Author: ContentAdmin

Optimal Audio Enhances WebApp with Integration of Bluesound Professional Streamers

Post author By ContentAdmin
Post date March 20, 2023

Optimal Audio is proud to announce the release of WebApp 1.1, featuring a BluOS Control API integration to control Bluesound Professional audio devices that feature built-in network-connected streaming and music management controls for use in commercial audio spaces.

Optimal Audio’s WebApp is the backbone of its ecosystem of controllers, amplifiers and loudspeakers providing a system integrator with the ability a to configure an entire system of multiples zones in a venue, while presenting the end user with an intuitive and simple interface to control the sound system.

With this latest release, WebApp and Zone firmware enable API controls for Bluesound Professional devices via BluOS from Optimal Audio Zone controllers. This simple and powerful solution supports playback from almost 20 streaming platforms and internet radio stations, including services specifically designed for commercial use.

The integration of Bluesound Professional streaming music devices such as the B100S and B400S provides a scalable solution for venues requiring up to four playback streams. Integrators and end-users can configure powerful routines within WebApp to automate streaming preset recall and volume control for a specified time, day, and zone, enabling venue staff to focus on their primary responsibilities. 
The API integration also allows WebApp to play, pause or skip a track and displays song artwork for an improved end-user experience.

In addition to the seamless integration with Bluesound Professional streamers, the latest update to WebApp includes several useful new features. A Client Configuration Tool has been added to enhance security and simplify the operation of client connections such as mobiles or tablets. A global setting for ‘delay units’ in system settings and an auto Time Zone/DST adjustment have also been added.

Matt Rowe, Head of Engineering for Optimal Audio commented:

“I’m thrilled to deliver WebApp 1.1 and introduce streaming capabilities into our commercial audio eco-system. I believe that being able to recall presets from Bluesound Professional devices combined with WebApp’s powerful routine functionality provides a versatile solution that will be welcomed by installers and venue owners.”

The Optimal Audio Open Days, scheduled for April 18th and 19th in High Wycombe, will feature WebApp 1.1 showcasing its ability to manage a well-known four-zone commercial audio deployment.

For more information: https://generationav.net/products/optimal-audio-series/controllers/webapp/

HH Electronics

HH Electronics TNA Line Array Presses Case at Cidermill Theatre

Post author By ContentAdmin
Post date March 14, 2023

Photo: Andy Marshall & Acanthus Clews Architects

The Cidermill Theatre is a new performing arts theatre owned and run by Chipping Camden School in Gloucestershire, UK. Built to serve both the school and the wider Cotswold community, the £4million venue was opened in October 2022 at a launch event which featured actor Ben Miller and chart-topping singer Jennifer Paige, who performed a set including her international hit Crush.

Centred on the Rockspring Auditorium (capacity 292 seated, 450 standing), the complex also includes a dance studio, black box studio, lounge area, rehearsal spaces, classroom, café and bar. The Theatre enjoys a full range of professional facilities and is quickly developing an impressive programme of theatrical performances, live music, dance, cinema screenings and talks. An essential component of any modern, flexible performing arts centre is its audio provision, and the Theatre consulted with specialist Michael Krompass at BASE Culture about a suitable system.

Krompass had no hesitation in recommending HH Electronics’ new TNA line array, having experienced a demonstration of the system when it was launched. Perfect for small to medium sized venues, the TNA offers a compact, active package that is easy to set up and packs a powerful punch that belies its size. The system is based around the TNA-2120SA, a multi-channel active subwoofer with integrated Class D amplifier which features two high power 12” low frequency woofers with exceptionally high output, and the TNA1800SA a powerful single 18” active low frequency subwoofer. With three channels of high performance amplification, the TNA-2120SA houses six cutting edge built-in DSP presets and as part of a modular system can power up to six satellite TNA-2051 passive, two-way compact line array loudspeakers, offering an ideal solution that does away with the extra expense of rack amplifiers and processors.

The main Rockspring auditorium was equipped with a full system comprising one TNA2120SA, two TNA1800SA and six TNA2051 units per side. BASE Culture also supplied five HH Electronics TRM-1201 12” active stage monitors and a single TRM-1500 active sub for use as a drum fill. In order to maximise the flexibility of the space, the system is ground-stacked, its easy portability enabling quick setup and take down times.

Cidermill Theatre Technician Laurence Iles is impressed by the system: “We definitely made the right choice by going with Michael’s recommendation. The system is perfect for the space, sounds brilliant and has more than enough headroom to cater for everything we stage within the auditorium. It’s most definitely a high quality system that comes in at a very competitive price.”

Michael Krompass of BASE Culture added: “The HH TNA line array system was a superb fit for The Cidermill Theatre install. Its elegant look and sleek aesthetic compliment the theatre design perfectly. The PA packs a punch, sounds outstanding and is easily comparable to systems many times its price range.

“HH was the perfect choice and the client has been blown away by the results. I love the bottom end, clarity and smooth natural compression that it throws out. HH is now my go-to choice for venues of all shapes and sizes – dependable, high-quality and always exceeds sonic expectations.”

Martin Audio

DISCOVER CHURCH UPGRADES WITH MARTIN AUDIO WAVEFRONT PRECISION

Post author By ContentAdmin
Post date March 6, 2023

A Wavefront Precision line array forms the centrepiece of a new AV upgrade at the Discover Church in Milwaukee, specified and installed by Martin Audio partner Avenue Systems.

The expanding ministry has undergone several campus extensions since 1969, culminating in a major renovation in 2022, which included the sanctuary. Avenue Systems were part of that renovation process. “This is the project that allowed for the installation of the new Martin Audio rig,” confirms founder and CEO, David Price. “We helped coordinate the design and integration for the newly renovated space.”

Avenue Systems were tasked with undertaking a full AV makeover of the main worship area and video control room, installing new audio, lighting, video, control and acoustical systems for every aspect of the main auditorium’s AV.

Explaining the requirement in more detail, Price confirmed that the PA would need sufficient versatility to reinforce typical modern worship, with full band, plus occasional choir and orchestra for special occasions in a room seating a little over 1800 congregants. “The church also conducts several special musical events throughout the year and hosts a smattering of professional Christian music artists and large conferences,” he added.

Martin Audio’s market leading Wavefront Precision line array was deemed best fit for purpose. “Although [the client] did not have prior experience we were able to arrange a demo for them before the renovation which helped facilitate a worship conference they were hosting in the space.

“THE MARTIN AUDIO SYSTEM HAS PROVEN TO BE A WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT FOR OUR CHURCH”
Danelle Yacco, Technical Director, Discover Church

Optimal Audio

Optimal Audio Supports Edutainment in Genoa

Post author By ContentAdmin
Post date March 2, 2023

The ‘Città dei Bambinie dei Ragazzi’ is an educational experience centre for children aged 2 to 12 years in the Porto Antico area of Genoa. Opened in December 2022 and set across 2000 sqm, the centre is dedicated to the discovery of science and technology through play, and presents 50 interactive colourful and contemporary multimedia exhibits which invite young visitors to explore all the senses through touching, observing and experimenting.

Music, spoken words and a variety of other sounds entertain visitors to the ‘Hearing Room’ as they learn all about sonic principles, so it was important to the centre’s creators that the audio provision in the room could deliver the necessary coverage and clarity to meet the demands of the concept.

Experienced multimedia integrator Acuson of Torino was confident that Optimal Audio could meet the brief. Acuson installed four Cuboid 8 loudspeakers powered by two SmartAmp 20 amplifiers.

Cuboid 8 is a full range, two-way, passive loudspeaker designed to outperform its compact size. For short to medium throw distances, it effortlessly delivers rich and detailed sound with punch and precision. SmartAmp 20 is a 4 x 125W amplifier with integral DSP which contains signal processing presets for Optimal Audio loudspeakers.

Martin Audio

MARTIN AUDIO REVISITS SUCCESSFUL FORMULA WITH STREAMED AND OPEN DAY PRODUCT LAUNCHES

Post author By ContentAdmin
Post date February 27, 2023

In an evolving post-pandemic world, Martin Audio has continued to keep ahead of the curve in its method of introducing new products to a global customer base.

It has revisited the successful formula first introduced at the recent ISE 2023 show in Barcelona—whereby non-attendees could share the same product launch experience as those who made the trip to Barcelona … except in the virtual world. As a result, the company has laid out its stall for a similar online experience in advance of its now firmly established biannual open days. These will take place at their High Wycombe HQ, the difference this time being that the visitor experience will take place within the company’s newly refurbished facility.

“The international launch of our new TORUS 8 in Barcelona was very much an experiment in the way we presented new products to both the market and the media,” said Director of Marketing, James King. “Fortunately both the real-world attendance at our booth and our demo room, alongside the number of logins and catch-up replays to the two streamed events fully vindicated our decision and far exceeded expectations.

“It therefore makes perfect sense to repeat the successful formula to combine our celebrated UK Open Days with a curtain raiser online Special Launch Event, a week before.”

The online event is scheduled for April 12, when, as previously, separate sessions are scheduled for 8am and 4pm (GMT). The Open Days then take place on April 18-19 where visitors can experience the entire suite of new products previewed a week earlier at the online event.

It promises to be a packed showcase, running constantly from 9.30am through to 5.00pm on both days. In addition to the highly acclaimed TORUS 8, which picked up the coveted ‘Best In Show’ award at ISE—along with its matched flown cardioid SXCF115 subwoofer—products from Focusrite Group partners, Linea Research, Focusrite Pro and Optimal Audio will be on view. The presentation will conclude with a crescendo of Martin Audio’s latest systems.

Visitors can register for a day pass leaving flexibility for when they wish to arrive and leave.

Summarising, James King said, “We now see this style of presentation as the future for us going forward, as momentum within the company reaches an unprecedented high. Customer flexibility is paramount in our minds, and this provides the opportunity for the Martin Audio community globally to attend a mini-exhibition … whether virtually or in person.”

UK Open Days Location: Martin Audio HQ. Century Point, Halifax Road, Cressex Business Park, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP12 3SL. UK.

Registration:

Online Launch Event https://martin-audio.com/events/april2023

UK Open Days https://martin-audio.com/events/april2023opendays

LEA Professional

Connect Series Version 3.1.0.0 – Features And Improvements

Post author By ContentAdmin
Post date February 23, 2023

Connect Series Firmware Version 3.1.0.0 V2: Overview Of Updates

Firmware Version 3.1.0.0 is the latest Connect Series firmware version, and is now available for download! Dive in below to discover all of the features and improvements in Firmware Version 3.1.0.0 V2, along with a quick guide on how to get started with your update.

Download Version 3 Firmware

Web UI And General Updates

Updates to WiFi and Access Point Linux Driver.
Resolves an issue with the AP displaying 0.0.0.0 IP address.
Adds link to local audio IP addressing on LAN port.

Sharkware Updates

Initial release – for use with all 80/160 and 350/700-watt models.
Sharkware MUST be used with this Firmware Version release for full functionality.

Quick Guide To Updating Your Firmware

Martin Audio

NARVIK BATTLE REALISM CAPTURED AT MOVIE WORLD PREMIERE THROUGH WPC 5.1 SYSTEM

Post author By ContentAdmin
Post date February 20, 2023

The story of Hitler’s first defeat in the Second World War is depicted in the stunning new Netflix film,Narvik. This is named after the small town in Northern Norway where the Norwegian army and the Allies fought and won the first battle against Germany.

The world premiere was naturally held in Narvik itself with a big outdoor cinema especially created in the town square, which was free for everyone. The realism of the battle, and the associated sound effects, were authentically captured by a Martin Audio Wavefront Precision line array deployment in 5.1 surround, in a completely unique and unprecedented production.

Stein Hjertholm from the event production company All-In, originally contacted Thomas Nordvik Olsen from Audiolight in Harstad and he, in turn, asked if Øystein Wierli, Head of Sound at Atendi, Martin Audio’s Norwegian distributor, could act as consultant. This was because such an undertaking had never been attempted before, let alone for a movie world premiere in a town centre.

“We had no hesitation in jumping straight in,” exclaimed Wierli. “But when we actually started thinking about it, we had two main challenges. Aside from the fact that this was a first for an outdoor cinema in this format, it was also planned for mid-December.”

He was well aware that temperatures in the Arctic Circle at this time of year are generally down to below -20°C. “If you are lucky, you only get a metre of snow in a day! So not only was the production ambitious in the first place, but the weather was certainly a wild factor as well.”

On the day itself the temperatures were somewhat kinder and the weather clear. “It was only -10°C … obviously still cold for an outdoor cinema, but those who were dressed for the occasion had the opportunity to witness a historical event—and right on the exact same ground where history had taken place over 80 years earlier.

However, there had also been further hiccups. The premiere had been originally set to take place in December 2021, until the pandemic rendered this impossible. An attempt was made to reschedule to March 2022 but the war in Ukraine then posed ethical questions on whether it was appropriate to show war scenes in such a format. “So the production moved on once more,” continued Wierli, “and finally on December 11 last year it went ahead.”

Øystein Wierli was on site supervising and tuning the Wavefront Precision to perfection. “They needed to make sure the PA system would do justice to the film’s massive soundscape. The soundtrack was created to match the actual scenes and sounds from 1940. It was both frightening, and at the same time authentic.”

To achieve this a total of 36 WPC elements and 18 SXH218 subwoofers were deployed, in 5.1 configuration, powered by 16 iKON iK42 multi-channel DSP amplifiers. Audiolight provided the PA and crew to rig the WPC / SXH218 system.

“The biggest problem beside temperature and snow was to create a phantom centre channel, as a centre hang of speakers was impossible,” Øystein Wierli admits.

Summarising the success of the event, he concludes, “We don’t think anyone around the centre of Narvik would have missed the explosions and other hard hitting sound effects.” But for those that wanted something softer, as a bonus there was also a family-friendly film and kids’ afternoon on the same day.

LEA Professional

LEA Professional Sits Down With AVNation Media

Post author By ContentAdmin
Post date February 13, 2023

Dive into an interview of our very own Brian Pickowitz as he discusses our experience at ISE and our brand-new software release, Sharkware.

Martin Audio

GLOBAL PRODUCTION SERVICES FIRST INDIAN RENTAL COMPANY TO INVEST IN WPC LINE ARRAY

Post author By ContentAdmin
Post date February 13, 2023

One of India’s fastest growing live event service providers, Global Production Services (GPS), has added a Martin Audio WPC line array to its inventory. In so doing it has become the first company in India to invest in the company’s market-leading Wavefront Precision Compact line array, with its scalable resolution.

The system was supplied, and will be supported by Vardhaman Megatech Pvt Ltd (VMT), Martin Audio’s Indian distributor.

GPS has built a formidable reputation for providing superlative sound reinforcement solutions for live events across the state of Maharashtra over many years, with the company’s portfolio spanning prominent Bollywood music events, award ceremonies, political rallies, corporate functions and more as well as conventional live gigs.

“We have always placed great pride in the quality of technical equipment and expertise that we provide for our shows,” states GPS director Saurabh Ayare. “We’d been wanting to expand our inventory for some time and after experiencing WPC we knew right away that this system would be the perfect addition to our inventory. We were extremely impressed with the quality of sound and SPL that the system is capable of delivering, despite its compact form factor—and this helped us double-down on our decision to go ahead with the purchase.”

AFTER EXPERIENCING WPC WE KNEW RIGHT AWAY THAT THIS SYSTEM WOULD BE THE PERFECT ADDITION TO OUR INVENTORY.
Saurabh Ayarel, Director, Global Production Services (GPS)

Added Generation AV India director, Prashant Govindan, “GPS is a premier sound rental company, with one of the best teams of technicians and engineers in India. Now, with the inclusion of WPC they have the capacity to really flaunt their technical prowess. There is an evident buzz in the market about WPC and we hope to do more to introduce the Indian touring market to small form factor line arrays such as this, by building awareness and education.”

“Saurabh and the team at GPS will join a growing network of WPC users,” affirms Generation AV managing director, David McKinney. “Martin Audio has become one of the fastest growing brands globally, and along with our rental partners and VMT we are certain to create a strong touring network in India.”

VMT are equally positive. Kekul Sheth, head of sales, VMT Distribution, notes that “the team at GPS had the expertise to set-up and deploy the system quickly and correctly on-field [at the launch event]. Therefore it becomes clear that the synergy created by GPS and WPC is head and shoulders above the rest in its class.”

And the final word comes from VMT’s national sales manager, Jeff Mandot who confirms that following the successful induction of WPC, GPS is now poised to acquire a similar configuration system by early in the year. “This means that by April 2023, they will have a total of 16 WPC line array modules and eight SX218 subwoofers. This will enable GPS to deploy their expanded WPC system for mid-scale music concerts and similar premium live events.”

Photo one personnel: Swapnil Mendon (L) and Saurabh Ayare (R) from GPS

Photo two: Training day at Vardhaman’s premises in Mumbai

Martin Audio

LEGENDARY LIVE VENUE ANTIKNOCK INTRODUCES MARTIN AUDIO TORUS SYSTEM

Post author By ContentAdmin
Post date February 6, 2023

Since opening in 1985, Antiknock has become a hall of fame for punk and hardcore bands, and many of today’s major artists originally set down their roots there. Now the venue, situated in the burgeoning Shinjuku district of Tokyo, has become the first in Japan to install Martin Audio’s new TORUS constant curvature array.

Speaking of the installation, Mr. Sekikawa, CEO of Hardaway Corporation, which manages the venue, said the renewal of the sound system was a gift to the many artists and patrons who volunteered to sell T-shirts and make donations to keep the venue alive during the COVID pandemic. “This was my first thought when trying to thank them all for their cooperation during those difficult times,” he said.

The system previously installed had been huge and featured old long-throw cabinets. Their disproportionate size not only made the stage looked small, but the clarity of the low end during live performances left much to be desired.

When seeking a replacement system, there were several key criteria that needed to be met: these included being suitable for multi-genres, with a reasonable size footprint, and offering good stability.

Mr. Hashimoto, of Enter Sandman, who designed the new system, explained the rationale. “Having had a relationship with Antiknock for 10 years, I was able to determine several important factors. One was the theme of the venue, bearing in mind the type of bands who perform there. Another was the physical shape of the venue and the construction of the building, as well as the size of the loudspeakers. And finally, of course, there was the capability of the loudspeaker itself.

“THE SOUND SYSTEM IS A GOOD ADDITIONAL SOLUTION AND WE BELIEVE TORUS CAN ADAPT TO THE MANY DEMANDS PLACED ON IT.”
Mr. Yanagisawa, Venue Manager, Antiknock

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Sharkware Updates

Quick Guide To Updating Your Firmware

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