Categories
Martin Audio

MARTIN AUDIO SUPPORTS CENTENARY CELEBRATION OF WUPING NO. 1 MIDDLE SCHOOL

Recently, Wuping No. 1 Middle School in China’s Hubei Province celebrated its 100th anniversary, during which it has adhered to a philosophy of “cultivating people with moral integrity and all-round development”. During that time it has trained more than 50,000 graduates, many of whom have become high ranked in governing the country, studying, and developing industries.

To mark the occasion, a specialForever Azaleaconcert was performed in the concert hall of the newly built Science and Art Museum, presenting an audio-visual feast to alumni, guests, teachers and students. Martin Audio’s signature sound and consistent coverage created a stunning live atmosphere for the concert, which the school is seeing as a new starting point.

Going forward, this auditorium will be used for a variety of concerts and operas, as well as other cultural and artistic activities, including major conferences, with the new Martin Audio TORUS providing precise coverage, sound consistency and scalability. It is generally agreed that this has created a wonderful auditory space for teachers, students and audiences alike.

In the early stages of the project design, the technical team used Martin Audio’s proprietary DISPLAY3 predictive software to model coverage, sound propagation characteristics and other factors. This simulation provided the optimum solution.

The left and right hangs comprise the classic TORUS constant curvature array, to provide excellent bandwidth and clarity. Each hang consists of six T1215 and a pair of T1230 array speakers—the former providing an SPL of up to 134dB (6dB), and the latter an SPL of up to 132dB (6dB). It comfortably meets all live performance requirements.

TORUS constant curvature cabinets have two vertical angles of 15° and 30°, with a coverage distance of up to 30 meters and capacity to manually adjust horizontal dispersion coverage patterns for additional flexibility.

In order to enhance LF extension, two Martin Audio SXCF118 18in cardioid subwoofers have been installed in combination with the TORUS T12 array. With its cardioid directivity, compact footprint and high energy output characteristics, the SXCF118 provides ultimate LF energy.

The off-stage fill comprises Martin Audio FlexPoint coaxial point sound source, with the FP12 delivering the sound image with accuracy as required, at the different listening points.

Lip-fills comprise four PI8 8in passive two-way speakers to supplement the coverage of the front row audience and further enhance the listening experience. A further four coaxial CDD10B speakers enhance the stage experience, and this mobile return also uses FlexPoint FP12 speakers to provide performers with flexible monitoring needs. In addition, two further PI8s provide reference monitoring in the control room.

The entire system is driven by Martin Audio iKON digital amplifiers, which supports Martin Audio VU-NET control software and Dante integration, and can be modeled in 3D using DISPLAY 3 to provide sonic consistency and precise coverage.

Acoustic design company on the project were Guangzhou Sound Doctor Acoustic Technology Co., Ltd and the sound and lighting were realised by Baishi Safety Technology Co., Ltd. Of the latter, Xu (Rico) Ruixian, General Manager at Martin Audio distributor, Guangzhou Guidance AV Technology Ltd Co, stated: “We have known and worked together for more than ten years.”

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Categories
LEA Professional

LEA Amps Power Topgolf | Jakarta, Indonesia

When Topgolf in Jakarta, Indonesia set out to redefine how people engage with the sport, Connect Series amplifiers stepped up to ensure that every beat, announcement, and celebration is heard with precision. Whether you’re teeing off, toasting with friends, or soaking in the lively atmosphere, LEA’s cutting-edge audio technology amplifies the excitement at every turn. ⛳

THE SPEC

🏢 Venue: Topgolf | Jakarta, Indonesia 

👷‍♂️ Integrator: PT Albeta Sukses Mandiri

🎶 Audio Spaces: Entire Facility

🦈 Product Used: Connect Series  354 704 (multiple)

Topgolf Jakarta

Topgolf Jakarta’s 9-acre complex is redefining how people engage with golf, offering an innovative blend of microchipped golf balls, interactive targets, and a lively atmosphere filled with food, drinks, and music. Spanning three levels, the venue features 102 hitting bays, three restaurants, four bars, several entertainment zones, and dedicated spaces for corporate and VIP events—attracting a diverse audience looking for competition and social fun.

The Install

Jakarta-based AV systems integrator PT Albeta Sukses Mandiri was contracted to install the AV systems based on their extensive regional experience. The scale of the site, new technology, and the multinational nature of the operation proved to be exciting challenges they faced head-on.

“This was our first installation with LEA Professional amplifiers,” said William Gendri, project manager at PT Albeta Sukses Mandiri. “We were very impressed with the amplifiers’ feature sets, including the fact you only need Wi-Fi to connect to the web browser. Plus, the WebUI software was very intuitive.”

Gendri’s team mounted four-column loudspeakers in the sports bar, and a daisy-chained network of surface-mount loudspeakers was ceiling-mounted along the corridor connecting the outdoor bays to minimize audio spillover between the individual bays. Pendant loudspeakers cover zones such as the specialty bar and the outdoor dining area, while landscape loudspeakers and subwoofers reinforce the outdoor range. Ceiling loudspeakers provide background music in more peripheral zones.

PT Albeta Sukses Mandiri installed multiple Connect Series 352 and Connect Series 704 amplifiers to power the immersive audio experience in the venue. The CS352 is a 2-channel amplifier with 350 watts per channel, while the CS704 is a 4-channel amplifier that outputs 700 watts per channel. All Connect Series amplifiers are professional-grade IoT-enabled smart amplifiers for any sized installation, support Hi-Z (70V or 100V) and Lo-Z selectable by channel, and feature Smart Power Bridge technology. With three ways to connect, the venue can engage the built-in Wi-Fi access point, connect to the Wi-Fi, or connect to the local area network via Cat5 or Cat6 cable.

The CS352s power the loudspeakers in the sports bar and the dividable social room, while the CS704s power the remaining loudspeakers.

In addition to enhancing the customer experience, ease of use and futureproofing were underlying design parameters for Gendri and his team. “The technicians can manage and control all the audio parameters via LEA’s WebUI,” he explained. “LEA’s amplifiers can also be managed and configured from a PC or a wireless touchscreen when connected to the venue’s existing Wi-Fi network.”

THE CONCLUSION

The Connect Series delivers an industry-first professional amplifier family to feature cloud connectivity, a revolutionary advancement and a significant benefit for anyone maintaining the systems. With LEA Cloud, Gendri’s team can remotely control and monitor the amplifiers regardless of the location or time of day.

“We can troubleshoot most problems remotely now, which is great,” said Gendri. “If there is a fault, we immediately receive an alert. For example, if a speaker is physically damaged, we can notify the onsite service manager about the faulty speaker and have them check out the problem. We’re very happy with LEA amplifiers and are excited to use them in the future.”

A special thanks to the team at PT Albeta Sukses Mandiri for recommending Connect Series amplifiers to Topgolf Jakarta for this installation. We’re thrilled at the opportunity to collaborate and ensure unparalleled sound quality for many years ahead.

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Categories
Martin Audio

NONI VIE REVS UP WITH MARTIN AUDIO TO RAISE THE BAR IN KAMPALA

Situated in the bustling heart of Uganda’s capital, Kampala, Noni Vie Lounge & Restaurant has raised the bar as a premier destination venue—in terms of both its cuisine and its music.

The latter was something that the proprietors definitely weren’t going to skimp on. It was while on a visit to London that they visited the Tiger Tiger nightclub and marvelled at the quality of the sound. Investigating further they realised it was a Martin Audio rig, and after contacting the manufacturer, they were directed to Tech Ease Systems, who distribute the brand throughout Central and East African countries.

The systems consultant, Vincent Kasule recalls the original website inquiry. “When I met the proprietors, I could see they were trying to create a modern club and restaurant that would be unique in Kampala, with an excellent audio experience.”

Initially the emphasis was to have been more on a laid-back, lounge-type venue, incorporating bar, restaurant, dancefloor and two private rooms (VIP and VVIP spaces). While Martin Audio’s cost-efficient BlacklineX would provide the bulk of the solution, half a dozen CDD6 were earmarked for the VVIP Room and four weatherised CDD8-WR for the outside terrace.

I THINK IT’S THE BEST SOUNDING RESTAURANT AREA IN THE ENTIRE REGION.

Vincent Kasule, Systems Consultant

Six Blackline X12 populate the dancefloor area while X8s are split between the Lounge and VIP Room, as well as the bar section of the dance area.

Coverage in the restaurant, meanwhile, is via Martin Audio’s elegantADORN ACP-55T Pendant speakers, concealed discreetly within the floral décor, in order not to intrude on the room’s aesthetic, and completing the deployment were six ADORN ACS-55TS ceiling speakers, feeding music to the toilets and ancillary areas.

However, it was immediately after the grand opening that the proprietors decided that they needed greater high-energy dance sound, preferring to move away from the softer lounge mood music. “And so we were called in to undertake an upgrade,” continues Vincent Kasule.

The solution was to introduce a pair of extremely potent THS 15” triaxial point source loudspeakers. At the same time they beefed up the dance area by redeploying a couple of existing Blackline X8 elsewhere, and replacing them with the X12s.

A pair of floor-standing Martin Audio SX218 (2×18) subs on the dancefloor are complemented by a further three SX110, ceiling mounted in the restaurant, while five SX112s provide LF extension across the two VIP lounge areas. The set-up is powered by a combination of Martin Audio VIA5004 and VIA2004 amplifiers, and to ensure the sound is fully optimised, the installation is under the management of Martin Audio’s dedicated DX0.6 and DX0.4 processors.

The sonic landscape and general vibe now have great appeal for DJs, and in addition to Uganda’s finest, the venue has also hosted DJs from South Africa, Jamaica and Europe.

Vincent Kasule agrees. In summary, he says “In terms of the audio experience Noni Vie is extremely impressive—in fact I think it’s the best sounding restaurant area in the entire region.”

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Categories
Martin Audio

ADORN A55 AND TIMAX PANLAB BRING LIGHTING FESTIVAL TO LIFE AT WESTFIELD LONDON

The Westfield London Shopping Centre is inviting its customers to “step into a world of light, colour and wonder” for an inaugural winter light experience called Here We Glow. Based around a number of outdoor light art sculptures, it is designed to dazzle visitors of all ages, and will run until the beginning of March.

Of the eight commissioned exhibits, two—Shifting Visions by Adam Povey Lighting and Tessellis by Italian Angelo Bonello—are brought to life by sympathetic soundscapes delivered through Martin Audio loudspeakers.

The audio system for both of these quite diverse features has been designed by David Gregory, at London-based Clay Productions.

The company specialises in delivering large scale immersive projects, and in the case of Shifting Visions they have deployed Martin Audio ADORN A55—one atop each of the 38 x 3m high light columns, mapped across a 12m by 12m square. Providing additional warmth to the four-and-a-half-minute soundscape, which he commissioned from composer Max Pappenheim, are two Martin Audio SX112 subwoofers.

However, sensing that he could match the trompe l’oeil lighting effect with correspondingly disorienting spatial sound to enhance the visitor experience, he turned to sister company TiMax panLab’s 3D rendering engine—which he had previously deployed successfully on a Carnival Excel class cruise ship.

David Gregory explained how his search for the optimum product partnership had led him to the ADORN/panLab combo for Shifting Visions—described as “a mind-bending fusion of light and mirrors.” He said, “In this case I was looking for a small, lightweight IP-rated speaker on a budget that would deliver great sound.

IT HAS A REAL WOW FACTOR.

David Gregory, Clay Productions

“I had heard good things about Martin Audio’s compact ADORN range and knew copious amounts of hire companies had invested in them. I got one to try out and it met all requirements.” An added SX112 subin each corner provided the added warmth.”

Electric Foundry who built and fabricated the light columns also custom fabricate a bracket to bolt the speakers to the scaff bars, enabling them to fire down at the optimum angle.

After his earlier success with the panLab mapping tool he could see that Shifting Visions would be an ideal project on which to deploy it again. And so he again turned to TiMax Senior Product Designer, Dan Higgott for technical support. “It was a question of how we were going to put sound through the columns and make it sound interesting.”

The solution was to distribute the instruments across each different area. “Stand in front of it and it’s as if you are immersed in a complete orchestra. But as you wander around you hear a different instrument at different times,” he observed. “I used panLab to do the gain sharing between the cabinets; by clicking on an object I could slightly move that object to increase the gain share. This saved me having to try and work out values; it gave me the opportunity to look at [the challenge] creatively, rather than mathematically.”

panLab is extremely easy to configure and Higgott provided excellent advice, he said.

The Pappenheim soundtrack plays continuously on a loop, under QLab control, running over Luminex GigaCore switches.

Summarising the installation, David Gregory says the impact on the visitors has been huge: “It has a real wow factor as they wander round and get lost in pillars of light.”

Clay Productions were on more familiar ground when specifying 18 CDD8 and four further SX112 for the Tessellis exhibit. Here visitors are invited to explore glowing tesserae “that blend ancient symbols with futuristic design” with LEDs mapped like a film to an abstract soundscape.

David Gregory has used CDD many times in the past for its warmth, overall superior sound and the fact that it comes in a weatherised version. ”Although the design team for Tessellis weren’t familiar with the box, once they heard it, they agreed that this is a very good speaker, backed up with the Martin Audio brand name.”

The CDD8 inventory was supplied by Stage Sound Services and the ADORN A55s were hired from Adam Povey Lighting.

Clay Productions are now contemplating their next series of projects which further push the envelope, and for which they are again planning to deploy ADORN A55 … as well as investing in Martin Audio’s newly launched A80T for other future projects.

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Categories
Optimal Audio

Optimal Audio feeds the Mediterranean theme at Da’s Lupo restaurant

The mediterranean flavours of Cologne’s Da Lupo restaurant – one of five owned by the restauranteur, Gabriel Zanchetti – were reflected in its requirements when a new audio system was sought out. The restaurant opted for the Optimal Audio ecosystem that AV specialists, Starpoint recommended to suit their palate.

Spread across two floors, Da’s Lupo’s restaurant features a large dining room divided into two areas with a separate bar. A function room with dancefloor occupies the lower floor.

For Da’s Lupo, music is an integral part of the dining experience and the restaurant needed an audio system that met three criteria. The first of these was that the system was customisable for each of the three distinct areas of the restaurant, so that the music fitted the flavour of the day and time; the second was that the system was simple and intuitive so that operation followed the same fluidity of the restaurant processes and that even untrained staff were able to simply and effectively control the volume levels in the different areas.

The third requirement was for an audio system that delivered exceptional sound quality both upstairs in the main restaurant and downstairs in the function room space, where there was a need for significantly higher volume levels to cater to events.

Starpoint specified and installed an Optimal Audio system comprised four each of the full range Cuboid 5 and Cuboid 6 loudspeakers in the restaurant area, powered by two 2 x 350W Amp 100 amplifiers.

In the basement event space four full range Cuboid 8 loudspeakers, supported by a single, passive Sub 15, contribute to a club-like atmosphere with sound levels to match. Two 2 x 1,350W Amp 300 amplifiers drive the system.

The venue staff control the Zone 8 via the ZonePad 4 wall controller so that volume levels can be managed in every zone of the restaurant including the event hall in the basement.

The intuitive Zone 8 and ZonePad 4 combination has been a revelation of simplicity for the restaurant. Da’s Lupo’s Service Manager, Inga Schmitz, confirmed, “Since our music system has been upgraded with Optimal Audio, we have had no problems with the operation and, for example, the different volumes in our various areas.”

She explained, “Counter staff often have a certain amount of mistrust when it comes to operating a conventional audio system. The ZonePad 4 removes this barrier to entry. It’s intuitive to use and can even be controlled remotely using the WebApp.”

As well as adding simple intuitive control, the Optimal Audio system has set a new standard in sound quality for the restaurant. Easily accessible settings in Optimal Audio’s WebApp were configured to enable clear and high quality sound that fills the space even at low volumes creating a more comfortable ambient level for staff and guests.

Starpoint’s Sönke Klan, explained, “The customer approached us with the wish to modernise the sound system and install a simple control system adapted to the needs of the restaurant. We were able to realise these requirements perfectly with the products from Optimal Audio.”

He continued, “while the main advantage of the new music system at Da’s Lupo is the simple, intuitive operation of the ZonePad 4, which includes the individual volume settings for the different areas in the restaurant, the new system also offers all-round discreet but full sound.”

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Categories
Martin Audio

Martin Audio delivers earthshaking sound at Quake Arena

India: Dubbed as Asia’s largest nightlife destination, Hyderabad’s new Quake Arena leverages over 100 Martin Audio components to distribute sound across the 5,000m2 venue. Set on three levels, the venue, which is owned and operated by Jupally Rameswar Rao’s My Home Group, has capacity for 5,000 patrons and has played host to world-renowned artists such as European DJs Ben Böhmer and Afrojack.

In addition to the Martin Audio units, the venue features a cornucopia of technology, including over 1,200m2 of LED displays, 1,000 lighting fixtures and a 12W laser show.

At the heart of the sound system is Martin Audio’s Wavefront Precision (WPC) line array. Artists can also rely on 20 of the manufacturer’s SX218 subwoofers for low-frequency rumble and LE100 monitors for their reference sound.

“The installation has completely transformed our venue into a sonic powerhouse,” said Quake Arena director Raja Srikar. “Every beat and note resonates with unmatched clarity and impact, leaving our guests amazed. The team’s attention to detail and expertise made all the difference in creating this electrifying audio experience.”

His co-director Kunal Kukreja agreed, adding that they envisioned a space that would redefine nightlife experiences. “The sound system has truly brought that vision to life,” he noted. “The clarity, depth and power of the audio are remarkable, creating an atmosphere that keeps our guests coming back for more. It’s an investment that has elevated our club to the next level.”

The centrepiece of the sonic solution is created by eight elements a side of WPC line arrays, driven in two-box resolution from Martin Audio’s iKON DSP multichannel amplifiers. Elsewhere, in the upper mezzanine level and VIP lounges are the CDD12B and CDD10B coaxial differential dispersion loudspeakers.

Aside from the amplifiers, dedicated DX4.0 processors add real-time processing and control over the system. They have been integrated to serve as a backbone of the system, offering stability, headroom and precise audio tuning for events.

Sound consultant Abhimanyu Chopra from Chopra Designs served as the guiding hand behind the audio solution. “Designing the audio experience for Quake Arena was both an exciting challenge and a rewarding achievement,” he said. “With its immense scale and high-energy requirements, the goal was to create a system that delivers precision, clarity and impact across all three levels. The Martin Audio system ensures seamless coverage and deep, resonant bass that truly immerses the audience.”

All the equipment was supplied by Martin Audio’s Indian distributor, VMT with pre-design and sales engineer, Sai Prem, noting: “The installation at Quake Arena reflects the perfect synergy of advanced technology and strategic design. Every component has been carefully tailored to ensure precise sound delivery, powerful bass and uniform coverage.”

VMT director Jeff Mandot added: “Quake Arena showcases the best of pro audio innovation. With Martin Audio at its core, the sound is powerful and precise. This installation defines what world-class audio should be.”

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Categories
LEA Professional

LEA Amps Power Hilton Garden Inn | Dominican Republic

To complement its breathtaking setting, the Hilton Garden Inn La Romana chose LEA Professional’s Connect Series amplifiers for an audio system as exceptional as its surroundings.

THE SPEC

🏢 Venue: Hilton Garden Inn | La Romana, Dominican Republic

👷‍♂️ Integrator: Symantel

🤝 Distibutor: Musitempo

🎶 Audio Spaces: Entire Hotel 

🦈 Product Used: Connect Series 354  (Multiple)

Hilton Garden Inn La Romana

The Hilton Garden Inn La Romana in the Dominican Republic is a romantic getaway just steps from pristine Caribbean beaches. With 130 rooms—many boasting ocean-view balconies—plus a pool, bars, a restaurant, and event spaces, it offers the perfect blend of luxury and relaxation. Designed for both leisure and business travelers, the hotel provides modern amenities, world-class hospitality, and a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for unforgettable vacations and seamless corporate gatherings.

The Install

Hotel staff contacted local integration firm Symantel to design a robust audio distribution system for the hotel’s common areas and meeting rooms. The hotel wanted background music with local zone control for specific areas, such as the bars and restaurants. Symantel, in turn, contacted Fernando Hernandez Voigt, the Chief Technology Officer at Musitempo, for help with the project. Voigt convinced the hotel to install a more robust solution with expanded capabilities to improve guest safety.

“While they originally just wanted background music, we educated hotel management on the importance of public address systems and the ability to hook it up with the fire alarm system to have a solution that background music is only a feature, but not the main focus,“ said Voigt. “And management loved the idea. At the end of the day, we deployed audio almost everywhere, not only in the social spaces but also in service areas and elevator lobbies. Basically, everywhere in the hotel.”

Voigt chose multiple  Connect Series 354 amplifiers to power the loudspeakers installed throughout the hotel. The IoT-enabled 4-channel 354 provides 350 watts per channel, supports Hi-Z (70V or 100V) and Lo-Z selectable by channel, and features Smart Power Bridge technology. With three ways to connect, the hotel can engage the built-in Wi-Fi access point, connect to the center’s Wi-Fi, or connect to the local area network via Cat5 or Cat6 cable. 

With LEA Cloud and companion WebUI interface, hotel staff or Voigt’s team can remotely control and monitor the amplifiers regardless of the location or time of day. WebUI also allows support teams to adjust channel settings remotely when needed, including input levels, crossover points, and equalizer settings, allowing problems to be corrected in a more timely fashion by eliminating travel and saving the hotel time and money.

“One of the reasons we used LEA amplifiers is for their marvelous LEA Cloud feature, which we love so much,” said Voigt. “We’re always on the go, so when a customer calls, it’s very easy for us to get connected to the venue to troubleshoot and get a more in-depth idea of what’s happening to see if it’s an issue we can resolve online or if we have to send technicians out.”

THE CONCLUSION

The Hilton Garden Inn La Romana staff was delighted with the installation. When staff from nearby Hilton properties are rotated in for cross-training and coverage, they’re amazed at the audio clarity and system capabilities.

“Hotel Garden Inn La Romana is the perfect application for our amplifiers,” said Brian Pickowitz, VP of Marketing at LEA Professional. “The sun, sand, and ocean breeze all play an integral role in the ambiance, and how the hotel implemented an audio system to complement the beautiful surroundings highlights their passion for elevated guest experiences. We’re very proud to be part of this installation.”

A special thanks to the teams at Symantel and Musitempo for recommending Connect Series amplifiers to the Hilton Garden Inn for this installation. We’re thrilled at the opportunity to collaborate and ensure unparalleled sound quality for many years ahead.

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Categories
TiMax

TiMax Spatial Announces New Software Release For TiMax SoundHub

New 695S Mac and PC client release represents a significant update and delivers a range of functional enhancements, minor bug fixes and user-experience refinements.

TiMax Spatial announced at the 2025 ISE Show in Barcelona that a new 695S Mac and PC client software release for TiMax SoundHub is complete, and it can be accessed by download by users and anyone interested in discovering more about the spatial audio platform from the TiMax website.

The latest release represents a significant update and delivers a range of functional enhancements, minor bug fixes and user-experience refinements. Specifically, SoundHub 695S adds support for the “Z” axis in the PanSpace and in Timeline, adds the ability to select all objects of the same type within a cue and refines how audio loop points are modified. Many of the key upgrades in the new version software respond in detail to feedback from the TiMax user base.

“This new 695 software release demonstrates the commitment of the TiMax team, backed by the Focusrite Group, to advance the capabilities of the full suite of performance, presentation and experiential products from TiMax,” says TiMax product development manager Dan Higgott. “Simplifying the workflow and expanding the ecosystem for production professionals further, TiMax will open the door for sound designers plus event and integration engineers from all disciplines to push the boundaries of spatial audio and show control capabilities even further.”

The update is supported with a set of training videos to help familiarize users with the TiMax spatialization and show control workflow. The videos guide users through an overview of the software, through Building a Space, Image Definitions and Timelines, to building a cue, building a mix and on to internal and external show control.

Go here and navigate to “Support” for a free TiMax SoundHub 695S Mac and PC software download.

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Categories
Martin Audio

SESC FRANCA OPENS IN BRAZIL WITH TORUS AND WPC

Inaugurated on November 28, 2024, during the 200th anniversary celebrations of the city of Franca in Brazil, the latest Sesc unit opened its doors with over 100 free activities for people of all ages. Covering an area of 35,555 sq.m, Sesc Franca is the largest facility of its type in São Paulo’s interior, and as suchis one of the most important in the country, supporting social, cultural and educational projects.

The supply and installation of the sound systems for both the theatre and gymnasium were entrusted to Gobos do Brasil, a company with 24 years of experience in the professional audio and lighting market. For this project, they chose premium equipment from Martin Audio.

With a capacity of 370 seats, the Sesc Franca theatre features one of the largest stages of all the Sesc units in the state of São Paulo. The venue itself offers a diverse programme that includes musical and theatrical performances, film screenings, seminars and training activities, showcasing local, national, and international productions.

Selected for the main PA was Martin Audio’s popular TORUS series, a constant curvature line array designed for medium-sized venues with a throw of up to 30 metres. A key innovation is the aerial positioning of the subwoofers, which can be suspended and flown alongside the line array. The setup at Sesc Franca includes a pair of SXCF115cardioid subwoofers on each side, complemented by four TORUS T820(8in) modules, powered by iKON iK42 Dante-enabled digital amplifiers.

WPC delivered exceptional sound pressure without distortion.

Esteban Risso, Gobos do Brasil

Additionally, the theatre is equipped with four Martin Audio CDD6 front fills, distributed along the stage lip, powered by a VIA2502 digital amplifier. These speakers, featuring Martin Audio’s patented Coaxial Differential Dispersion (CDD) technology, ensure uniform coverage, outperforming typical point-source systems.

Commenting on the installation, Esteban Risso, Commercial Director of Gobos do Brasil, said: “We achieved extremely linear coverage, with only a 1.5dB variation between the first and last rows. The suspended cardioid subwoofer arrangement eliminated bass spill onto the stage and ensured consistent low-frequency coverage throughout the theatre, without overwhelming audiences in the front rows.”

For larger-scale events, the 3,000-capacity gymnasium will host everything from concerts to sporting activities. Its stage connects to the theatre stage via a motorised retractable wall.

Here a larger sound system was required, and Gobos do Brasil turned to Martin Audio’s WPC compact line array. The setup includes 16 WPC modules (eight per side) and eight SX218 subwoofers, all powered by iKON IK42 digital DSP amplifiers.

Once again, Esteban Risso complimented the system’s performance: “WPC delivered exceptional sound pressure without distortion, providing uniform coverage across the gymnasium’s 40-metre length. The scalable resolution technology is remarkable, allowing precise coverage control via the software—this makes it possible to define areas where sound is needed and exclude unwanted zones, such as reflective back walls, while minimising noise pollution.”

The alignment of the sound systems for the theatre and gymnasium was carried out by Marcelo Claret, founder and director of IAV (Institute of Audio and Video) and one of Brazil’s leading authorities in professional audio. Claret brings over 35 years of experience in live sound reinforcement.

Edinei Lima, Industrial Director and Engineer at Gobos do Brasil, oversaw the installation. He explained: “In order to install the line array with suspended subwoofers in the theatre, we developed and manufactured custom mounts—installed at a height of eight metres. The positioning was determined using 3D predictions in Martin Audio’s DISPLAY3 software, ensuring ideal coverage and linearity.”

Berenice Gutiérrez, founder and CEO of Martin Audio distributor, Proactive LATAM, offered a special thanks to the manufacturer for supporting the project delivery in a record time of less than two weeks. “They made this a clear priority, enabling Esteban and his team to achieve their production plan. This was one of our strengths for this project, and became vital when it came to making the right brand selection in a competitive installation market.”

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Categories
Martin Audio

LA’ SHUKRAN LIGHTS UP DC’S LATE-NIGHT MARKET WITH MARTIN AUDIO

A two-storey Levantine themed bar restaurant has been set up in Washington DC’s Union Market District by award-winning, Michelin-starred restaurateur, Michael Rafidi.

On the ground floor is Yellow Café, the second location in an already successful bakery concept, and this has now been joined by the vibrant La’ Shukran restaurant. Both areas have been equipped from top to bottom, along with the outside rooftop patio and back stairs alley, linking the two venues, by the recently formed Beltway Audio Group. This is a merger between two young audio entrepreneurs, Doug Cyr of Precision Event Rentals, and his friend Brady Rall—both known in the region as engineers for large local sound systems, largely at raves and warehouse parties.

Rall was first introduced to Martin Audio over a decade ago at Washington DC’s once-beloved underground music venue, U Street Music Hall,while Precision Event Rentals had more recently run Martin Audio systems at events and festivals. “Their faith in the brand was further underpinned earlier this year when seeking potential powered speakers for their rental inventory. “We realised the Blackline range now came in active form and just started buying them in multiples, largely because of the price point and quality of the sound,” said Rall.

The connection with the La’ Shukran project was made after Brady Rall had been providing tech support and operating a DJ programme for Unordinary Inc, a high-concept cocktail and restaurant bar group run by Radovan Jankovic and Marko Bogdanovic. It was they who partnered with Michael Rafidi. “So back in March 2024 they invited us to design and install this new project they were working on.”

The fact that it was in a dilapidated warehouse area of DC that was being transformed into a more upscale neighbourhood attracted them. Cyr and Rall led the project, designing the space into four zones. The ground floor, the stylish Yellow, is based on eight Martin Audio ADORN A55, with flown SX210 (2×10) and SX212 (2×12) providing low end extension. Upstairs La’ Shukran required a more powerful approach with four CDD12 and an SX212 sub, with eight further ADORN A55. Here the sound system, described as “incredible” by the installer, plays out everything from Arabic rock and hip hop and Levantine funk to more cool Mediterranean vibes.

In-ceiling speakers are found in the washrooms and ancillary.The two-floor concepts have separate entrances, both have ADORN A55 immediately outside, enabling passing customers to hear the distinct sounds of each concept as they enter. La Shukran is entered through a back alley, and customers ascend a vibrantly tiled staircase, equipped with a further A55 at both the top and bottom of the stairs. “I’ve designed a soundscape that creates the experience of walking into a portal, as if you are walking through Damascus or Beirut or modern-day Marrakech and you hear market sounds, with folkloric instruments,” explains Rall. “That’s your introduction to La’ Shukran.”

Then there is the outdoor rooftop terrace, which forms the fourth zone and features another punchy Martin Audio sound system comprising three wall-mounted CDD10-WR and a further pair of SX110 subs. This is likely to become the venue’s private space.

“I’m particularly pleased with the outdoor speakers,” he continues. “Literally there was a hurricane the week after we installed the subs, and I was worried about how they would function after 100mph winds and heavy rain. But they haven’t skipped a beat. The outdoor sound is definitely a highlight.”

Powered by Focusrite Group partners Linea Research—via a pair of 88C20 and an 88C06—and with versatile digital processing, this is a sophisticated, fully integrated set-up. Any sound source can be sent to any destination, and there is a generous supply of DJ plug-ins and patch panels, with all areas controlled on an app on their phones. “We have both floors iPad synced and wall panels; because it’s a vinyl hi fi bar upstairs we have analogue and DJ lines coming in and it’s hooked up [to a streaming service] and fully integrated in terms of wireless efficiency.”

This is the first of a number of installations that Beltway Audio Group are presently quoting Martin Audio on as they continue to build their reputation. At the same time they are service agents for a number of local clubs and venues in the DC area that they say already have Martin Audio installed.

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