the location or time of day. Whether from within the equestrian center or offsite, controlling the Connect Series amplifiers from afar helps teams work more efficiently, reducing travel and saving time and money.
CS704
THE CONCLUSION
“LEA Professional is proud to deliver crystal-clear audio for Alachua Equestrian Center spectators and participants,” said Brian Pickowitz, VP of Marketing for LEA Professional. “Our goal is for our technology to provide integrators and users with peace of mind knowing their audio systems will outperform expectations.”
A special thanks to JSC Systems and the Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center for choosing our amps for this installation. We’re thrilled at the opportunity to collaborate and ensure unparalleled sound quality for many years ahead.
Tasked with elevating the sound experience for Stanford Baptist Church nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, JCA Media turned to LEA amplifiers, ensuring unmatched audio quality and unwavering reliability for this sacred space.
Founded in 1775, Stanford is one of the oldest settlements in the state and boasts a rich history with landmarks like the William Whitley House, the first brick house west of the Allegheny Mountains, and a key site in the early days of horse racing in Kentucky. Just off Main Street lies Stanford Baptist Church, a quiet and unassuming church with seating for more than 300 people. Although open and airy, the vaulted ceilings in the sanctuary compromised the speech intelligibility of liturgical services.
THE INSTALL
Staff at Stanford Baptist Church contacted Alex Peake, an integration specialist at JCA Media, to design a new audio system for the sanctuary. Peake recommended LEA’s Connect Series amplifiers to meet the church’s goal of high intelligibility. The Connect Series of two-, four-, and eight-channel amplifiers are the most full-featured in the industry, and their Smart Power Bridge technology made them the best choice for a venue like Stanford Baptist.
“The biggest thing that excited us about LEA amplifiers was the Smart Power Bridge function,” said Peake. “I can’t count how many times we’ve been able to save an amp channel or not have to install another amplifier because we could use Smart Power Bridge and feed a small sub rather than taking up two channels. That has been a big financial saver in projects, not having to install another amplifier but still having enough power for everything.”
The main loudspeakers are a flown left-right configuration with a Martin SXCF118 cardioid subwoofer. A unique feature of the subwoofer is that it features a forward-facing driver and a rear-facing driver and requires two amplifier channels, which is where LEA’s Smart Power Bridge comes into play. Smart Power Bridge allows an integrator to double the power on a single channel without sacrificing other amp channels.
JCA Media used the LEA Connect Series 1504 to power the main loudspeakers in the sanctuary. The IoT-enabled 4-channel 1504 provides 1500 watts per channel into 2, 4, and 8 ohms, and 70Vrms and 100Vrms. It also supports Hi-Z (70V or 100V) and Lo-Z selectable by channel and features Smart Power Bridge technology. JCA’s team doubled the output on one amplifier channel to power the front-facing subwoofer driver while another channel powered the rear-facing driver. The remaining two channels fed the left and right loudspeakers.
Two balcony delays and six wedge loudspeakers were used for the musical worship service, so JCA deployed the LEA Connect Series 168 to power them. The 168 is a 1U, 8-channel amplifier offering 160 watts per channel, which was an excellent fit for the wedges, as well as two delay speakers mounted midway along the sides of the sanctuary. JCA utilized LEA’s free SharkWare software to fine-tune the system while walking around the sanctuary.
CS168
CS1504
THE CONCLUSION
The Connect Series delivers an industry-first professional amplifier family to feature cloud connectivity, so for long-term remote monitoring, JCA utilized LEA Cloud. With LEA Cloud, AV teams like JCA can remotely control and monitor the amplifiers regardless of the location or time of day, helping teams work more efficiently, reducing travel, and saving time and money.
“We’ve found that a lot of other manufacturer’s amplifiers are not the easiest to connect to,” said Peake. “I know that sounds like a small thing, but LEA proves it doesn’t have to be hard. Just pop out the access point, connect to it, and roll on. It’s so easy to get connected to their amps. Between that, the Smart Power Bridge technology, SharkWare, and LEA Cloud, they fit the bill perfectly for a lot of our installations.”
A special thanks to JCA Media for choosing our amps for this installation. We’re thrilled at the opportunity to collaborate and ensure unparalleled sound quality for many years ahead.
FIJI: Christian Mission Fellowship International (CMFI) is a rapidly growing church headquartered in Suva, Fiji. Established in 1990, its 30,000 members and missionaries serve in 120 countries across 5,000 churches worldwide.
CMFI is headquartered in Suva at The World Harvest Centre (WHC), where an impressive, round church building hosts over 3,500 worshippers, a full band, production, and a 100-member choir.
Since its construction in 1990, the centre has installed numerous sound systems; however, none have been able to overcome the challenges of the large reverberant space and the sound quality requirements of the growing church.
Enter Head Pastor Suliasi Kurulo, who finally decided that the time had arrived to call in the professionals and deliver the dream to its members. After many proposals and CAD models, Suliasi, his production crew and the committee awarded the project to Carey Leghorn from CVAV Australia, based on a Martin Audio solution.
Carey, together with Anthony Russo from Technical Audio Group, Martin Audio’s Australian representative, made several visits to WHC to evaluate the scale of the project and create a design that would meet the brief’s requirements.
From Carey’s viewpoint, “This project was one of the most difficult I had ever worked on. We faced several challenges, from working at 15m heights for PA rigging to custom steel fabrication on site. Additionally, we had to install several kilometres of cables through a complex roof structure. Also, much of the fabrication had to be done in Australia with no room for error once the project was containerised and sea freighted.”
Choosing the final speaker design involved hundreds of hours of modelling, with the final decision to use a Martin Audio Wavefront Precision line array system.
Once I saw it hang together in place, it was a dream moment for me.
The services are major concert events with 3,000-plus people singing, supported by a full band and choir. Therefore, the system had to achieve SPLs generally associated with an international touring act. “I believe every seat needs to be the best seat, all while trying to keep an eye on a budget. There is a fine line where you can’t compromise,” says Anthony.
Martin Audio’s DISPLAY prediction software was used to design a 56-cabinet WPM system, which proved the optimal solution. The main hang consists of a 32-cabinet left and right system in two-box resolution, along with a 10-a-side WPM operating in one-box resolution mode.
The system is underpinned with two stacks of six Martin Audio SX218 subwoofers per side—each individually processed.
Despite the challenges posed by the rigging and structural steelwork, the CVAV crew achieved the seemingly impossible feat of hanging a centre cluster and allowing beam steering of the sub-cluster, thereby implementing a textbook solution.
“Once I saw it hang together in place, it was a dream moment for me,” commented Anthony. “It’s extremely rare to get subs in that position in churches, where projectors, sightlines and roof weight loadings often constrain you. This results in compromised split left and right subs and the inevitable power alley and off-axis cancellations.”
The choir stalls are covered with eight individually amplified and processed CDD12 two-way cabinets from Martin’s coaxial CDD range, ensuring maximum coverage and performance. The main console provides a tailored mix send depending on the choir’s requirements.
An eight-cabinet Blackline X12 delay system was installed to complement the main PA. This enhances the overall experience for the rear congregation and optimises the coverage of the main arrays to the main seating area.
Three CDD10 speakers across the stage apron supplement the front rows to complete the main system. The stage is covered by a foldback system comprising six LE100 wedge monitors.
The tech team were able to report wholly successful results after completing the objective measurements and carrying out a subjective analysis.
Anthony Russo points out that only experienced ears could make the final decision on system balance. Pure measurements alone will never suffice. “A half dB here or there, or a fine ratio adjustment on a compressor, can make all the difference. Well-engineered systems, if aligned correctly, respond to even the slightest changes. Even then, you need to keep checking what you think you hear vs what the measurement mic shows you.”
D-Day arrived and culminated in one of the biggest moments for not only the church but also for Fiji, with many island dignitaries in attendance and streaming to thousands online.
Anthony Russo personally addressed thousands on stage and, in an emotional speech, praised the church’s vision. Importantly, he stressed that this project was not about cutting-edge technology and outstanding quality, but the congregation could now truly appreciate the sound of their musicians, choir, and preachers.
In conclusion, he said, “This location had become a place of learning inspired by a team, welcomed like family by its people and, in turn, willing to share their knowledge for future generations. Simply put, The World Harvest Centre ‘University’ had arrived.”
Continuing its quest to simplify the world of commercial audio for integrators and end-users alike, UK commercial audio manufacturer Optimal Audio continues to evolve and expand its ecosystem. The latest development sees the introduction of Sub 6, a passive subwoofer engineered for applications requiring increased impact and low-frequency performance from smaller Cuboid and Up loudspeaker setups.
The compact Sub 6 is perfect for installations where space is at a premium. The unit can be placed in tight spaces such as under banquette seating, mounted on walls or ceilings, or flown using integral M8 inserts. Featuring a 6-inch driver with a generously sized low-frequency port to minimise air noise for a clean and powerful sound output, Sub 6 delivers 250W (AES) of power with a punchy peak SPL of 118dB.
Horizontal or vertical orientation is possible by way of low profile rubber feet which can be fitted on two surfaces, while installation is made as discreet as possible via recessed cable channels. An impact resistant perforated steel grille protects a durable MDF enclosure available in black or white textured paint.
With Optimal Audio SmartAmp providing amplification, EQ settings and limiters, the driver is fully protected when operating at higher sound levels. The unit can be driven by a pair of bridged channels on any powered Optimal Audio Zone controller, whilst the onboard WebApp ensures system setup and end-user control is straightforward.
Product Manager David Morbey comments:
“The addition of Sub 6 to the Optimal Audio ecosystem gives integrators yet more choice and flexibility in the commercial audio space, particularly benefiting smaller installs that still require greater low end punch. We look forward to welcoming customers for a first listen to Sub 6 at our next open days in September.”
The Optimal Audio ecosystem, complete with the new additions, can be explored at the company’s forthcoming Open Days which take place at its High Wycombe HQ on September 3rd, 4th and 5th. The events will provide the perfect opportunity for those passionate about commercial audio technology to learn, network and grow their knowledge while enjoying a comprehensive tour of Optimal Audio’s products. Optimal Audio training will also be offered to attendees who pre-register via the website.
Martin Audio, with sister brands, Optimal Audio, TiMax, Linea Research and OutBoard, are joining forces once again for their successful Open Day programme over three days at their facility in High Wycombe.
Sessions run from September 3-5, from 9.30am-5.30pm on the Tuesday and Wednesday with a half-day programme on Thursday. All brands will feature with either audio demonstrations or presentations and as part of a series of educational modules.
Martin Audio will be running a separate point source demonstration, constant curvature and line array demonstration, as well as a stage monitor demonstration, and will also have in-depth training on DISPLAY 3 prediction software.
TiMax will showcase immersive audio solutions and will also be offering introductory software training, while Optimal Audio will be demonstrating multi-zone commercial audio as well as offering comprehensive training opportunities. Linea Researchwill be presenting an overview of their amplifiers and electronics as well as offering training on their System Engineer 8 control software. Finally, OutBoard will present an overview of their motor control and rigging solutions.
Free parking is on site and refreshments are served throughout the day.
There will also be plenty of opportunity to interact with staff and undertake tours of the factory, while refreshments will be available throughout the day and lunch is available on demand.
US: All-female Mexican vocal groups, Pandora and Flans recently undertook a 17-city theatre and arena tour of the US, mostly visiting the Southern States.
The Inesperado (‘Unexpected’) tour, as it was known, was supported by a large inventory of Martin Audio WPL line array, provided by New Mexico-based rental partner, High End-RG Productions.
The high energy show itself, which combined the two legendary groups in one spectacular event, had never previously been presented, and it picked up 5-star reviews wherever it played.
We used the ‘Hard Avoid’ whenever it was needed, and I must say what a beautiful tool this is.
Martin Audio’s market leading Wavefront Precision PA was deployed, 12 boxes per side for the group’s FOH sound engineer, Luis Quiñones. High End-RG Productions president, Enrique Ortiz, confirmed that the PA set-up had been designed in collaboration with system engineer, Orlando Calzada, with the 12 SXH218 subwoofers set in an L/R cardioid configuration, six enclosures per side, providing the LF extension.
Responsible for outfill dispersion were eight W8LC on each wing, with eight Martin Audio FlexPoint FP8 acting as front fills, with eight WPS on top of a pair of SX218 subs providing sidefill coverage. This was all powered in 2-box resolution by a combination of four Martin Audio iKON iK42 four-channel amp racks, while a pair of Linea Research M48-20 racks, from their Focusrite Group partner, powered the W8LC outfill hangs. With just two exceptions, the full complement of speakers was deployed at all venues.
From a sound perspective, the tour was split into two, with Orlando Calzada taking on system tech duties for the first half, to be replaced by Enrique Ortiz for the latter part. “Between us, we made the design and prediction in DISPLAY 3, and Luis Quiñones then optimised the alignment of the PA,” explained Enrique. He added, “We used the ‘Hard Avoid’ [function] whenever it was needed, and I must say what a beautiful tool this is.”
His production team had worked closely with Martin Audio tech support to achieve the optimum result, and win the satisfaction of both Miriam Rodriguez, the group’s production manager, and Felix Ovalles production manager of the promoters. Enrique confirmed, “Martin Audio were extremely supportive. Jim Sage provided some additional equipment to ensure we achieved the best outcome, and we received excellent tech support at the start of the tour, when it was especially important, from Will Harris.
“This created a great impression with the artists’ production and the promoters. They loved the idea that we were not just another supply company, but one with active support from a leading brand behind us.”
CHINA: Located in the bustling city of Nanjing, Weibi Music Bar has installed Optimal Audio’s Cuboid series to power sound for regular live performances of various genres, including jazz, blues and rock.
The owner was looking for a sound system to accurately reproduce the performance of live bands and singers and turned to an Optimal Audio solution to create a new space that integrates music, art and technology. The Cuboid 10 and Cuboid 12 speakers have been wall-mounted in different areas of the bar to provide uniform coverage. Due to the venue’s small size, the compact form factor of the models has enabled them to integrate into the space without affecting its aesthetic. The system has also been fine tuned to ensure clear tones and impactful sound in every area.
In addition to great visitor feedback, the return rate of customers has also increased significantly since installing the system. Furthermore, the venue has also attracted more well-known musicians and bands for performances.
UK: Fabric London has extended its relationship with Martin Audio dating back nearly quarter of a century, by announcing a substantial upgrade to its flagship Room One.
Since the installation of Martin Audio W8C, Blacklines and WSX subwoofers at the start of the new millennium the club has never looked back, having gone through several generations of Martin Audio systems—maintaining its faith in the state-of-the-art sound systems, offered to its roster of world class DJs.
But when it came to the latest refresh, technical manager Matt Smith decided to follow a different path. Nervous at the prospect of losing what he describes as “that distinctive Room 1 sound” he asked Martin Audio if they would overhaul the existing 20-year-old W8L line array by fitting it with new drivers. And such is the close relationship that has endured between these two premier brands, the High Wycombe manufacturer was happy to oblige.
However, it was quite a journey before that decision was reached, and involved auditioning several different brands. “Although they all sounded amazing it was just going to change the character of what the room was about,” Smith acknowledges. He was also mindful that it had beenfabricfounder Keith Reilly who had countenanced the original switch to Martin Audio “and that there was a romanticism about this system.”
Finally, he consulted the club’s inner pool of promoters, DJs and sound engineers, along with his in-house team: “they were unanimous that we should renovate in order to retain the signature Martin Audio sound and preserve what is quite a historic installation.”
There was a romanticism about this system.
Where Matt Smith has been particularly clever is in supporting the re-energized mid-tops with an entirely end-to-end Martin Audio infrastructure, including SHX218 2 x 18” subs, iKON multi-channel DSP amplifiers, new FlexPoint speakers and XE300—at the same time repurposing the classic and utility Blackline F12s that have delivered DJs’ reference sound up in the booth.
The new Room 1 layout offers the familiar sight of the four newly powder-coated four W8L, two left and right on the stage, matched with repurposed W8C, two left and right at the back.
The eight SHX218 subwoofers, designed in a broadside array under the front of the stage, represent a piece of construction genius, once the club had decided to revert to a horn hybrid. Because these are much bigger, we had to take the wheels off and enlarge the cavities under the stage. Now you can barely get a Rizla between the bass bins and the wall!” quips Smith. Providing design support for time alignment of the sub arrays were Martin Audio’s technical support team of Dan Orton, Ben Tucker and Paul Connaughton.
But it’s “under the hood”, to use Matt Smith’s words, that the magic tales place—with 10 Martin Audio iKON amplifiers (9x iK42 running the bulk of the system, with a single iK81 driving the MF / HF for the main enclosures).
The club’s original DSP and networking had been entrusted to the Soundweb environment but the DSP for the sub array, along with delay times and all presets have now transferred to the process-controlled iKONs. “The amps are immensely powerful,” notes Smith, “and I think we would do some structural damage if we turned them up to their max.
“It’s nice because we are just ticking over with our outputs on the amps whereas before we would have physically needed to constantly check [our amps] just before peak. The beauty of the iKONs is that they self-monitor and with the processing now taking place in the iKONs, we can monitor them remotely via [Martin Audio’s] VU-NET software.”
Meanwhile, four of the recently launched FlexPoint FP12’s have replaced those original, custom-built Blackline F12s in the DJ booth, the latter redeployed to rear downfill duties “to make the size of the dancefloor a bit bigger.” New X15s distribute sound at mezzanine level along with two further repurposed Blackline F15s. Finally, four additional XE300 are available for nightsfeaturing live bands or MCs.”
Although the installation is taking place in phases, the verdict to date fromfabric’s technical manager is already 100% positive. “The new system delivers a lot more power, and with the power availability of the amps we are never going to get near peaking. It’s very clean, tight and punchy … but it’s not about volume for us, we want to keep it sounding good rather than loud.”
And, of course, aside from the romance associated with preserving Martin Audio’s legacy system, there is also the emotional attachment with the custom F12s. “The number of DJs they’ve seen in Room 1, those F12s … you just can’t get rid of them ,” concludes Matt Smith. “Fortunately, we’ve found a really good use for them, and they are doing a great job in their new place.”