Author: ContentAdmin

Situated in Fredericksburg, VA, the 1200-seat multipurpose Dodd Auditorium, at the University of Mary Washington (UMW), has been treated to a new, fully DSP-optimised Wavefront Precision line array from Martin Audio.

The installation, which comprises hangs of seven elements per side, was undertaken by Martin Audio partner, Soundworks of Virginia.

Soundworks had worked at the venue many times over the years as a rental provider, notably at commencement ceremonies. Their CEO Steve Payne observed, “At these events all parents really care about is hearing their kid’s name read out clearly. But this was always a challenge over a 250ft throw distance.” But this is just one of a variety of events hosted at the venue, including all types of performance arts, lectures and movies.

Soundworks had traditionally frontlined another PA system, but it was when they switched to Martin Audio, and the WPS, that a profound improvement in coverage and intelligibility became evident. “It was a totally different experience,” he said. “What had become a challenging job now looked easy. The Martin Audio system is so much more sophisticated; it’s all in the processing, and the software.”

Douglas Noble,Executive Director of Dodd Auditorium, had been equally impressed, and when he set out his requirements to Payne for a permanent PA upgrade he initially stated, ‘I don’t think we have it in our budget, but I would love to put a WPS system in Dodd!’ The Soundworks CEO started crunching the numbers and indeed made it work.

WE LOVE OUR MARTIN AUDIO ARRAYS.

While Soundworks are not traditionally an installation company—“we’ve probably done three in total, and all for clients for whom we previously supplied temporary sound”—Steve Payne agreed that WPS was the system best fit for purpose. “The previous system was at least a decade old, and comprised a main cluster, balcony speakers, delays for the mezzanine … all kinds of speakers all over the place, everything delayed. When I looked at how complicated the existing system was, I knew we could simply do two hangs in there, cover the entire room, with some front fills as a precaution. “We’re now getting way better coverage throughout the room and it’s much simpler.”

The hall itself is a traditional rectangular space, with proscenium, slightly raked stalls with fixed seating and a balcony level. A pair of SXC118 cardioid subs were placed under the stage, which Payne notes is sonically well-matched with WPS. Four FlexPoint FP6 are spaced evenly across the front of the stage in mono. “These are great sounding little speakers, and we use them a lot,” he says. A further six Martin Audio XP12s are deployed as stage monitors, the set-up powered from a pair each of Martin Audio iKON iK81 and 1K42, multi-channel DSP amps in 1-box resolution.

Although the installation process was relatively straightforward, there was a delay while additional steels were added to the roof. “Although the entire PA hang weighed no more than around 500lbs, they had installed a roof-mounted air conditioning system which had maxed out the roof load!”

Very little adjustment to the room parameters was required and the WPS hangs throw effortlessly to the back. “The software is incredible,” reasoned the Soundworks CEO. “After many years of using speaker systems that don’t have that software the difference is phenomenal. You make the measurements, put it into the software and tell it the variation and level you want from front to back row and it works it out. We knew we could programme Hard Avoid on the back wall if needed but we didn’t find it was much of a problem.

“The way the system is set up it will play much louder than they will ever need it to; it means anyone coming in can now use the house system for pretty much anything that takes place in there.”

“We loved working with Steve Payne on this project,” responded Douglas Noble. “We trusted him to make our space sound amazing and he didn’t disappoint.We love our Martin Audio arrays.”

Later, following a symphony and choir performance in the Auditorium, he reinforced this. “The sound was absolutely amazing. The audience response was incredible, and I even had one audience member mention how wonderful our new system was, and asked why it hadn’t happened sooner.”

Another who praised the overall coverage, clarity and power of the system, was Director of the Events AV Office, Mark Simpkins, who assists with training the student staff in the Auditorium.

Aside from Payne, who specified the system and oversaw the project, Garrett Milich generated the system documentation and accomplished the physical installation. Other members of the Soundworks team included Bryan Hargrave, who undertook the room measurements, ran the Martin Audio DISPLAY files, and did the final room tuning, while Mathew Walsh also assisted with the physical installation.

Located at the trendy Sawary Beach Resort in Lebanon, the Île Beach Bar is an upscale cocktail bar, and lounge that perfectly blends a relaxed beachfront ambiance with an energetic nightlife scene: a must-visit destination resort on the Batroun Coastal Road.

Martin Audio’s Lebanese distributors Technosound were brought in to deliver a high-quality audio solution to complement this luxurious setting at the 500-cap venue. As a long-time friend of Technosound’s Charbel Fahed, Île Beach Bar owner, Abdo Obeid, had complete confidence in the latter’s ability to design and implement a state-of-the-art sound system, based on his track record.

In turn, Charbel says, “Abdo owns several top-tier clubs in Lebanon; his commitment to quality and innovation is reflected in every aspect of the venue.”

OUR GUESTS LOVE THE CLARITY AND DEPTH OF THE AUDIO, AND WE COULDN’T BE HAPPIER WITH THE RESULT.

However, the project was not without its challenges, as Charbel Fahed acknowledged. “We needed to ensure the sound system could deliver crystal clear audio while withstanding the coastal environment’s humidity and salt exposure. In addition, the setup also needed to maintain sound consistency across both open-air and enclosed sections of the venue.”

Abdo Obeid was already familiar with Martin Audio’s outstanding reputation for delivering premium sound quality—and this brand was proposed because of its ability to provide a rich, immersive listening experience that aligns with the venue’s high standards, while meeting the above challenges head on.

The client had stipulated a sound system that would enhance the ambiance during the day while delivering powerful, high-energy audio at night. It also needed to transition seamlessly from laid-back lounge vibes to an electrifying party atmosphere.” Finally, Abdo Obeid wanted to be the first venue in Lebanon to take possession of Martin Audio’s new FlexPoint series.

Charbel Fahed was happy to recommend this series based on its “versatility, clarity, and ability to deliver exceptional sound across various areas of the venue.” He proposed six FlexPoint FP15 speakers and two Blackline X218, strategically placed to ensure even coverage throughout the main lounge, bar and dancefloor areas, while a pair of Blackline X118 subs are placed under the DJ booth. Finally, the two Martin Audio ADORN A55 speakers are positioned in the restroom areas to maintain a seamless audio experience.

It is after dark when the system really shows its true mettle when a DJ plays a carefully curated mix of hot Afro House and uplifting dance tracks to match the venue’s vibrant energy.

Abdo Obeid confirmed that the new FlexPoint system comfortably met all requirements and gave it a resounding thumbs-up.

“Partnering with Technosound was a game-changer for Île Beach Bar,” he said. “Their Martin Audio solution has taken our sound experience to the next level, creating the perfect atmosphere day and night. Our guests love the clarity and depth of the audio, and we couldn’t be happier with the result. Highly recommended!”