IND – Chaitra Navratri at Korakendra Grounds, Borivali West, Mumbai unfolded as a large-scale festive celebration with Falguni Pathak at the heart of an atmosphere driven by music, movement, and community energy. For an event so deeply rooted in live participation, the audio system had to do much more than simply provide high output. It needed to preserve vocal clarity, rhythmic precision, and musical definition while carrying the excitement of the performance across an expansive venue measuring approximately 500ft x 236ft. In a setting where the audience is constantly engaged with every beat, chorus, and call-and-response moment, consistency across the grounds becomes essential. The sound had to remain powerful and immersive near the stage while still feeling controlled, balanced, and intelligible in the farthest listening zones.
Superwaves executed a major Martin Audio deployment designed for coverage, control, and musical impact. The system featured 32 Martin Audio WPL cabinets as the main PA, 20 Martin Audio WPC cabinets for delay coverage, and 12 Martin Audio WPM cabinets for outfills. Reinforcement was further enhanced with 8 Martin Audio Torus T1215 cabinets as centerfills and 6 Martin Audio Torus T1215 and T1230 cabinets for sidefills. Low-frequency performance came from 36 Martin Audio SXH218 subwoofers at FOH, 12 Martin Audio SX218 subwoofers in the delay section, and 4 Martin Audio WS218X subwoofers for sidefill support. With 12 Martin Audio LE200 stage monitors and a total of 40 Martin Audio iK42 amplifiers, the deployment reflected both technical depth and executional confidence.
Photographer: Perry Graham
Thanks to
Distribution Partner: VMT Enterprise Installation Partner: Superwaves
We’ve seen our amps power everything from packed stadiums to high-rise landmarks to buzzing restaurants and bars. But every now and then, a project comes along that feels a little more personal.
Set on five acres in Houston, this stunning home is more than just a residence—it’s a fully immersive audio experience. With 20 zones of seamless control, this residential AV system raises the bar for what’s possible at home.
A longtime customer of Texas-based AV integration company Sound Lab Designs, the homeowners were looking for an entirely new AV system across their six-bedroom home which is set over five acres of land in the middle of Houston. Sound Lab Designs designed and installed a new system from scratch to cover the interior and exterior of the large property.
For Ernie Blumenthal, owner at Sound Lab Designs, this project was different from other residential installations he’s worked on because, for the first time, he used LEA Professional amplifiers. Blumenthal mapped over 20 audio zones in the property, many of which were external zones including the pool, patio, front and near lawns and balconies. Initially, for Blumenthal it was the style and form factor of the LEA amplifiers that convinced him to give them a try.
“Form factor was a huge plus, I knew I could really stack a lot of power in a home and not take up the whole rack,” commented Blumenthal. “I did my research on LEA and saw that the sound quality and the adjustability of the amplifier was highly regarded so I thought this would be a perfect installation to try this product.”
Sound Lab Designs installed five CS168, one CS702, and one CS354 in the home. The team chose to give the homeowners extra power and channel count so they would have plenty of headroom for future expansion.
The Cloud Platform provides systems integrators with powerful, reliable and secure remote monitoring and control capabilities across the entire lineup of IoT-enabled LEA Professional Connect Series amplifiers. Unique within the industry, all LEA Professional amplifiers leverage the built-in Amazon Web Services (AWS) IoT Core. The platform allows integrators to monitor critical operational data points that are integral to maintaining system health remotely. The capability delivers greater visibility to provide preventative maintenance, easier troubleshooting and fewer on-site maintenance requirements.
“I really like the monitoring ability, you only need to go to one web page to see all the amplifiers and it means we are able to offer our clients a full end-to-end service,” commented Blumenthal. “The amplifiers provide great value and are reasonably priced for what you are getting so we will definitely be using them again.”
CS168
CS702
CS354
THE CONCLUSION
Sound Lab Designs has received great feedback from the client and they are happy with how everything sounds and how it looks in their home. There have been no issues with the system so far but if anything does occur Ernie and the team know that with our cloud platform, they can quickly and easily address almost any issue.
We’d like to thank Ernie and his team at Soundlab Designs for choosing our amps for this killer installation and we hope that the audio systems will continue to deliver reliable audio for the homeowners for years to come.
THA – Tiffany’s Show Pattaya, one of Thailand’s most iconic and longest-running stage productions, has marked its 50th anniversary with a major audio upgrade that brings cutting-edge immersive sound to its world-famous performances. The project was led by Bangkok-based production company Mr. Team, in collaboration with Martin Audio, TiMax, and regional partners Fuzion Far East and Generation AV.
For five decades, Tiffany’s Show has built an international reputation for spectacular choreography, dazzling costumes, and high production values. In recent years, the venue had already invested heavily in visual production with large-format LED screens, new video content, upgraded props. However, the sound system – centred around an aging traditional stereo PA – had not kept pace.
“The system had been running eight hours a day, every day, for almost a decade,” explains Pok Sutat Kohkiat of Mr. Team Productions Co. “It had done its job, but with the 50th anniversary coming, the owners knew it was time to upgrade. At first, the idea was just to replace the existing stereo system. But once we looked at the production, we realised there was an opportunity to do something much more ambitious.”
Over time, Tiffany’s had moved away from generic backing tracks to custom-composed multitrack music for each show. This gave Mr. Team the foundation they needed to propose an immersive solution built around TiMax and a new Martin Audio system.
“For their 50th anniversary, we encouraged them to do something truly special – especially since the video, LED, and lighting were already at a very high standard,” describes Pok. “The audio needed to be on the same level.”
TORUS IS PERFECT FOR THAT CURVATURE AND THROW.
To demonstrate the potential, Mr. Team set-up an immersive demo in their studio. “We set up a 7.1.4 environment using TiMax SoundHubas the processor, and we prepared A/B comparisons between stereo and spatial mixes,” Pok recalls. “We wanted them to experience the difference in a controlled studio setting before talking about changing anything in the theatre.”
Once the Tiffany’s team heard the spatialised mix, the reaction was immediate: “They described it as a completely new experience.”
Working closely with Fuzion Far East and Generation AV – Martin Audio and TiMax’s regional partners – Mr. Team developed a full immersive design for the theatre.
The main PA now consists of a Martin Audio TORUS LCR system comprising T1215 and T1230elements, chosen to match the relatively shallow depth of the auditorium while delivering wide, even coverage.
“The distance from downstage to the last row is not that deep,” notes Pok. “TORUS is perfect for that curvature and throw. It’s very punchy and gives a strong, stable image across the room.”
The LCR system is supported by flown Martin Audio SX218 subwoofers in the centre behind the main cluster – a necessity in a theatre where floor space is dedicated entirely to choreography and scenic movement. Immersive coverage is delivered by Martin Audio ADORN A80 loudspeakers deployed as surrounds and delays, including coverage for the balcony and two VIP rooms, where ADORN A55 loudspeakers are used.
“The theatre isn’t huge, so we rely on the A80s around the room for the immersive field,” says Pok. “We needed a lot of loudspeakers because there’s a balcony and multiple seating tiers, and we had to respect sightlines and choreography. Everything is flown, with custom rigging points.”
The installation presented a significant logistical challenge. Tiffany’s Show runs every day with no dark nights, and the production could not be interrupted.
“We had nearly two weeks to run entirely new cabling and put loudspeakers in place, but the old system had to stay live during that period,” Pok explains. “We only had one night to do the final switchover from the old system to the new LCR and TiMax infrastructure. That meant removing and repositioning loudspeakers, re-patching amplifiers, and matching all the original routing and presets, as well as introducing the new immersive paths. For a production company, we’re used to that kind of intense overnight changeover, but it was still a big challenge.”
All show content is run from QLab, which provides timecode to the TiMax SoundHub and other systems. Mr. Team is also responsible for remixing selected show material into immersive formats at their studio, then scaling and fine-tuning object movement and imaging on site at Tiffany’s.
“The first spatialised and immersive show, Crystal, opened on 28 February,” says Pok. “The entire new system was in and working in time for that grand launch. The response has been very positive. The client loves it, the audience feels a much more enveloping experience, and for Tiffany’s this is a big statement at their 50-year milestone – especially as a flagship destination in the LGBTQ+ and tourist sectors.”
Photographer: Perry Graham
Thanks to
Distribution Partner: Fuzion Far East Installation Partner: Mr. Team Productions Co.
When a Northern Virginia school district needed to modernize audio across more than 100 schools, standardization was key. 🔑
With LEA Connect Series amplifiers at the core, the district rolled out a flexible, high-performance solution designed to deliver clarity, consistency, and control at scale. 🎓🔊
The history of the eastern part of Northern Virginia stretches back to the early colonial period of the United States. Established in the mid 1700s, the area was defined by agriculture, trade, and its strategic location along the Potomac River. It remained predominantly rural until the latter part of the 20th century, when suburban development accelerated as the Washington metropolitan area expanded westward, evolving the area from a quiet agricultural region into a major suburban hub while still preserving elements of its historical character.
The area now hosts one of the largest public school systems in the state, serving tens of thousands of students across more than 100 schools, emphasizing academic excellence, equity, and innovation while striving to meet the varied needs of its learners. The school district has navigated challenges posed by rapid population growth, demographic shifts, and evolving educational expectations, continually adapting its policies, facilities, and instructional practices to support student success and community engagement across the region.
“The main challenge was delivering consistent audio across a large-scale venue with varied acoustic spaces — outdoor stands, indoor restaurants, hospitality suites, and public areas,” said Dwaine Schreuder, Head of Broadcast of Prosound. “The system needed to be network-based, reliable, and easy to control from a central location or even remotely. LEA’s growing global reputation as an innovator in networked amplifier technology and remote monitoring made them the obvious choice.”
THE PROJECT
To effectively manage its numerous schools, the school district adopted a phased approach to replacing outdated AV equipment. District staff reached out to Elspeth McCormick, Project Developer at Artistic Concepts Group, Inc. (ACG), to create a comprehensive rollout plan for both replacement and new hardware. The school district was looking for amplifiers that could meet all the needs of a variety of spaces — standardization was a high priority given the number of systems the client needed to support. McCormick thought LEA amplifiers would be a great fit for the school system’s requirements.
“There was a wide variety of spaces to accommodate, ranging from auditoriums with robust audio systems already in place to gyms and cafeterias with little to no equipment,” said McCormick. “LEA has one of the strongest amp lineups in the industry, so it was natural for us to recommend them.”
THE INSTALL
ACG installed a variety of LEA Connect Series amplifiers to address the diverse needs of the spaces within the school district, including multiple Connect Series 352, Connect Series 354, and Connect Series 702 models.
The CS352 and CS354 are 2- and 4-channel amplifiers, respectively, providing 350 watts per channel, while the 2-channel CS702 offers 700 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.
CS354
CS702
ACG’s technical 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 and 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 also delivers an industry-first professional amplifier family featuring cloud connectivity, a revolutionary advancement, and a significant benefit for anyone maintaining the systems. With LEA Cloud, AV integrators like ACG 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.
School and district staff are pleased with the audio upgrades. Audio clarity is exceptional, and the expanded capabilities in some rooms give instructors greater flexibility in their teaching methods. ⭐
THE CONCLUSION
“The form factor of LEA amplifiers is excellent. We often have limited space in our existing equipment racks, and the LEA amps help us and our clients save valuable space, sometimes even allowing us to avoid purchasing a larger rack,” said McCormick. “Additionally, we really appreciate LEA’s technical support team. They always answer the phone, are very knowledgeable about AV above and beyond LEA products, and we know LEA will provide support to keep our customers’ systems running efficiently. For these reasons and more, we will definitely be using LEA amps for this client in the future, as well as for many others!”
NLD – Stairway Productions, a trusted name in the Dutch event industry for many years, has reached new heights in its evolution. Following a consistent path of strategic investment, the company has significantly bolstered its inventory with the acquisition of a Martin Audio WPC (Wavefront Precision Compact) line array system from Dutch distributor Ampco Flashlight Sales.
The journey for Stairway Productions began in 2007, with founder Menno Smit servicing small-scale gigs from his base in Delft, strategically located between Rotterdam and The Hague. In 2014, the company took the decision to expand from its original inventory to a more professional, rider-friendly solution. That led to the first investment in the Martin Audio catalogue in the form of a Blackline system as a versatile, multipurpose workhorse.
Step by step, from that initial investment through to the subsequent acquisition of a W8LM system, Martin Audio has played a central role in the Stairway Productions success story – delivering a powerful, consistent sonic signature that has proven its worth across countless applications.
I WAS INCREDIBLY IMPRESSED BY THE WPC’S PERFORMANCE AND CONTROL
Driven by an uncompromising focus on audio quality and reliability, Smit and his team have now taken a major leap in both inventory and technical capability. The new investment comprises 24 Martin Audio WPC line array cabinets, complemented by the company’s existing stock of SX218 subwoofers.
The decision to move to Wavefront Precision was cemented during a hands-on demonstration. “I heard the systems during a Martin Audio Experience Day at the Gebr. De Nobel venue in Leiden,” Smit recalls. “I was incredibly impressed by the WPC’s performance and control; I knew instantly that this was the right direction for our next phase of growth.”
“With the Martin Audio WPC system now spearheading its inventory, Stairway Productions is primed for the next generation of productions,” comments Martijn de Jong at Ampco Flashlight Sales. “The system offers the scalability and flexibility required for larger festivals and complex indoor events, ensuring the same uncompromising reliability that clients have come to expect.”
One of the first high-profile deployments for Stairway’s new WPC system was UIT Week Utrecht—the city’s massive introduction week for new students. Throughout the week-long event, Stairway Productions provided full technical production across multiple locations, handling everything from live bands and background music to complex presentations and high-quality livestreams.
The festival’s closing day presented a significant challenge, with approximately 4,000 visitors and stringent urban noise regulations. The combination of advanced Wavefront Precision technology and meticulous preparation proved essential for the demanding environment. By utilising smart cardioid subwoofer configurations and continuous monitoring via the MeTrao measuring system, Stairway was able to deliver a high-impact audio experience while remaining strictly within permit requirements.
But for Smit, the success of Stairway Productions is built on more than just world-class equipment; it is about the people and the partnerships behind the scenes.
The collaboration with Ampco Flashlight Sales has been a cornerstone of this expansion. “The service and support we receive is exceptional,” concludes Smit. “It’s a relationship defined by short communication lines, proactive problem-solving, and support that goes far beyond the initial delivery of equipment.”
NLD – Purple Group, a premier production house in the Netherlands, has bolstered its inventory with a major investment in Martin Audio’s WPC and WPL Wavefront Precision line array systems, supplied by Ampco Flashlight Sales.
With over 30 years of expertise in lighting, sound, video, and rigging, Purple Group is no stranger to the Martin Audio family. Having previously fielded legacy systems – including W8LC, W8LM, and Longbow – the transition to a new generation of Wavefront Precision arrays was a natural evolution for the company.
The system’s daily operations at Purple Group are spearheaded by Guus Hoekstra and Robert de Loey. “I’ve enjoyed working with Martin Audio for years,” comments de Loey. “The brand has always proven to be reliable, delivering a sonic signature that immediately appeals to both artists and engineers.”
Working alongside Dutch distributor Ampco Flashlight Sales, Purple Group first identified the WPC system as a versatile solution for their rental needs. A 2 x 10”, medium-format, three-way bi-amped array, WPC delivers premium performance, consistency, and projection.
WPC AND WPL GIVES US THE FLEXIBILITY TO SERVE A WIDE VARIETY OF WPC AND WPL GIVES US THE FLEXIBILITY TO SERVE A WIDE VARIETY OF SHOWS, FROM FESTIVALS TO INDOOR EVENTS. SHOWS, FROM FESTIVALS TO INDOOR EVENTS.
The initial investment comprised 24 WPC elements paired with 24 SX218 dual-18” subwoofers, supplemented by TORUST1215 constant curvature loudspeakers serving as front fills – all driven by iKON multi-channel power amplifiers.
The WPC system wasted no time proving its capabilities in the field, delivering high-fidelity sound, uniform coverage, and substantial headroom – even in demanding large-scale outdoor environments.
Almost immediately after delivery, the rig was deployed at Zwarte Cross in Lichtenvoorde – the world’s largest motocross and music festival, attracting 220,000 visitors – as well as the Nirwana Tuinfeest rock festival.
High-profile acts such as Kensington and Triggerfinger performed through the new system, with the technical team reporting universal praise for its performance.
Following the resounding success and positive client feedback of the WPC deployments, Purple Group moved quickly to scale their capabilities. This led to a second significant investment, adding 24 WPL large-format 2 x 12” elements and 24 SXH218 high-output subwoofers to their arsenal.
“With this expansion, Purple Group now commands two powerful, flexible, and future-proof systems,” notes Martijn de Jong at Ampco Flashlight Sales.
Reflecting on the acquisitions, Purple Group’s Guus Hoekstra sums up the strategic value of the move: “The combination of Martin Audio’s WPC and WPL gives us the flexibility to serve a wide variety of shows, from festivals to indoor events. This makes it a valuable investment, both now and in the future.”
A legacy of performance. Powered for what’s next. 🎭✨
At Alfa Theater in Pilsen, Czech Republic, puppetry is more than art—it’s tradition. When upgrading their sound, they needed modern amplification that could match their pace and precision. With LEA Professional, they’re ready for every show. 🔉
With roots dating back to ancient times, puppeteering is a cherished artform within the Czech Republic. So much so, that a local Czech theater decided they needed to upgrade their audio systems to enhance the audio experience for fans of the beloved performance. Recently, management at the Divadlo Alfa performance art theater in Plzen, began a project to upgrade their 20-year-old sound system for greater flexibility and a higher level of performance. The puppeteering theater’s new sound system, designed by the region’s primary AV distributor, AudioMaster CZ and installed by local AV integration firm, Audio Kropik, now features a range of state-of-the-art technologies, including integrated DSP, web connectivity, and advanced audio networking — all found within a set of high-quality, multi-channel Dante Connect Series amplifiers from LEA Professional.
Founded in 1963, the Divadlo Alfa performance art theater (known locally as The Alpha) is a well-respected, 232-seat theater specifically designed for puppeteering. Focused initially on performances for children, the theater company has evolved over the decades to present many genres, including classics such as The Three Musketeers and original, modern productions for adults that focus on sophisticated parodies of current social issues. The company has ten puppeteers who produce more than 220 performances annually. The theater also organizes and hosts a puppeteering festival each year.
AudioMaster CZ initially received a call from the theater’s sound engineer explaining that they were having trouble with their system and needed them to work on a complete new system design. The team then worked with Jan Zvánovec, from Audio Kropik, the largest seller of AV equipment in the South Bohemia region, to bring the design to life.
“The theater’s sound engineer was having big issues with their existing system,” said Jan Zvánovec, Project Manager, Audio Kropik. “We met him on site and discovered that they had speakers that were not working and older amplifiers that were deteriorating and beyond repair — the system had simply reached its end of life.”
The theater would need to replace all the defective units, but with the age of the system, it was only a matter of time before the other components failed. Theater managers and the Audio Kropik team realized that it would be easier and more cost-effective in the long term to redesign and replace the theater’s entire sound system, including all loudspeakers and amplifiers.
“The client decided to take this opportunity to not only repair the system but to also greatly improve its performance,” added Zvánovec. “They wanted to upgrade to a modern, clear, high-quality sound; and they needed it to be more flexible and easier to use. They also wanted new loudspeakers that would better blend into the theater visually.”
The team began searching for system components to fit the theater’s requirements and limited budget. A critical specification was to find high-quality, multi-channel, audio-network-ready amplifiers that were affordable but could also deliver the power needed for the theater.
Many AV manufacturers were having supply chain issues and did not have products available. Additionally, the Alpha only had a small window of time available for the project to maintain their busy show schedule uninterrupted. Upon the recommendation of a colleague at AudioMaster CZ, Zvánovec decided to give LEA Professional amplifiers a try.
“I had not used LEA amps before, but they seemed to have all the features we were looking for, at a good price, and they were available,” said Zvánovec. “The amp’s cloud technology, built-in DSP, and the preset features were also very interesting; I wanted to see what these amps could do.”
THE INSTALL
The team upgraded the theater system with a set of three Dante Connect Series amplifiers. Two LEA CS354D, 4-channel amplifiers are used to power the upper and lower, left, right, and center main speakers, and an LEA CS704D 4-channel amplifier is used to power the system’s subwoofers. The new system comprises a mix of nine JBL AE Compact Series loudspeakers. A Yamaha DM2000 digital mixing console, equipped with a Dante network card, communicates directly with the LEA amplifiers via the Dante audio network protocol.
The LEA Connect Series is the world’s first IoT-enabled, professional-grade series of amplifiers. Ideally suited for medium-scale installations, these two-, four-, and eight-channel amplifiers feature direct HiZ (70V or 100V) or LoZ
selectable by channel. With three ways to connect, system designers can engage the Connect Series’ built-in WiFi access point, connect to the venue’s WiFi, or use the Ethernet to connect to any local area network via Cat5 or Cat6 cable. The Dante Connect Series also features analog inputs, Dante inputs, and external I/O control for remote on/off and fault monitoring.
“The amps’ built-in Dante technology made for an extremely simple connection between the mixing room and technical room; everything worked on the first connection, and we have a lot of flexibility for easy, future upgrades,” said Zvánovec. “And there is also no need for external speaker processors because everything is managed by the DSP that’s built into the LEA amps. These features alone saved the client a lot of money and time.”
Using professional audio amplifiers with built-in DSP has become the standard practice for many AV system installers. DSP-powered equipment can do more with less, and therefore installers don’t need to buy, install, or maintain dedicated DSP equipment. Integrated DSP frees up critical rack space and reduces system weight. All the input routing, room tuning, speaker tuning, and limiting are built into the amplifier, so equipment racks are smaller, lighter, and cleaner.
CS704D
CS354D
“All the connectors and features of the LEA amplifiers are very logically arranged and well-engineered; the manufacturer thought of everything from the installer point of view,” said Zvánovec. “Setting up the amplifiers with a web browser is great, and we created several presets and stored them in the amps so the client can easily change the settings. Finally, no complicated installation and setup of applications; it was all very quick and easy.”
The LEA Web User Interface (Web UI) allows users to view the status of every channel on any given amp to quickly monitor channel performance, including data such as an output meter with a clip indicator, status indicators such as Ready, Limiting, Thermal, and Fault, as well as a quick attenuation level view and channel mute button. With the Web UI, users can also adjust channel settings, including Input Settings, Signal Generator, Crossover, Equalizer, Limiter, and Load Monitoring.
THE CONCLUSION
“Upon first hearing the new system, the client was extremely impressed in that the system sounded so much clearer and better than they had expected; this is thanks not only to the new speakers but also thanks to the powerful, natural sound of the LEA amplifiers,” added Zvánovec.
“I’m glad we had this opportunity to learn about and try the LEA amps; we’re definitely adding LEA to our list as a preferred amp supplier for future projects.”
FRA – Situated in the Nantes commune of Saint-Sébastien-sur-Loire, the former Papa Tango Club recently underwent a rebrand from owners Evoe Group and resurfaced as Moon Social Club.
As part of a substantial renovation and expansion to create a larger capacity, a new state-of-the-art Martin Audio WPS line array has been installed by technology specialists and Martin Audio partners, Make It Event. The company has been working with the operators since 2018 and currently manages around 15 venues for the group.
The client has been a long-standing partner of Martin Audio — and several other venues within the Group are already equipped with the British manufacturer’s market-leading systems. However, due to the specific constraints of the new venue, the client wished to evaluate multiple audio solutions on site before reach a decision.
WE WANTED AN INSTALLATION CAPABLE OF DELIVERING HIGH SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS WHILE MAINTAINING EXCELLENT SOUND QUALITY.
Make It duly arranged several proof-of-concept tests, including systems from competing brands. However, the final choice went in favour of Martin Audio, thanks to the strong collaboration between Make It and French distributor, Algam Enterprise, who were able to deliver a solution with the right performance-to-price ratio. “Make It are also excellent ambassadors of the Martin Audio brand,” confirms Algam’s Alexandre Porte.
The sound system was designed by Benjamin Verneuil, Head of Integration at Make It Event, and his solution was for eight WPS, flown four aside, either side of the stage—after carrying out visualisation in the manufacturer’s DISPLAY prediction software. The line array is driven in 2-box resolution from a pair of Dante-enabled Martin Audio iK42 and an iK81 multichannel amplifiers to ensure precise sound distribution and perfectly controlled audio coverage.
The main hangs are further reinforced by a pair of CDD8 as sidefills to improve clarity and high-frequency coverage at the centre of the stage — along with four CDD12 ceiling-mounted delays for additional coverage, a further pair of CDD12 on the sides, to open up the sound field — and four powerful SXH218 subwoofers for LF extension. These are arranged in a sub arc under the stage — a solution chosen for both practical reasons and overall coherence, as traditional stacking was not possible in this space.
However, the main stage forms just one of five separate sound zones, all of which feature Martin Audio solutions. Elsewhere, a separate club room is equipped with a mini W8LM system (three elements aside) with a single WMX sub per side. Moving through the venue, two VIP rooms are each equipped with three wall-mounted CDD5, and at the entrance, guests are greeted by discreet sound emanating from four ACS-55TS compact, two-way ceiling speakers. Finally, for those venturing outside, a dedicated area is populated with four Martin Audio AQ8 and an SX215 sub.
The installation comfortably fulfils Evoe Group’s desire for a cutting-edge nightclub, with a more contemporary feel, that would appeal to a younger clientele. Said a company representative, “We wanted an installation capable of delivering high sound pressure levels while maintaining excellent sound quality. A line array system was therefore the natural choice, offering both power and consistency. This setup ensures optimal audio coverage throughout the entire club, with a full and impactful sound, not only on the dancefloor but also in all other areas.
“The generous ceiling height made it possible to install this type of system, complemented by double 18-inch subwoofers to deliver deep, powerful bass,” he concluded.
Photographer: Perry Graham
Thanks to
Distribution Partner: Algam Enterprise Installation Partner: Make It Event
USA – When Calvary Church in Jupiter, Florida, recently expanded its ministry into a new facility, it wanted the best audio experience it could deliver to its members and congregants inside its new auditorium.
And so the church — originally founded in 1997 before acquiring its own permanent property in 2008 to accommodate its growth — turned to Milwaukee-based Avenue Systems to design and install the new AV infrastructure. This was after they had acquired the additional land, committing $13m to the new development and repurposing the pre-existing auditorium.
Knowing that within the new space, Calvary would need to meet all requirements of a modern contemporary church — “relatively high energy sound but not concert levels”, according to Avenue Systems’ Director of Client Relations, Terry Rhodes — the audio-visual specialists set about creating an elevated experience. A key ingredient was a site-wide Martin Audio CDD point source solution, which offered clear and consistent coverage.
The new technical infrastructure also needed to work within a scalable space. Rhodes noted: “As this wasn’t a particularly deep room there was no requirement for a line array — however, it was relatively wide. So distributed audio from point source boxes made more sense, and was also more economically friendly to their budget, considering they had a number of issues to address.”
MARTIN AUDIO MAKES PHENOMENAL SPEAKERS.
He also observed that Calvary’s technical team, under production director Steve Sweeney, required ease of use, affording volunteer-friendly operation, automation and flexibility. He emphasised that “the partnership we formed was all about trust and building a relationship.”
His sound reinforcement design is based around a pair of CDD15 each side of the stage, with four CDD12 set back in a delay ring along with a pair of CDD10, and five of the ultra-compact CDD6 serving as infills. “We also had four SX218 subs buried in bunkers at the face of the stage,” he added. These were powered by Martin Audio sister company, Linea Research’s 44M20 4-channel amplifiers, managed through Q-SYS processing.
To truly optimise the system, the new room required acoustic treatment to tame reverberation, flutter and echo.
The team at Avenue Systems was able to relax knowing they had the full support of Martin Audio where required, and specifically that of regional rep Martha Callaghan.
Avenue Systems continue to offer close support to Calvary Church, making resources available to strengthen infrastructure where necessary, with confidence that this robust AV solution will serve not only the current congregation but also future generations.
Steve Sweeney agrees, adding: “It goes without saying that having a great relationship with an integrator makes all the difference. Avenue Systems was always there for us, both answering questions to help our volunteers understand the ‘why’ behind our new space’s audio design and taking time to showcase the value of Martin Audio’s CDD line. We were so impressed by how the speakers delivered a complete, balanced sound experience for our congregation during both contemporary worship and our Bible Teaching led by our Sr. Pastor.
“Terry Rhodes was both a great advocate for Martin Audio’s line of audio, and the value of Linea Research’s amplifiers and how well they integrate with our other systems and controls. We’re glad we made this choice, recommended by Avenue Systems. Martin Audio makes phenomenal speakers.”
The sharks are still swimming in the Windy City. 🦈
Our Connect Series amplifiers continue to power audio inside the iconic Willis Tower in downtown Chicago. When the tower needed an audio system built for power, flexibility, and scalability, our partners at USIS AV selected LEA to serve as the backbone.
Take another look at this 2020 install and see how it all came together.
Located near the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, Claremont McKenna College (CMC) is a private liberal arts college in Claremont, California, and one of the seven members of the Claremont Colleges consortium. Home to 1,300 students, The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2025 Best US Colleges rankings rated Claremont McKenna as the 5th-best overall college or university and the best liberal arts college in the nation.
When the college’s gym could no longer adequately serve the college’s expanding varsity programs, the school decided to build a new athletic center — Roberts Pavilion. Groundbreaking took place in Spring 2014, and the building officially opened for recreational use in August 2016. Roberts Pavilion has become a central hub for CMC and the Claremont–Mudd–Scripps athletic community, offering cutting-edge facilities for varsity sports, fitness, physical education, and campus-wide events. However, the audio in the event arena no longer met the student body’s needs, so the college embarked on a project to improve the intelligibility and audio experience in the arena.
Photo by Guido Coppa on Unsplash
“LEA Professional was the obvious choice for this project,” said Alyssa Ishi, Applications Engineer at Geer Tech. “Its flexibility to support unique spaces, combined with the power of the Cloud, made all the difference. The students at Claremont College deserve exceptional sound quality, and that’s exactly what they now experience every day.”
THE INSTALL
For Anthony Magarelli, Director of Engineering at USIS AV, the historical landmark came with its challenges, not only were the team ensuring equal acoustic coverage across 17 different rooms within 90,000 square ft of space, USIS AV also had to contend with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass.
“Product placement was a real challenge on this project and we were constantly re-evaluating zone layout and counts,” commented Magarelli. “That was the beauty of working with LEA Professional amplifiers, their system is completely scalable so their form factor worked really well in this space and eliminated some of the main challenges.”
In the end, USIS AV installed ten CS354 amplifiers to provide equal coverage across the two floors.
CS354
THE INTEGRATOR
The team at USIS AV was tasked with the AV design and build in two floors of the tower.
USIS AV, headquartered in Pearl River, New York, provides an extensive range of services to its clients including technology services, electrical contracting, AV systems, security, PoE lighting, wireless solutions and training services. The company has a presence in 10 major US Markets and prides itself on providing exceptional customer service.
We got the opportunity to talk shop with Anthony Magarelli, Director of Engineering at USIS AV.
For Pearl River, New York-based USIS AV, IoT capabilities such as LEA Professional’s Cloud Platform are vital to providing exceptional customer care.
“The ability to have this system on the cloud allows us to troubleshoot projects with any of our certified support staff across different time zone,” said Magarelli. “No matter where our client might be based, we can still provide them with an incredible level of support, even in a time where travel is not always possible.”
With the global pandemic causing delays all over the world, Margarelli was working against the clock to get this project completed on time.
“It was LEA Professional’s responsiveness and professionalism that made it possible for us to finish this project, despite challenging circumstances,” said Margarelli. “While we experienced some delays from other manufactures, LEA got us their product on time and they were with us every step of the way.”
THE CONCLUSION
It’s truly an honor for our products and our company to be represented in one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. We’d like to thank USIS AVfor giving our Connect Series chance in this project and we hope that people will benefit from the support provided by our amps in the Willis Tower for many years to come.
