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In an online special event presentation, Martin Audio has announced nine new products including the portable series, FlexPoint, primarily targeting the premier rental market.

With state-of-the-art acoustic design and technical innovations throughout, the FlexPoint series sets a new benchmark in performance and versatility for compact, standalone loudspeakers. FlexPoint systems deliver the very highest quality sound to match the expectations of prestige venues and top-flight touring artists, while their passive two-way configuration heeds the need to reduce running costs and amplifier count.

Comprising five models—all with highly flexible deployment—the FlexPoint series covers a vast range of professional applications, from live sound reinforcement, theatre sound and corporate AV to distributed sound systems and immersive environments. From the miniature FP4 to the powerful FP15, FlexPoint loudspeakers are compact and discreet — providing ultimate clarity, detail and coverage at all sound levels without affecting sight lines or detracting from venue architecture.

Coaxial point source technology lies at the heart of FlexPoint systems, delivering smoother and more consistent response off-axis than traditional two-way systems. But Martin Audio has gone further with exemplary dispersion patterns by incorporating a two-stage waveguide within the magnet structure. This waveguide maintains wide constant horizontal coverage out to very high frequencies, while the perimeter of the cone acts as the horn mouth, enabling pattern control to a lower frequency. Drivers can also be rotated without the need for any tools increasing their deployment options and ease of use out on the road.

FlexPoint Systems can be used in conjunction with SX series subwoofers to extend low-frequency performance and impact, and it was this range that also saw two new additions announced. The SX115 is a single 15” subwoofer and the SX215 is a double 15” subwoofer, both models allowing for pole-mounting of a FlexPoint system. This now means that the SX series comprises a single and double 10”, 12”, 15” and 18” as well as a cardioid 15” and 18” and the ultimate subwoofer performance of the Hybrid® horn/reflex loaded SXH218.

Finally, in keeping with the name, FlexPoint systems support a flexible electronics package. For the optimum sound performance, Martin Audio iKON amplifiers with onboard DSP are recommended. However, and primarily for larger installations, Martin Audio VIA amplifiers in conjunction with a DX4.0 system controller are compatible. Then, for smaller installations utilising FP4, FP6, and FP8, a combination of VIA amplifiers and the newly announced DX0.4 or DX0.6 controller are a cost-effective option. The DX0.4 is a 2-input, 4-output controller, while the DX0.6 is 2-input, 6-output.

All nine products will start shipping no later than June, but some products will be available earlier.

Dom Harter, managing director, summed up by saying, “Alongside Wavefront Precision optimised line arrays and TORUS constant curvature arrays, the exciting FlexPoint series completes a trio of premium loudspeaker categories, our finest live sound offering in the company’s history, delivering the Martin Audio signature sound experience for everything from an intimate gig to the largest of festivals.

“The addition of the two new SX subwoofers also completes a full complement of low-end solutions, while the two new controllers provide additional flexibility and cost efficiency when required.”

Martin Audio has announced the latest major update to its 3D prediction software featuring a new sub array tool that user trials have declared as “astonishingly powerful”, as well as a host of additional features and workflow improvements.

DISPLAY 3 is a powerful tool for both live and installation projects, working seamlessly with SketchUp for sophisticated venue modelling, thus allowing for simpler venue and shape creation. Incorporating many of Martin Audio’s line array, constant curvature, point source and subwoofer solutions, DISPLAY 3 is ideal for cohesive system design and prediction in a 3D environment.

This latest beta version incorporates, for the first time, a new sub array tool enabling rapid design of ground deployed linear arrays of subwoofers. Traditional techniques have been employed to determine the EQ required to approximate and steer far-field beams. Emphasis has been placed on the speed of design using a handful of parameters, rather than requiring manipulation of individual loudspeakers and associated EQ elements.

“THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT UPDATE TO DISPLAY 3 THAT I’M CONFIDENT OUR USERS AROUND THE WORLD WILL RELISH.”

In this version, two sub array types are supported with ‘Broadside Stack’ and ‘Castellated’ configurations. For Broadside Stacksany sub loudspeaker can be selected, while for Castellated scenarios only subs which have cardioid settings available can be utilised—but more will be added over time.

Castellated arrays have three styles defined as Presets, with ‘Bookend’ where the end parts of the array are two boxes high; ‘Buttress’ where the array is one box high at the ends; and ‘Uniform’ consisting of an array of L shaped elements. Beam width can be set from 1 degree to 180 degrees, where setting to 1 degree will generate the narrowest beam possible from the array and by incrementing the width users can get closer to the coverage required.

Ambrose Thompson, Research Director, commented, “While it is the first iteration of this sub array tool, I believe it already sets a new benchmark in prediction software, and I’m delighted that user trials have also re-confirmed this.”

The Beta 5 release also includes other notable updates including the following: an early version of a tool to display the frequency response at any position on a surface; flown deployments of Martin Audio’s latest product, TORUS 8; a new control in the Loudspeaker Property Inspector to optionally constrain aiming angles to those available for the pin locations in the lift bar; default speaker insertion heights, and the inclusion of BlacklineX point source and subwoofer solutions.

Summing up, Thompson said, “This is a significant update to DISPLAY 3 that I’m confident our users around the world will relish. As with all things software, there are always new developments required and we are already hard at work on the next set of updates.”

For more: https://martin-audio.com/support/software

Martin Audio has teamed up with Belair Technology and The Bug Club to deliver the ultimate eco-friendly VW Pop-Up DJ Booth.

Since 2013, The Bug Club has delivered hundreds of events from private parties, festivals, brand activations to product launches, carnivals, exhibitions and street parties but their latest creation, the Unplugged Bug, is a unique intersection of sonic experience and environmental responsibility.

The fibreglass-built vehicle itself is 30% larger than a standard VW Camper and is designed to be a ‘festival friendly’ DJ booth. The custom-built Martin Audio sound system runs entirely on renewables thanks to Belair’s rack mounted Power Tower. The Power Tower is a clean and modern rechargeable battery-powered replacement for noisy and polluting generators and with its easy-to-use operation combined with silent running and zero emissions delivers the perfect ‘off-grid’ solution.

Belair Technology was founded in 2019 with the goal of electrifying events previously powered by diesel generators. Its founder John Baillie grew up with a love of music and a passion for science, having for a time worked at CERN, the world’s largest particle accelerator:

“As an avid festival-goer, I noted how off-grid events are desperate for sustainable solutions, yet often have little option but to use polluting diesel generators. Working with Martin Audio and the Bug Club to deliver the Unplugged Bug is a great step forward and I’m excited about what we can learn from its operation over the summer.”

The custom-built sound system, capable of entertaining crowds of up to 500 people, comprises two 15” 3-way high performance loudspeakers, each pole-mounted to a double 15in direct radiating subwoofer, and controlled by a DX4.0.

Martin Audio Managing Director, Dom Harter, commented, “My personal love for both VW camper vans and DJ culture led inevitably to the door of the great people at The Bug Club. At the same time I had been introduced to John and his work on renewables, and it just all fitted into place. At Martin Audio, environmental sustainability is an important initiative, and this latest development will help explore new possibilities for us in the future.”

To complete the sustainability equation The Unplugged Bug is designed as a trailer (no engines!) and as a policy all their carbon footprint is offset by planting trees. The Unplugged Bug can also be supplied with top quality DJs and equipment, pro lighting, disco balls, sound technicians and branding options. The Bug Club fleet can even offer bar services, with experienced mixologists.

With the summer season fast approaching this is seen as the ultimate in mobile discos, ideal for exhibitions, sporting events and all manner of summer parties prioritising environmental responsibility. It has already been booked for numerous events and will also be on show at Martin Audio’s upcoming Open Days taking place April 18-19^that their headquarters in High Wycombe.

Summing up, Justin Rushmore, Managing Director of The Bug Club, said, “We were delighted to team up with Martin Audio and Belair on this initiative. It was clear from the outset there was a meeting of minds on the sustainability aspect of live events, and we believe we can gather key data and insight that can help to not only further improve these types of events but also scale up to bigger initiatives.”

For bookings: https://thebug.club/

Photo credit: Rick Sleiman

Ibaraki Prefecture, known as the Science Future City, (located near Tsukuba Station on the Tsukuba Express, Tsukuba Capio in Tsukuba City), is a place for citizens to interact through cultural and sports activities.

Among these facilities, Capio Hall is the city’s event hall suitable for dance and theater. Opened in July 1996, it has created a full-fledged theater space with a unique arrangement of 384 seats that creates a sense of unity between the performers and the audience, and high-quality stage equipment.

In 2022, Capio Hall underwent a major renovation of the speaker system, and was introduced to Martin Audio’s latest model TORUS.
Mr. Endo of Sigma Communications Co., Ltd., which is in charge of technical management of the hall, talked about the renovation issues as follows.
“Originally, the center proscenium was of the exposed type, and clusters were assembled using multiple point source speakers on a lifting grid. When updating the equipment, we naturally considered line arrays, but there were issues. The Capio Hall is not very deep, but the horseshoe-shaped balcony seats extend up to the third floor, and the vertical coverage angle is very large.
” It was clear that if we were to introduce a line array with such a large number, we would have to use a large number of lines just to ensure the vertical directivity angle. Therefore, the constant coverture array was considered.

Martin Audio’s new model TORUS is a perfect match for theaters with high ceilings, even though the target distance is short throw. For venues with a depth of 15m to 30m, full-fledged line arrays may not meet your needs in terms of practicality and price. However, point sources may not provide sufficient coverage or SPL. TORUS is a constant curvature array designed to fill that gap perfectly by combining optimized coverage, SPL realization and cost efficiency.

The lifting grid of the proscenium was retrofitted with a new 4-bar vertical array consisting of 2 x T1215 and 2 x T1230. With these four, we were able to secure a vertical directivity angle of 90 degrees, which was enough to cover from the top 3rd floor to the front row of the 1st floor. In addition, the XD12 is installed in the side column along with the subwoofer SX118, which are independently driven by the iK42 DSP power amplifier. A total of six Blackline X8s were also installed for infill and balcony seating assistance, powered by Powersoft’s Quattrocanali series.

Mr. Ota of Audio Brains, who did the sound adjustment, talks about it. “Initially, the concept was to aim narrowly at a distance and widen at a close distance, but when we made adjustments while actually producing sound, we found that a 90-degree horizontal directivity angle would provide a better coverage area. As a result, 80% of the venue can be covered by the proscenium. The auxiliary X8 adjusts the delay and volume to match the proscenium, and only follows a small area. With TORUS’s wave, the angle of the guide can be changed even with the grill attached, so it’s good that we can flexibly respond to cut-and-try on site.”

Mr. Endo concludes: “The Capio Hall needs to be able to accommodate a variety of events for the public. Recently, dance recitals by students have become popular, and more and more sound pressure is required from the speakers installed in the facility. , the TORUS and subwoofers have plenty of headroom to handle this, and we are very happy with the new setup.”

For nearly a decade, Martin Audio partner, Manchester-based VME, has been providing PA for major boxing events in the nation’s arenas, on an accelerating basis.

Starting out with an inventory of 48 MLA multicellular loudspeaker array enclosures, such has been the demand from this sector that the rental fleet has now more than doubled, and this month the rental company announced that it has increased its inventory of MLA family products to over 100. This makes VME one of the largest MLA rental stagers in the UK.

Explaining the underlying reason, operations manager Aaron Harvey-Holt says that this is in recognition of the fact that his company is now servicing over 40 events a year for TV transmission through Sky Sports, BT Sports and DAZN—all in major UK venues such as Wembley Stadium, Wembley OVO Arena, The O2 Arena, Cardiff International Arena and Manchester AO Arena.

“MLA IS GREAT FOR THE TIGHT TIME SCALE WE OFTEN HAVE TO DELIVER IN AS SOMETIMES WE DON’T HAVE RIG DAYS”