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Martin Audio has announced a comprehensive evolution of its acclaimed Wavefront Precision line array series and SXH218 subwoofer, introducing significant enclosure upgrades. The launch is further supported by the next-generation DISPLAY 3 optimisation platform, with all new product and software updates arriving in-market during Q2 of this year.

Wavefront Precision is already the most successful line array family in the Martin Audio history, but as Managing Director Dom Harter explains, these updates mark a pivotal step forward. “The series will be an integral part of our live sound future, and with these upgrades and enhancements alongside new features in DISPLAY 3, it’s destined to be stronger, smarter, faster, and with higher precision.”

‘Stronger’ comes in the form of a refreshed fit and finish, with every aspect of the enclosure achieving an IP54 rating for protection against dust and splashes. New corrosion-resistant coatings, enhanced resilience to high and low temperatures, improved humidity protection, and UV stability ensure the systems excel in all-weather touring and installation environments.

‘Smarter’ denotes the ability to identify each enclosure on the circuit through the addition of an LED indicator within the grille that can be illuminated via VU-NET control software. “This has been a popular feature of our TORUS constant curvature systems,” says Harter, “and it made complete sense to bring it into Wavefront Precision.”

THE SERIES WILL BE AN INTEGRAL PART OF OUR LIVE SOUND FUTURE.

‘Faster’ manifests with the upcoming release of DISPLAY 3, delivering fast optimisation, dramatically accelerating the system design process. “The engine of DISPLAY 3 will be 27,000 times faster than its predecessor” Harter notes. “Even complex systems can be optimised quickly – we’ve run a 20-hang system on an M4 MacBook in under 10 seconds.” This speed gives engineers more time to refine system architecture and deliver consistently superior results in every venue.

Finally, ‘Higher Precision’ is also delivered via DISPLAY3 with enhanced control of low frequency and the accuracy of its prediction modelling. “Martin Audio has been working longer in line array optimisation than any other manufacturer,” says Harter. “It’s the accuracy of our model and patented optimisation process that ensures Wavefront Precision arrays meet user-defined SPL and frequency response targets with supreme fidelity.

“Our algorithms are about precision, not homogenisation. We preserve the signature Martin Audio musicality for every audience member – without over-processing.”

To accompany these changes, Martin Audio has also announced a similar evolvement of its popular Hybrid® horn/reflex double 18” subwoofer, SXH218, featuring weatherisation protection, and an LED circuit indicator and connector panel front and rear to support both cardioid and standard configuration. Furthermore, two new subwoofers have been announced, a single and double 18” subwoofer, SX118+ and SX218+ respectively, featuring significantly improved low-end extension performance, weatherisation and an LED indicator and connector panel front and rear.

Harter emphasises that protecting existing rental partners’ investment has been central to the strategy. “All existing Wavefront Precision inventory is forward-compatible with new systems. For those who want them, we offer upgrade kits that add the enhanced weatherisation to grille and include the LED. The same applies to existing SXH218 owners.”

“Existing Wavefront Precision owners can upgrade at their own pace – or not at all – and still benefit from lightning-fast optimisation, enhanced LF control, and improved voicing, through the new DISPLAY software.

Summing up, Harter says, “For both our existing and future partners, this raft of announcements ensures Wavefront Precision systems will remain torchbearers for those who believe in the power and celebration of audio excellence. We look forward to showcasing this at ISE in Barcelona.”

AUS – Sydney recently opened its doors to the much-anticipated Bella LIVE, a new live music and events venue set in the City’s Hills district.

Following a multi-million-dollar transformation of a 1,029m² storage warehouse space, by operators, Momento Hospitality, Bella LIVE aims to become a cultural hub for Sydney’s Northwest region.

The hi-tech infrastructure is based around a market-leading optimised Martin Audio Wavefront Compact (WPC) line array, supplied by the manufacturer’s Australian distributors Technical Audio Group (TAG) and installed by Vestec Electro, who were responsible for the entire AV integration.

Set within the Bella Vista Hotel precinct, the venue’s advanced technical specification reflects the operators’ desire to redefine the Hills entertainment landscape by hosting major national and international tours, as well as emerging and local talent.

The scope of the audio coverage extends from the 10 x 8-metre stage across a 17.5-metre bar, and into VIP booths, while two fully appointed green rooms also meet rider standards.

With 8-metre-high ceilings and a capacity approaching nearly 2,000 the venue has been designed by Archebiosis Architects, to blend sleek, modern style with an industrial warehouse vibe. It can flex effortlessly between a headline DJ set, stand-up comedy night, major sporting event, or significant corporate event.

Vestec Electro conducted the site-wide installation under the project management of Mark Vesic and Nev Hanna, while TAG — under the guidance of technical director Anthony Russo — played a significant role in the audio design, with their system solutions and engineering (SSE) team deploying Martin Audio’s DISPLAY visualisation software and EASE modelling. Russo, in turn, engaged leading acousticians Gilfillan Soundwork, whose team conducted on-site measurements and computer modelling to optimise the room acoustics and reduce the long reverberation time, which led to a system of 36 massive bass traps throughout the room.

Challenged with meeting the operators’ exacting, rider-compliant sound reinforcement requirements, TAG’s design team then developed a solution based around hangs of 12 Martin Audio WPC line arrays (six per side) combined with eight Martin Audio SX 218 dual 18in subwoofers, all powered by Martin Audio iKon iK42 DSP four-channel amplifiers in 2-box resolution. The hangs were flown in custom rigging frames from the trusses, enabling the factory-fit fly frame to be deployed with ease.

Russo recognised that WPC would provide sufficient SPL and headroom to handle full-house nights, boosted by Martin Audio’s electronic steering capability and enhanced pattern control to further mitigate this reverberant environment.

Extensive CAD modelling made bass control crucial, he emphasised. Traditional left and right stacked setups would cause the usual power-alley issue, and thus the final solution was a horizontal arrangement of the subs in a continuous line beneath the stage. This enabled the individual steering of each cabinet, leading to better low-frequency summation and overall performance. To minimise energy emission from the subs at the rear, top, and sides, 100x 30 Kilo sandbags were placed on top (and around) the cabinets.

To reinforce the main system and VIP booth areas, a delay system comprising 10 Martin X15s and six SX212 subs was installed. And to further meet rider requirements, a foldback system comprising seven Martin Audio LE 200 high-powered wedges and an SX118 subwoofer was supplied with two iKon iK42s, enabling an eight-send monitor mix for the main stage.

Consistent with top performance spaces, Vestec installed a comprehensive house and stage data and analogue patching system, including a 48-channel concert splitter and multiple tie lines. This setup enables the space to manage live events and any broadcast or recording needs.

The venue has already hosted major global acts, including Snoop Dogg, Will Sparks, NE-YO, Lil Jon and Wiz Khalifa — full testament to its experienced on-site team and their cutting-edge design.

SG – Twenty years after its foundation in 2006, Singapore-based EXPO AV Pte has formed a strategic partnership with Martin Audio to help elevate the brand in Southeast Asia.

The two brands have enjoyed a long trading association. Gerard Rodrigues’ company made its first Martin Audio purchase — W8LM and W3 — a year after start-up, “all of which sounded awesome”, he reports. They later invested in MLA “which was a gamechanger”.

The aim of EXPO AV was always to grow into a full production rental staging company focusing on the MICE segment (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), and in 2008 the company expanded further with the opening of DK Studios, specializing in design and content production.

“We are a strong supporter and believer in the Martin Audio brand and philosophy,” Rodrigues continues. “We have always been attracted to the quality of the sound and the Martin Audio tradition, and throughout its history it has always maintained a belief in great-sounding loudspeakers. We run almost the entire Martin Audio family within our inventory — from Wavefront Precision to FlexPoint.”

WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ATTRACTED TO THE QUALITY OF THE SOUND AND THE MARTIN AUDIO TRADITION…

Another key driver was the relationship with Dave McKinney, founder of Generation AV, the Asia Pacific representative for Martin Audio. “Dave and I got together a few years ago and were already speaking about our next line-array purchase, after MLA. The trust and relationship were great and so it made the decision much easier.”

As preferred AV partners to venues such as the Singapore Expo, D’Marquee @ NTUC Downtown East and another brand new one (still under wraps), EXPO AV recently made its biggest investment in Martin Audio to date, placing a massive order late last year headed by a 36-box WPC, and including multiples of SHX218, SX218 and SXH118 (flown) subs, as well as eight XE300 monitors, and a strong showing for all the larger FlexPoint models (FP6, FP8 and FP12).

“Making the WPC purchase was almost a no-brainer,” Gerard Rodrigues admits. “The Wavefront series always delivered best-in-class audio quality and once Dave and his team went through all the details it made our decision to purchase WPC much easier.”

The investment quickly proved its worth. “It’s been out constantly since we took delivery — covering all events which have taken place in the larger venues here in Singapore. During this time, we invited customers / system integrators to take a listen … and they have loved it.”

And EXPO AV’s active promotion of all things Martin Audio is still in its infancy. “We have a very strong marketing team that manages the various social media platforms. We arrange a product showcase every fortnight to inform customers and potential customers as well as regional partners of our new products. We’ve also invested in advanced photographic equipment to capture equipment and shows, all of which are shared with Generation AV and Martin Audio through tags.

Finally, he says the support from both the manufacturer and Generation AV has been exemplary — particularly regarding effective deployment of the DISPLAY prediction software.

In summary, Gerard Rodrigues is satisfied that the wide array of Martin Audio products now in their inventory will further increase their perception of being serious players. “Many sound engineers that we work with have only good things to say about the system and we are starting to see an upward trend of new users adopting the brand — not because of heavy marketing, but for the quality it produces. Our customers are happy with the brand, and therefore so are we.”