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!” 🦈⭐
GBR – Lina Stores, the Italian delicatessen founded in 1944 on Brewer Street in London’s Soho, was established “to offer the finest Italian produce to hungry Londoners and homesick Italians.” Now boasting twelve locations, the estate today encompasses ten restaurants and, inspired by Italy’s bar culture, most recently introduced the Bar Lina concept to four select sites.
Tasked with installing sound systems in two such openings in Shoreditch and Manchester, integrator Evolve AV specified Martin Audio solutions to deliver high-quality, discrete audio, also capable of providing real impact when the occasion calls for it.
Located on Shoreditch High Street, Lina Stores Shoreditch occupies a Grade II listed building originally built in 1868 as a bank. Elliot Patterson of Evolve AV was introduced to the project following a recommendation.
Recalling his original brief, Patterson begins, “Showing me around they explained they wanted good coverage and something that was really compact, but could pack a bit of a punch for parties and DJs.”
The nature of the interior space shaped many of his decisions. “It’s quite a big space with very low ceilings and we weren’t really in a position to put things in corners.” he continues. “I needed to be careful where I put speakers so they didn’t take over.”
Patterson specified Martin Audio CDD6 speakers from the outset. “Honestly I didn’t look at any other options,” he says. “I knew the CDD6 would give me the excellent coverage and quality sound from the exposed wall positions.”
HONESTLY I DIDN’T LOOK AT ANY OTHER OPTIONS
With a listed building and a strong design aesthetic to protect, visual integration was also key. “Some walls are bare brick, some stone concrete. The CDD6 actually works really well against that – it blends in really well.” he adds.
Upstairs in the Shoreditch restaurant, the system comprises six CDD6, while downstairs in Bar Lina the main cocktail bar area features four CDD5, reinforced by an SX210 subwoofer. “The CDD6 plus SX210 combination gave the space a discrete solution, and really great output – they’re a classic match,” notes Patterson.
Adjacent to the bar, the former bank vaults now provide seating cubicles and a lounge area. “All the doors and gates are still there,” he describes. For this lounge area six Martin Audio ADORN A55 speakers were selected, while ADORN A40 are deployed in upstairs private dining areas as well as in ancillary corridors and entrances.
System processing is handled by an Optimal AudioZone 8 —the ideal companion for control in distributed install applications from Martin Audio’s sister brand within the Focusrite group.
Music sources include dedicated audio players for both the restaurant and bar, plus DJ inputs. “Each area has a local on-wall Optimal Audio ZonePad, but most of the time they’re able to simply use iPads for control,” says Patterson.
The benefit of the Optimal Audio ZonePad’s additional local and Bluetooth inputs comes into its own in the vault areas. “Guests can just Bluetooth or plug in their phone directly to it,” he explains. “They’ve got their own room, they can play their own music, it’s super simple.”
Following a Shoreditch launch evening – impressed by both the audio quality and Evolve AV’s work – Lina Stores asked Patterson to support its upcoming Lina Stores Manchester opening located on Quay Street.
Once again Martin Audio CDD6 formed the backbone of the solution, with eight installed in the restaurant area, this time ceiling-mounted. “It’s quite a big room so we needed to get a lot of coverage and again, the CDD6 does it so well,” says Patterson. “As opposed to Shoreditch where they’re all wall mounted, in Manchester they’re ceiling mounted. We rotated the driver inside and they are all mounted in landscape orientation.”
In the Bar Lina area, six CDD6s are installed around the perimeter, supplemented by five Martin Audio Blackline X8 speakers, and with considerable low-end punch provided bya pair of Martin Audio SX212 2 x 12” subwoofers.
Patterson concludes, “The Martin Audio system provides a fantastic discrete background music system for the very beautiful cocktail bar, capable of turning into a powerful club system for their weekend DJs.”
NLD – The Noorderkerkzaal performing arts theatre in Sneek, Netherlands, has been equipped with a permanently installed Martin Audio sound system, specifically tailored to the hall’s demanding acoustic profile and diverse programming.
The Noorderkerkzaal is housed within the historic Reformed Church of Sneek, a landmark building originally constructed in 1881. After serving its congregation until 2001 and briefly functioning as an apartment building, the church underwent an extensive renovation and opened as a venue in 2010.
Now a centrepiece of the Sneek Cultural Quarter, the 200-capacity venue hosts a vibrant mix of concerts, theatre productions, and community gatherings – all of which require exceptional speech intelligibility, musicality, and consistent coverage.
IT ENSURES EVERY PERFORMANCE AND PRESENTATION IS SUPPORTED BY CLEAR, CONTROLLED, AND IMPACTFUL SOUND.
To meet these stringent technical and artistic requirements, the venue selected a new audio solution that balances high-output power with sonic refinement. Following the advice of Martijn de Jong from Martin Audio’s Dutch distributor, Ampco Flashlight Sales, the theatre has installed a Martin FlexPoint loudspeaker system, complemented by Martin SXC cardioid subwoofers and the latest iKON amplification with Dante connectivity.
The Martin Audio FlexPoint series is designed for high performance in fixed installations where clarity and predictable coverage are essential. The installed system provides controlled dispersion for even audience coverage within the venue and the flexibility to adapt to various layouts.
At the heart of the installation are three FlexPoint FP12 12” models positioned in a Left/Centre/Right configuration, supported by three FP8 8” models serving as frontfills. Low-frequency energy is managed by a pair of SXC115 15” subwoofers, their cardioid design essential in controlling bass buildup on stage and maintaining clarity.
The system is powered by iKON IK41 and IK42 Dante-enabled amplifiers, offering efficient multi-channel power, streamlined integration, and modern networked audio routing.
“With this upgrade, the Noorderkerkzaal now benefits from a future-ready audio system capable of delivering consistent results across a broad range of events,” comments de Jong. “It ensures every performance and presentation is supported by clear, controlled, and impactful sound.”
