When a Colorodo Springs, CO Christian church expanded into a new location to better serve their growing congregation, they were in need of a powerful audio system. Amplifiers for house of worship must be able to deliver a scalable solution that will serve the community for years to come. That’s where we came in.
Let’s dive in and see how a local integrator used our Connect Series amplifiers to power the audio system at Peak City Church.
Global Technology Group, Inc. was tasked to design and install sound, lighting, and video systems. GTG has multiple offices and employees assisting with single-item purchases all the way up to complete audio, lighting, and video systems. GTG will take care of it all!
The Venue
Peak City Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is a dynamic, contemporary Christian church experiencing a high level of growth. The church recently moved to a new location with room to expand its congregation, services, and community outreach.
They currently serve about 800 with a range of services, support groups, and classroom-based instruction for children and adults.
The Install
Peak City Church wanted to provide intelligible, pleasing, clear and flexible audio support for their auxiliary spaces and classrooms. The common areas often carry the audio of services or other programs happening in the main auditorium, but they may also have background music, announcements, or their own audio as needed. The three multi-purpose classroom systems are primarily independent and are used to support group-specific programs or video support.
“We put in place five LEA Connect Series 704D, four-channel amplifiers — two supporting the distributed audio and three more amps, one in each of the classrooms. We did their whole distributed audio through the lobby and in the hallways with the LEA amps,” added Johnson. “All their sound systems are now on the same Dante network so that we can distribute the sound anywhere we want, which is a very nice growth feature for the church.”
CS704D
The Peak City Church distributed system is making full use of the DSP features of the 704D amps. With a built-in, 32-bit, 96kHz core DSP architecture, the Connect Series offers high-quality Routable Input Matrix, Crossovers, Parametric EQ, Output Delay, Limiting, and more. Johnson appreciates how the built-in DSP saves valuable rack space, weight, and system costs, as well as saves installation time. In addition, he has been impressed with the amp’s ability to connect through the LEA Cloud platform for remote service and support.
The Conclusion
“It’s really refreshing to have a single-rack-space amp that has good power, and a lot of network features behind it, and all at a great price — other single-rack-space amp brands are just not very economical for us for most applications,” added Johnson.
“LEA amps are feature-rich, rugged, and affordable; that’s what we love about it. We have a hotel project coming up, and we will most likely specify several LEA amps; I’m looking forward to working on that project and working more with LEA Professional.”
UK – In its 15th anniversary year, London-based event production company Hire Frequencies made its debut at the TCS London Marathon 2026, supplying all-Martin solutions across the Finish Line, Fan Zone and TCS London Mini Marathon at this year’s record-breaking event.
“We first met the Marathon events team two years ago,” explains Will Smith, Founder and MD of Hire Frequencies. “We were convinced we could take the production values to a new level with high-quality sound systems and were delighted to win the project this year.”
The company drew on its expanding Martin Audio inventory – built up over the past two years – to deliver an all-Martin deployment across the three zones. This included FlexPoint Series, TORUS and Wavefront Precision (WPS), all powered by iKON iK42 4-channel amplifiers.
“Our technical director Ritchie Nicola and technical manager Kieran Hall were key to the specification and deployment,” continues Smith. “We worked closely with the Marathon events team to ensure everything was right first time.”
EVERYTHING PERFORMED PERFECTLY…
Prior to the main event, the TCS London Mini Marathon saw schools invited to run, jog, walk or wheel either one mile or 2.6K through central London, culminating in a finish-line crossing and medal presentation. Here, Hire Frequencies deployed a Martin Audio system comprising four TORUS T1230 array elements and a pair of SXC115 subwoofers, together with a distributed system of eight FlexPoint FP8 loudspeakers.
“TORUS was ideal for this site thanks to its quick deployment and high output,” says Smith. “It delivers exceptional clarity with strong mid-range throw, perfect for the application. The SXC115 is compact and fast to deploy, while the FP8s worked perfectly as infills across the wide crowd area. They didn’t have subs at the Mini Marathon previously, so we were really able to elevate the experience—we had lots of positive feedback.”
For the TCS London Marathon itself, Hire Frequencies deployed a Martin Audio WPS Wavefront Precision super-compact line array for the Fan Zone, which hosted music playback and live performances throughout the day. The ground-stacked system featured four WPS array elements per side, supported by two SXCF118 subwoofers per side.
“The Fan Zone was effectively a mini festival stage,” says Smith. “WPS was the ideal solution. With the help of Martin Audio’s DISPLAY software, we set the throw length to 50m and used the Hard Avoid feature to assist with noise control on stage.”
Meanwhile, along the finishing straight, 16 Martin Audio FlexPoint FP12 loudspeakers were distributed across the final 300 metres, delivering commentators’ encouragement and motivational music to runners approaching the line.
“The FP Series are compact and punchy, making them ideal for the finish line where space was limited between hospitality areas,” notes Smith. “Even the commentators remarked on the difference, describing the improvement on last year as ‘chalk and cheese’ in terms of both impact and sound quality.”
The system was deployed over two days while coordinating with other contractors across the busy site, and fully de-rigged within just two hours post-event.
“Everything performed perfectly – that’s why most of our inventory is now Martin Audio,” concludes Smith. “The marathon broke the Guinness World Record for the most finishers, as well as world records in both the men’s and women’s races. For me, it was an incredibly proud moment to have our team supporting such a globally recognised event.”
Photographer: Eric Menard
Thanks to
Integration/Installation Partner: Hire Frequencies
BGR – Optimal Audio sculpted smooth dynamic sound at Bulgaria’s Panagyurishte Museum, for an exhibition highlighting the cultural richness of the region, with its particular focus on the gold Panagyurishte treasure and other significant artefacts.
Situated in the heart of the town, the historic building – formerly the home of banking institutions – was reimagined in 2025 by the Lachezar Cocorkov Foundation and transformed into the region’s first dedicated 3D-mapping gallery.
Demanding an audio solution to match the scale, depth and emotion of its visual storytelling – whilst also remaining simple enough for non-technical staff to operate – the exhibition turned to Audio-Technica Central Europe, who recommended an Optimal Audio solution.
The newly transformed gallery is the first of its kind in the region. The central exhibition area operates in a 5.1 surround format serviced by five Optimal Audio Cuboid 6 loudspeakers with two Optimal Audio Sub 10 subwoofers providing low end support. A total of 7 Optimal Audio UP 6 ceiling loudspeakers complement the main system in the peripheral gallery spaces.
The system was carefully selected to accommodate the building’s flat walls and drywall construction. These created inherent acoustic challenges, including resonant frequencies and extended reverberation times which required precisely controlled sound reinforcement but without the need for a dedicated sound engineer on site.
System designer, Audio-Tecnica Europe’s Stoyan Bozov, explained, “Having just finished my doctoral thesis on the topic of immersive audio in the education field, I designed the system around Optimal Audio because a 5.1 surround system can be a bit of a challenge in rooms without controlled acoustics, but the Optimal Audio Cuboid 6 with two Optimal Audio Sub10s handled it well.
“The SPL delivered by the Optimal Audio system is surprising and it was a great experience to hear the delivery of powerful full-bodied sound from such small enclosures. At the gallery’s internal opening, the same question arose: how did speakers of this size manage such fidelity and clarity? – so we were very pleased with the outcome.”
Power is delivered via four Optimal Audio Amp 100 amplifiers, with an additional Amp 200 driving the subwoofers and four of the Up 6 loudspeakers.
Part of the system relies upon an Audio-Technica ATDM-1012DAN digital mixer, acting as both mixing engine and routing matrix. The system distributes 13 inputs across 8 outputs to support the 5.1 surround configuration and peripheral zones.
The result is a smooth, dynamic and detailed sound field that enhances the impact of the 3D-mapping installation and ensures consistent coverage throughout the gallery.
By combining discreet loudspeaker design and controlled amplification with simple system management, Optimal Audio has drawn a new benchmark for immersive gallery installations – where art and audio work in perfect harmony.
Bozov concludes, “We were proud to make it possible for visitors to see some very old and forgotten artefacts on display in the most modern way with the best possible immersive experience.”
Photography: Jordan Moore
Thanks to
Integration/Installation Partner: Audio-Technica Central Europe
Jawfish Restaurant in Portland, Oregon, is where locals and Northwest travelers come together to eat, drink, and revel. The restaurant brings together inventive cooking, comforting flavors to satisfy a wide range of tastes, and a lively bar scene in an atmosphere alive with the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. 😊🔊
Jawfish was undergoing a full renovation when Novus AV received a call about installing a new audio system there. The restaurant had received a referral from “a friend of a friend” and wanted a multi-zone configuration, with the caveat of using some existing Tannoy AMS 6ICT and AMS 5DC surface-mount loudspeakers. Novus AV immediately included LEA Professional amplifiers in the system.
“LEA is my primary go-to amplifier for just about everything, unless a customer specs it otherwise,” said Ryan Cook, Owner of Novus AV. “I wanted an amplifier that was going to be powerful enough to accommodate a flexible number of speakers and whatever the future might hold.”
THE PROJECT
Shaw Theatres Lido and Shaw Theatres JEM, two of the most popular Shaw Theatres locations, decided it was time to upgrade their audio systems and contacted Lee Chew Kai, Director/Business Leader, Goldenduck Asia Pte. Ltd., to select and install new amplifiers to support the individual theaters at both locations. Since the LEA Connect Series of two-, four-, and eight-channel amplifiers is the most feature-rich in the industry, Lee recommended them to help the cinemas achieve their goal of immersive audio.
“LEA’s advanced performance and technology offer the best experience to cinema goers,” said Lee. “Space constraints are also a common challenge in boothless cinema setups, so LEA’s compact footprints are another benefit that helps us significantly reduce rack space without compromising performance.”
THE INSTALL
Novus AV installed a 4-channel Connect Series 704 amplifier to power the restaurant, which provides 700 watts per channel. The restaurant is divided into four zones: the bar, the dining area, the restrooms, and the front atrium, each on a dedicated channel.
CDS704
All amplifiers in the Connect Series are professional-grade, IoT-enabled smart amplifiers suitable for installations of any size. They support both Hi-Z (70V or 100V) and Lo-Z, selectable by channel, eliminating the need for separate amplifiers to handle different speaker impedances, while streamlining installations and reducing equipment costs. The Connect Series also includes 96kHz DSP as a standard feature, providing a range of benefits that greatly enhance audio performance and system versatility.
The Connect Series is the 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 like Novus AV can remotely control and monitor amplifiers from anywhere, at any time, and with no subscription model or hidden costs. It’s completely free to use.
CS354
CS1504
CS704
Branch AV utilized nine LEA Professional Dante Connect Series amps for this install to give them the channel count they needed including one Connect 168D, one Connect 88D, one Connect 704D, two Connect 84D and four of the Connect 354D amps. As the configuration of the spaces changed, so too did room for equipment racks.
THE CONCLUSION
Even with a last-minute “oops” when someone accidentally switched off the rack’s power, the client is very happy with the installation. Everything is working and sounding great, and the restaurant’s popularity has blossomed since its grand opening, often requiring reservations to get a table.
“Restaurants are known to be harsh on AV equipment. I’ve seen other brands fail rather quickly because of the environment, but I’ve never had to send in an LEA amplifier for repair, regardless of the operating environment,” said Cook. “So I knew they were reliable and powerful enough, had the feature sets that I needed, and were going to give me peace of mind about the project. You can’t ask for much more.”
AUS – The Australian Pink Floyd Show has officially launched its 2026 global tour across Europe, the US, and the UK, backed by a comprehensive Martin Audio WPC system provided by technical partners 22live.
With over five million tickets sold worldwide, The Australian Pink Floyd Show is widely regarded as the premier tribute to the legendary rock band – a reputation so formidable that David Gilmour famously booked them for his own 50th birthday celebration.
To maintain this standard across a regular annual schedule that encompasses a spring European tour, summer US tour and Autumn/Winter UK tour, the production requires a sound system that delivers sonic excellence, venue flexibility and operational efficiency.
The relationship between the tour and its technical providers is built on decades of trust. Paul Timmins, Hire Director at 22live, has worked with the band for over fifteen years and has known Kevin Hopgood, one of the band’s management team, for nearly forty.
“Kevin and I were both working in the industry with Malcolm Hill back during the Live Aid period,” recalls Timmins. “In 2015, when they needed a new Front of House engineer, I suggested Trevor Gilligan, whom I’d worked with on Kasabian and Starsailor. He’s been mixing the show for over a decade now and has a particular affinity for the Martin Audio sound.”
I’M CONSISTENTLY IMPRESSED BY HOW SEAMLESS THE TRANSITION IS BETWEEN THE WPC AND WPS HANGS.
When the band approached 22live in 2022 to overhaul their touring rig, the transition to Martin Audio’s Wavefront Precision (WPC) system was the natural choice. For a production of this scale, balancing “big show” sonics with “smart business” logistics was essential.
“Space is always crucial,” Timmins explains. “Because 22live started fresh, we developed our flight casing and cable systems without the burden of legacy gear. Our standard cases are two-thirds the size of traditional four-foot cases. When we ran the truck packs, we discovered the Martin WPC system with 22live packaging actually saved three feet of truck space—a massive commercial advantage.”
The touring system is robust and versatile, featuring 16-deep WPC main hangs complemented by 10-deep WPS out-hangs for larger venues. The low-end is handled by a combination of three SX218 2 x 18” and sixteen cardioid SXCF118 1 x 18” subs, a setup Mark Edwards, system engineer refined after A/B testing at Martin Audio’s headquarters.
To ensure consistency in the wide range of touring venues, the team also carries the Martin Audio TORUS T820s as lip fills, TORUS T1215/30s for additional in-fills and a pair of FlexPoint FP12s as utility speakers.
The entire system is powered by IKON iK42 amplifiers over a Dante network, driving the full system in two-box resolution. This allows Gilligan to use Martin Audio’s Hard Avoid technology to keep sound off reflective surfaces and focused entirely on the audience.
“The warmth and vocal tonality of Martin Audio lends itself perfectly to the Pink Floyd catalogue,” says Timmins. “I’m consistently impressed by how seamless the transition is between the WPC and WPS hangs. For a rental company, that consistency and the ability to deploy the most compact boxes is exactly what you want.”
The results speak for themselves. Following a recent performance in Berlin, FOH engineer Gilligan reported, “Berlin last night was great! The system sounded like a hi-fi in the back row, and the venue measured SPL at the barrier 0.4dB louder than FOH, so a pretty good result!”
The partnership recently celebrated a major milestone, with 22live presenting the band with an award to mark the completion of 10 full tours and already over 365 shows together – all since 2022.
As the 2026 tour continues, the combination of 22live’s expertise and Martin Audio’s technology ensures that the “Pink Floyd experience” remains as immersive as ever.
IND – Rourkela Divas 2026, the 10th edition of the city’s annual celebration, was held on April 11 and 12, 2026 at Sector-13 Melan Ground, Rourkela, Odisha. Organised by the Canvas Rourkela group, the two-day festival marked the foundation of Rourkela and celebrated the city’s cultural identity, public spirit, and shared pride. The event drew huge public participation and created a vibrant festive atmosphere, making it a significant gathering for the local community. The first day concluded on a rocking note with electrifying performances by Shraddha Mishra, Soujanya Rath, and SK Jitu.
For an event of this scale in an open-ground environment, FSL deployed a Martin Audio WPL system for FOH, supported by SXH218 subwoofers. The system delivered the projection, clarity, and low-frequency impact required to serve a large audience with consistency. WPL brought strong vocal presence and musical definition across the venue, while SXH218 added the depth and authority needed to match the energy of the performances, helping create a polished and engaging sound experience throughout the celebration.
Photos: Adam Firman/Lina Stores
Thanks to
Distribution Partner: VMT Enterprise Integration/Installation Partner: FSL Pro
IND – Fusing a vibrant restaurant experience with an exhilarating nightclub atmosphere, Club Roadies in Udaipur has selected a Martin Audio Blackline X audio solution to deliver high-output performance for night-time DJ sets whilst retaining clarity and listener comfort for diners.
Club Roadies is a bold new extension of the MTV Roadies brand – India’s legendary and longest-running reality TV show spanning 19 years. A collaboration between Viacom 18 and Work With Fun LLP, the Club and Café Roadies concept introduces energetic destinations where guests can eat, drink, and celebrate in a high-octane environment.
With a ‘Wall of Fame’ of previous winners, and an interior design that delivers iconic imagery from the long-running series, the venues combine nostalgic vibes alongside music and DJ performances.
EVEN UNDER DEMANDING CONDITIONS, THE SYSTEM PERFORMS SMOOTHLY AND RELIABLY.
The audio brief for integrator Securetech AV Designs was uncompromising: deliver a sound system that combined power, precision, and long-term reliability in a demanding club setting. The venue needed an audio solution capable of supporting extended operating hours, adapting to varying crowd densities, and delivering the high-output demands of live DJ performances – all whilst maintaining clarity for the dining experience.
Securetech AV Designs immediately turned to Martin Audio’s Blackline X Series, a proven range of two-way passive loudspeakers, combining excellent sound quality, dispersion control and reliability for fixed installations.
The system design features a carefully selected mix of Blackline X8, X10, and X12 models, with the loudspeakers’ accurately controlled dispersion delivering precise coverage across the venue’s layout. Paired with Blackline X118 18″ subwoofers, the system delivers the low-frequency authority essential for the true club sound experience.
“The Blackline X series offers excellent value and serious performance,” says Ashish Khanna of Securetech AV Designs. “The combination of full-range loudspeakers and subwoofers delivers real impact and clarity. Even under demanding conditions, the system performs smoothly and reliably.”
With comprehensive system alignment and tuning ensuring phase accuracy and a smooth frequency response, the system is optimised for performance for both the daytime dining experience and after-dark club nights.
“We are honoured to have partnered on this exciting new concept of venue,” says Jeff Mandot, Director of Sales of VMT, Martin Audio’s distributor in India. “Securetech AV Designs have expertly deployed a combination of Martin Audio Blackline X Series models to precisely meet the client’s requirements for both high-energy performances and refined dining experiences. It is the ultimate Roadie sound system!”
Photos: Adam Firman/Lina Stores
Thanks to
Distribution Partner: VMT Enterprise Integration/Installation Partner: Securetech AV Designs
When two of Singapore’s most iconic cinema destinations set out to elevate the moviegoing experience, one thing took center stage: audio. 🎬🔊
With LEA Connect Series amplifiers powering 19 theaters across Shaw Theatres Lido and JEM, the upgrade delivered immersive, high-performance sound designed to bring every scene—and every emotion—to life. 🎥✨
Cinema comes in many shapes and sizes, but one constant that transcends genres, directors, and venues is audio. It’s the invisible force that carries emotion, builds tension, and brings stories to life. Yet without high-quality audio, even the most visually stunning film can fall flat. Since 1928, the Shaw Theatres has set the standard for cinematic excellence in Singapore — a legacy built on exceptional experiences that keep audiences coming back.
Today, Shaw Brothers is one of Singapore’s oldest and most trusted cinema brands, operating eight locations that offer a diverse range of viewing formats. More than just destinations to watch the latest releases, these cinemas are carefully engineered environments where picture and sound work in perfect harmony. For Shaw, the moviegoing experience is multifaceted, from what you see to what you hear to how it makes you feel.
THE PROJECT
Shaw Theatres Lido and Shaw Theatres JEM, two of the most popular Shaw Theatres locations, decided it was time to upgrade their audio systems and contacted Lee Chew Kai, Director/Business Leader, Goldenduck Asia Pte. Ltd., to select and install new amplifiers to support the individual theaters at both locations. Since the LEA Connect Series of two-, four-, and eight-channel amplifiers is the most feature-rich in the industry, Lee recommended them to help the cinemas achieve their goal of immersive audio.
“LEA’s advanced performance and technology offer the best experience to cinema goers,” said Lee. “Space constraints are also a common challenge in boothless cinema setups, so LEA’s compact footprints are another benefit that helps us significantly reduce rack space without compromising performance.”
The CS354 is a 4-channel amplifier with 350 watts per channel, while the 4-channel CS704 offers 700 watts per channel, and the 4-channel CS1504 provides 1500 watts per channel. All amplifiers in the Connect Series are professional-grade, IoT-enabled smart amplifiers suitable for installations of any size. They support both Hi-Z (70V or 100V) and Lo-Z, selectable by channel, eliminating the need for separate amplifiers to handle different speaker impedances, while streamlining installations and reducing equipment costs. The Connect Series also includes 96kHz DSP as a standard feature, providing a range of benefits that greatly enhance audio performance and system versatility.
Goldenduck’s team used LEA’s free SharkWare software to configure a base profile and push it to all pre-staged LEA amplifiers. SharkWare includes amplifier grouping, offline design, granular user access control levels, locked speaker tunings, and a graphical EQ. SharkWare also allows users to monitor the status of every amplifier connected to the network, as well as the status and performance of individual channels. In addition, the software allows users to view and adjust channel settings, including input settings, signal generator, crossover, equalizer, limiter, and load monitoring, for all LEA Professional Connect Series amplifiers.
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 like Goldenduck can remotely control and monitor amplifiers from anywhere, at any time, and with no subscription model or hidden costs. It’s completely free to use.
WebUI functions as a simple on-site control interface, offering integrators and end users an easy-to-use platform to view and adjust channel settings, ranging from load monitoring to EQ adjustments, through any standard web browser. For AV companies like Goldenduck, WebUI streamlines on-the-spot testing and modifications, enabling efficient system setup and fine-tuning during system installation.
CS354
CS1504
CS704
Branch AV utilized nine LEA Professional Dante Connect Series amps for this install to give them the channel count they needed including one Connect 168D, one Connect 88D, one Connect 704D, two Connect 84D and four of the Connect 354D amps. As the configuration of the spaces changed, so too did room for equipment racks.
THE CONCLUSION
Since upgrading to LEA amplifiers, audiences have enjoyed enhanced sound quality with clearer, more immersive audio at every screening. With real-time monitoring capabilities, the team can actively track system performance to ensure the consistent, high-quality sound that movie-goers expect.
“Our audiences expect the best, and LEA Connect Series delivers exactly that — advanced performance and rock-solid reliability that keep every theater sounding flawless,” said Terence Heng, Vice President, Innovation at Shaw Theatres. “It was the clear choice for elevating audio across our cinemas.”
USA – One of the world’s most celebrated cultural institutions, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, has transformed the sonic experience of its historic Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium with a sophisticated Martin Audio upgrade. This modular installation overcomes the venue’s long-standing acoustic challenges while providing a high-fidelity portable system for performances across the museum’s iconic gallery spaces.
Opened in 1954 as a purely acoustic hall—designed primarily to showcase instruments from the Met’s own collection with no amplification intended—the 700-capacity Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium has remained largely unchanged in appearance. The original Korina woodwork endures, as does the Steinway piano gifted by the company upon the venue’s opening. Writing in The Met’s own Bulletin upon its opening, Robert B. Newman describes, “The virtues of the Rogers Auditorium are inescapable and many. Its intimacy is warming. Its seats are built on the wise assumption that nature has not done the upholsterer’s work for him. Its sight lines are perfect and its acoustics so good that no amplifiers are needed, and a person talking in conversational tones on the stage can be heard with ease in the balcony.”
Yet, as the auditorium’s programming evolved, so too did its audio demands. The legacy sound system previously installed – early-generation powered column speakers positioned only on the left and right sides of the room – delivered severely uneven coverage, with significant gaps across both the floor and balcony. It was barely adequate for lectures and simply unsuitable for contemporary musical performances.
Sebastian Hurtado joined The Met as Senior Technical Manager AVMS Production, in 2024. As a seasoned audio engineer who has worked across multiple countries and throughout the US, the sound in the auditorium became an immediate focus.“I think I identified the need for an upgrade within three days of arriving,” he recalls.
Once a business case had been authorised and budgetary approval came, Sebastian wasted no time. His brief was clear: replace the legacy system with a single, unified solution capable of handling everything from intimate lectures to full live bands – all while preserving the visual and architectural integrity of the historic space.
THE EVEN COVERAGE IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT; THERE’S NOT A DEAD SPOT IN THE ENTIRE ROOM.
After consulting with several top-tier manufacturers, Sebastian and his team selected Martin Audio, citing both the product fit and the quality of communication with the Martin Audio team throughout the process. “We sent an initial concept, and they mapped it out and made recommendations. It made us feel confident it was being done correctly.”
The final installed system is anchored by three Martin Audio TORUS Series T1230 and one T1215 constant curvature array elements, configured as a centre cluster and rigged from a truss at the front of the stage. “We didn’t want to change the essence of the space, and with no positions possible to hang a Left-Right line array, we realised a centre cluster was the way to go,” describes Sebastian. “It covers the lower and upper centre of the house incredibly well. Even without subwoofers, the low end from the TORUS 12s is substantial for video playback and presentations.”
Four Martin Audio FlexPointFP12 12” premium point-source speakers are positioned on the sides to fill outer coverage gaps, while four FP66” models – precisely time-delayed – address the notoriously difficult under-balcony zone. “The FP6s have provided one of the biggest improvements. They sound fantastic and are delayed so well that it almost seems like they’re not doing anything, which is perfect,” he notes.
For larger performances, a ground-stacked system comprising three per side TORUS T820 8” tops and two per side SXC115 15” cardioid subwoofers, is designed to handle any production required in the space. Ten Martin Audio LE100 stage monitors round out the rig: “We’ve had guest engineers ask what they were because they want some; they sound great with minimal processing.”
Sebastian describes a massive shift in audio quality. “The response has been noticeable by everyone. The even coverage is the most significant improvement; there’s not a dead spot in the entire room. And we have the full frequency range represented with incredible clarity and fullness. Whether it’s a lecture that keeps the audience engaged, or a full band with brass and strings, everything is represented properly.”
For Sebastian, a key aspect of the system design was modularity and the ability to deploy elements of the system in other areas. “We wanted to kill two birds with one stone and have a modular system we could take into the galleries.” The ground-stacked system therefore doubles as a portable rig for events and performances throughout the museum, allowing The Met to bring consistent, high-quality audio to spaces as acoustically challenging as the all-glass, hard-surfaced Engelhard Court.
“The challenge in many of our rooms, especially with speaking, is intelligibility. But with the Martin Audio system, we’re able to overcome it,” he says. “Its flexibility means we can deploy optimum systems for each event – that may be three tops and two subs per side, or a more distributed system.”
The Martin Audio cardioid subs have proved particularly successful. “They work remarkably well,” he confirms. “You can stand right behind them and not feel a thing. In a big echo chamber like this museum, having subs fire in only one direction really helps.”
The entire system was purchased through dealer ADI, who also handled amplifier programming and final tuning. Physical installation—including routing cables through the building’s complex, century-old infrastructure—was carried out by Sebastian and his in-house team. A helpful discovery during the process: the mounting locations for the FP12s sat behind fabric-covered plywood panels concealing former pipe organ openings, which served as convenient cable pathways.
“I was thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such a prestigious and world-renowned institution. We worked through a number of design options with Sebastian as we considered all possible use case scenarios and the best way for the museum to get the most bang for their buck,” comments Martha Callaghan, Northeastern Regional Sales Manager, North America, Martin Audio USA. “It’s incredibly gratifying to see this work come to fruition. It’s a gorgeous venue, with important work to do, and the combo of TORUS and FlexPoint makes sure that work is coherent and delivered with pristine articulation and clarity. I am looking forward to our ongoing collaboration with The Met and their team.”
Perhaps most tellingly, the upgrade has changed the way the institution programmes its spaces. “It has prompted programmers to start doing more events in the auditorium,” concludes Sebastian. “Before, they preferred the galleries because the auditorium infrastructure wasn’t great. Now, our spec is much more rider-friendly, and we don’t have to rent outside gear.”
Photos: Adam Firman/Lina Stores
Thanks to
Distribution Partner: ADI Integration/Installation Partner: AVMS Production
When Ontario’s newest hotel project kicked off, the vision for its AV system was clear—and so was the solution behind it. 🦈⭐
Because let’s be honest—nothing ruins a stay faster than questionable audio in a “luxury” space.
Take a closer look at how it all came together, from the big-picture goals to the technical details that brought this elevated audio experience to life.
Located just steps from Lake Ontario, The Pearle Hotel & Spa officially opened to guests on the first of November, 2021. The hotel, which is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, boasts 151 guestrooms, two dining facilities, expansion meeting space, two large ballrooms, and a spa.
THE INTEGRATOR
Branch AV, a relatively new Canadian audiovisual solutions company, was tasked with designing and integrating the entire AV system from the ground up. The company, which was established in 2020 by Bob Guy and George Puthenkulam supported by a team of experienced audiovisual professionals, works across various industries including performing arts, government, education and entertainment. The team are laser focused on providing the best user experience for their clients.
THE INSTALL
For The Pearle Hotel’s AV needs, the integrator turned to local partner SC Media who supplied nine LEA Professional Dante Connect Series amplifiers to power the new hotel’s sound system. George Puthenkulam, Partner at Branch AV, first made sure to understand exactly what the hotel would need from an AV system.
“The main thing hotel management was looking for from an audio system, was functionality,” said Puthenkulam. “However, I wanted to dig deeper, so we studied all their venues to see exactly how they are used. With that knowledge, we came up with a sound system design and user experience that they are happy with.”
The entire project was conducted during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic which meant delays in various equipment and constant changes.
“There were various iterations made throughout the project because the spaces kept changing,” said Puthenkulam. “With Covid happening it was pretty challenging trying to coordinate with all the trades, and make sure everything would be completed on time. Luckily the LEA amps were in stock and there were no delays from that end.”
CS354D
CS704D
CS84D
CS88D
CS168D
Branch AV utilized nine LEA Professional Dante Connect Series amps for this install to give them the channel count they needed including one Connect 168D, one Connect 88D, one Connect 704D, two Connect 84D and four of the Connect 354D amps. As the configuration of the spaces changed, so too did room for equipment racks.
“One of the challenges we had was finding space for racks,” explained Puthenkulam. “As you can imagine, a hotel of this size requires a lot of processing. What LEA provided us was the ability to do a certain amount of central processing, as well as decentralize it, but manage it all from one location, the entire system runs on a Dante audio network.”
Puthenkulam explained that using IP standard, network-based amplifiers had many benefits for the team, particularly as the design within the hotel changed.
“The placement of speakers is always a problem, especially when there are multiple trades trying to compete for real estate,” explained Puthenkulam. “We zoned the space well, so that our infrastructure could be coordinated with all the other trades, including lighting control, security, fire safety, et. which is necessary and required in a hotel of this sort. However, we did have new zone needs that came up; so, designing the system around network-based, multi-channel amplifiers gave us a lot of flexibility.”
Branch AV are utilizing the Connect Series Crestron Control Module to control and monitor essential functions and features within the LEA amplifiers. Third-party control plugins such as these are part of the LEA Professional control ecosystem, in addition to local area network amplifier control using LEA’s Web UI and Cloud Platform.
THE CONCLUSION
Branch AV has been using LEA Professional in all their AV projects and will continue to do so, not only because of their form factor and network-based design, but because of their confidence in the team behind the product.
“When Blake Augsburger and his team set up LEA a few years ago, we knew that they would have a completely different perspective than other manufacturers, and that LEA would build a product that puts the customer at the center,” commented Puthenkulam. “When you are customer-driven and are determined to rally around them it’s really special, and that’s the LEA way!” 🦈⭐
