UK: Martin Audio has joined forces with fellow Focusrite Pro brands TiMax and Linea Research, in the futuristic new Spatial Studios at London’s Tileyard. This new audio hub, one of several suites, provides a conveniently based showroom, training and R&D Centre for advanced sound designers at the fashionable Kings Cross development area.
TiMax will show off its unique spatial audio and show control capabilities by partnering with Martin Audio’s popular FlexPoint coaxial point source series, designed for shorter throw deployment such as intimate studios. The deployment includes 14 of the diminutive yet highly effective FP4, through multiples of the FP6, FP8 and FP12. Low frequencies are reproduced through four visually unobtrusive SX110 subwoofers and an SX210.
Providing the magic in this state of the art 26.4.6 TiMax suite is TiMax SoundHub. In addition, TiMax Tracker D4 is installed with an eight-sensor system, and the studio also offers opportunities to work with TiMax panLab, as well being configured as a 9.1.6 Dolby Atmos studio. Amplification is delivered via Linea Research 88C06 amplifiers with FlexPoint presets loaded.
Marketing director, James King, said, “This gives us a unique opportunity to showcase three of our flagship brands, working synergistically in an immersive environment. This combination enables designers to create, design and deploy spatial audio content. At the same time the space is available for training and education, demonstration, networking, showcases, panel discussions and much more besides.”
When you’re competing with Friday night plans, you need more than just popcorn and a projector—you need an experience. That’s exactly what Studio 35 Cinema & Drafthouse delivers, and their latest audio upgrade proves it. With a new sound system powered by LEA Professional amplifiers, this iconic cinema is taking its AV game to the next level.
Studio 35 Cinema & Drafthouse, nestled in Columbus, Ohio’s Clintonville neighborhood, has been a local staple since its debut as the Indianola Theatre in 1938. In the 1970s, it made history as the first U.S. cinema to serve beer and food, becoming a pioneer in the dine-in movie experience. Over the decades, it’s evolved with the times—hosting cult classics, beer tastings, live sports, and community events. A major renovation in 2012 introduced a full bar with 40 taps and a refreshed interior. Studio 35 remains proudly independent and family-owned, continuing to blend blockbuster appeal with neighborhood charm.
THE INSTALL
Studio 35 contacted its longtime technology partner Brian Vita, Sales & Service Manager at Total Cinema Solutions, for recommendations on audio system upgrades. Vita immediately included LEA Professional amplifiers as part of the new system design.
“The best definition of an amplifier I’ve heard is that ‘it’s a piece of wire with gain and nothing else,’” said Vita. “And that’s basically what LEA amplifiers perform as. They’re pieces of wire with gain that don’t add any noise to the signal. I mean that as a high compliment.”
The new audio system is built around a state-of-the-art Trinnov Ovation2 cinema processor, greatly enhancing the movie-going experience at Studio 35. The unofficial project goal is to “rattle the shingles of the building next door.” JBL 4732 three-way ScreenArray loudspeakers are the mains, supported by two JBL 4642A subwoofers and several JBL 9310 surround loudspeakers.
Vita deployed Connect Series 704 amplifiers to power the theater’s speakers. The IoT-enabled 4-channel 704 provides 700 watts per channel, supports Hi-Z (70V or 100V) and Lo-Z selectable by channel, and features Smart Power Bridge technology. Unlocking the full potential of the speakers right out of the box, Connect Series amps deliver optimized speaker tunings that ensure every note is heard with clarity and precision throughout the theater.
“The built-in speaker tunings in the LEA amps were great for this application, as was the ability to monitor (the amps) remotely,” said Vita. “That level of control, monitoring and processing made the choice of amplifier easy and clear-cut for us.”
CS704
THE CONCLUSION
With the success of the recent upgrades at Studio 35, the owners are now looking ahead—exploring similar enhancements for their other theaters. It’s a clear sign that delivering high-quality, immersive experiences isn’t just a one-time investment, but a long-term commitment to their audiences and the communities they serve.
Exacting Diseno Technical Services Relies on Martin Audio to Deliver A Premium Sonic Ambience at Dubai’s Coco Grill & Lounge
Exacting Diseno Technical Services, helmed by Lou Agha, continues to strengthen its reputation for high-quality installations in Dubai’s luxury hospitality sector with the deployment of a premium Martin Audio sound system at Coco Grill & Lounge. Developed in partnership with regional distributor PRO LAB, the installation supports a unique concept from venue owner Naz Choudhury — a fusion of upscale Shisha Lounge and Dubai’s first Redemption Bar, offering alcohol-free sophistication with an emphasis on immersive experiences.
Coco Grill & Lounge is the Dubai extension of Choudhury’s original concept in London, which overlooks Tower Bridge. The new downtown location offers similarly spectacular views — this time of the iconic Burj Khalifa — and continues the brand’s ethos of high-end hospitality paired with rich musical atmospheres. When asked about audio preferences, Choudhury was immediately drawn to Martin Audio, having used the brand in his London venue.
Agha began the project with a demonstration at PRO LAB, showcasing various Martin Audio options including CDD models and FlexPoint systems. “We started with the small FP, and he was amazed by the sound quality,” recalled Agha. This led to a customised system design tailored for the venue’s low ceilings, mixed-use layout and live performance requirements.
Agha began the project with a demonstration at PRO LAB, showcasing various Martin Audio options including CDD models and FlexPoint systems
The interior zones are served by Martin Audio CDD6 speakers, while the venue’s expansive outdoor areas — blending shisha service with DJ sets and live acoustic music — feature 14 units of the Blackline X8 loudspeakers supported by six SX112 subwoofers. The entire system is networked via a Dante backbone and spread across nine independent zones. The design also integrates six refurbished ADORN A55 speakers, supplemented by additional units at the venue’s entrance, where a pair of A55 and an SX110 subwoofer create a warm welcome.
As patrons pass through to the Dome area, they’re immersed in sound via six FlexPoint FP8 speakers and four SX112 subwoofers. Even the venue’s restrooms aren’t overlooked — ADORN ACS 40TS ultra-compact ceiling speakers deliver refined background music at 16 ohms, maintaining acoustic consistency throughout.
The non-smoking lounge areas feature dedicated soundscapes: one zone includes four CDD6 and two SX110 subwoofers, while another utilises six CDD6 with two SX110 units. The smoking areas are similarly equipped, ranging from two to four CDD6 units per section, supported by appropriately scaled SX110 subwoofers. One of these sections, Smoking Area 3, is also available for private rental, necessitating a discrete yet powerful setup of four CDD6 and two SX110 units.
The entire system is networked via a Dante backbone and spread across nine independent zones
“In order not to intrude on the lounge’s aesthetic, the subwoofers are placed discreetly,” noted Agha. “I used the SX110 rather than the SX210 because of space constraints — I couldn’t put the SX210 on its side, so I separated them into pairs of SX110s.”
By day, the venue operates with a curated Spotify playlist programmed by Coco’s DJs, with selections favouring Afro Beats to maintain a unified sonic identity across both the London and Dubai locations. Audio routing and DSP are handled by a Xilica FR1 processor, ensuring seamless zone control and sound shaping.
Describing itself as a venue that “redefines sophistication,” Coco delivers on that promise not only through its culinary and visual elements, but also through the detail and depth of its sound — made possible by a Martin Audio system meticulously tuned to elevate every facet of the guest experience.
UK: Martin Audio partner, Penguin Media Solutions, recently completed the third technical overhaul of pubs in the burgeoning 50-plus Laine Pub Company estate—within a short period.
Both organisations are HQ’d in Brighton, and Penguin’s Technical Project Manager Dylan Thompson says that since all three city centre pubs have their own identity and autonomy an individual approach was required when it came to specifying audio. Fortunately, Martin Audio’s extensive portfolio afforded different options.
Penguin’s latest implementation was the Black Lion, a popular music pub nestled in Brighton’s famous Lanes. The client required better traffic flow to draw its clientele towards the rear of the room—where the intensity would increase—and avoid the current pinch point at the front. “The previous design was a bit lazy, with lots of mismatched 8in boxes scattered around and a sub that wasn’t doing much. It all sounded a bit samey and thin, and we were asked to give it personality.”
Placing both the acoustic and visual focus on the DJ, Penguin designed a new cast concrete booth, equipping the compact domain with a Blackline X12 as reference monitor and powerful SX215 subwoofer on anti-vibration mounts.
Either side are now a pair of Martin Audio FlexPoint FP12s and eight Blackline X8 for general room fill. Explaining his selection Thompson said, “I didn’t want to go much smaller than that because I wanted to keep a nice warm mid-bass running through and we didn’t have many options for sub placement. I really like the whole FlexPoint range, Martin Audio have absolutely smashed that one!”
“THS IS A PERFECT BOX FOR THIS APPLICATION”.
To this he added a pair of Blackline of X210 subs—one flown to place it in the required location, and another under the banquette seating at the front—all driven by two sister brand Linea Research 88C10 amps. Sound is routed via an existing Soundweb venue matrix, with DSP handled within the Linea environment.
Another of Martin Audio’s sister brands, Optimal Audio, comes into play outdoors where 16 Cuboid 3T (with IP kit) are installed—described by Dylan Thompson as “great little boxes.”
The entire venue is then controlled via Penguin’s bespoke app, developed in-house. “By using third party control with a web app—and not platform specific—the supervisor, manager and DJs can control the lighting. There is a little tablet in the booth to trigger the presets, and levels and source for each zone can be controlled for on the same app.”
This was part of a larger project in which the integrators designed and installed pixel lighting—industrial looking tubes behind and above the DJ, with flush plastered profiles for the arches, and recessed profiles for wall washing.
Less than a year earlier Penguin Media Systems had carried out their first installation contract for Laine, after being recommended. This was The Hope & Ruin, described as a much-loved grassroots live music venue, known for championing new bands. Penguin’s recommendation was the super-powerful Martin THS 15in triaxial point source speaker, and pair of SX215 subwoofers now feature at the front of the stage … replacing an ageing system that had become unreliable. At the same time they provided the venue with four LE100 artist reference monitors.
“THS is a perfect box for this application,” believes Thompson. “Because it doesn’t take up much room visually, they now have better sightlines.”
Having passed their induction, Penguin were then offered the Dead Wax Social, another city centre. pub that’s a modern re-take on an audiophile’s dream. Here Dylan Thompson made the inspired decision to roam quirkily off grid, specifying a pair of Martin Audio Screen 4s, originally designed as a cinema system, in newly fabricated custom flying frames.
His rationale in recreating a 70’s listening bar theme was entirely logical, as he explained. “We played about with them and did a bit of voicing change to suit the creative brief and aesthetic from Rob Hall at Laine; we also turned them horizontally in their new frames to make them look even more eye-catching as well as gaining space.” He also painted the baffles, and in their new hammered green finish, the speakers have now become a visual focal point as well.
Laines Pub Co MD, Russ Danks was delighted with the recent upgrades and their impact with their young and vibrant guests. “Penguin’s choice of different Martin Audio sound systems has totally energised these pubs. At Laine we are driven by re-imagining our spaces for a younger generation, and all those that share the spirit and energy of youth, The content in our businesses, whether DJ led, vinyl, bands or drag artists, need to sound bloody good, and Dylan and the team at Penguin help us nail this every time.”
India:Situated in the heart of the Andheri West entertainment district in Mumbai, the Luft – The Air bar features an Optimal Audio sound system, installed by Generation AV. Sitting amongst a collection of Bollywood studios and neighbouring the Yash Raj Films studios, the venue attracts a young crowd of Bollywood stars and aspiring actors.
When Luft – The Air changed ownership, the venue began a renovation project which included the installation of new sound systems to impress its patrons. Measuring approximately 5,000m2, with capacity for up to 1,500 people, the bar is split across three distinct zones which can be rented out for separate functions or combined into one space. It plays mostly DJ music, focusing on the techno and house genres, as well as hosts events such as Bollywood nights and a Sundown party.
With the owner specifying “British tonality”, Generation AV set up a demonstration of two British brands, including Optimal Audio. The team played a set of tracks supplied by the owner at Mumbai’s Gymkhana 91 Bar & Kitchen which features a newly installed Optimal Audio system.
“The owner loved the tone of Optimal,” noted Prashant Govindan, head of Generation AV India. “Within five seconds of hearing the system, he decided the brand was the right fit for his venue and asked if we could recreate the system for Luft – The Air.”
The bar
Dining area
The venue has been outfitted with a three-way system featuring 20 Optimal Audio loudspeakers, including two Cuboid 15, four Cuboid 12, 10 Cuboid 10 and two Cuboid 8 loudspeakers for tops. This is complemented by two TNA2800S and four TNA1800S subwoofers from HH Audio for the low end. LEA amplifiers power the tops, with HH Audio amps deployed for the subs. NST Audio’s VMX 88 controls the entire system and all the DJ inputs are routed into the VMX 88. The entire setup can be intuitively controlled via an iPad or on a touchpanel, enabling staff to combine the three zones or separate them for different functions. Additionally, the NST Audio system features Dante processing and a 16 out option was implemented, enabling future expansion.
A private dining area
According to Govindan, the bar’s DJ, Goku, was one of the big influencers for choosing Optimal Audio. “Goku was very clear that he didn’t want to be messing around with knobs and fiddling around in settings,” said Govindan. “He liked the fact that, compared to analogue systems, with Optimal Audio everything is already preset.”
Another advantage offered is the LEA and NST Audio systems are completely automated and can be controlled from anywhere, meaning visiting DJs don’t need to know the intricacies of the system and can just “plug and play”.
“I visited the venue on the day it opened and, of course, Luft – The Air’s frequent customers from the Bollywood world go to a lot of parties,” noted Govindan. “While I was there, I spoke to a few people and they said that the system was by far the clearest sounding they had heard in Mumbai. For me that was a validation that the project was a success.
From local school events to national music tours, the Curtis Culwell Center has long been a hub of culture and connection in the Dallas area. Now, with LEA Professional amplifiers installed, every moment—big or small—gets the sound quality it deserves.
🦈 Product Used: Connect Series 354, 704 and 1504 (13)
Curtis Culwell Center
The Curtis Culwell Center is a beautiful, state-of-the-art multi-purpose facility boasting over 190,000 square feet of space, including an arena and conference center. The facility was designed by HKS, Inc., one of the nation’s leading architectural firms behind venues like the American Airlines Center, Choctaw Stadium, Bass Performing Arts Center, and more.
THE INSTALL
After 20 years of operation, some of the original audio infrastructure began to fail. Individual devices were replaced to keep the system functioning, but the school district recognized they needed a more comprehensive equipment overhaul to ensure reliability for crucial public address functions. Culwell Center staff contacted Ron Stanley, Proprietor of NX A/V, with whom they had a long-standing relationship for audio systems support, to recommend system upgrades. Stanley immediately included LEA Professional amplifiers as part of the retrofit.
“Recently, I was trying to decide on what our go-to amp was going to be moving forward, so I brought in several amps for a shootout,” said Stanley. “LEA was the winner, not just for the sound quality but feature set as well.”
Stanley’s team installed five Connect Series 354, four Connect Series 704, and four Connect Series 1504 amplifiers to power the venue’s public address system. The CS354 is a 4-channel amplifier with 350 watts per channel, while the 4-channel CS704 offers 700 watts per channel, and the 4-channel CS1504 provides 1500 watts per channel. All Connect Series amplifiers are professional-grade IoT-enabled smart amplifiers for any size installation, support Hi-Z (70V or 100V) and Lo-Z selectable by channel, and feature Smart Power Bridge technology.
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, AV teams can remotely control and monitor the amplifiers regardless of the location or time of day, and with no subscription model or hidden costs, it’s completely free to use.
Stanley remarked, “With the cloud registered amps, we, as well as registered venue staff, can get notification of events and faults, like a speaker circuit that is over or under the expected impedance that could indicate a blown speaker or broken wire, often before anyone in the venue actually notices.”
CS354
CS704
CS1504
THE CONCLUSION
Given the smaller form factor of the LEA amplifiers, Stanley was able to consolidate five racks of amplifiers into two, thereby significantly reducing space without losing any functionality.
“The built-in speaker tunings in the LEA amps were great for this application, as was the impedance monitoring,” said Stanley. “With the upcoming graduations, the system has to work error-free, and LEA amps fit the bill perfectly.”
UAE: Lou Agha’s system integration company, Exacting Diseno Technical Services, are fast gaining a reputation for installing premium Martin Audio sound systems in some of Dubai’s smartest upmarket bars and lounges.
Working closely with territorial distributors, PRO LAB they recently equipped Coco Grill & Lounge for owner Naz Choudhury, whose unique concept is to integrate a Shisha Lounge with Dubai’s first Redemption Bar. It follows the operator’s initial launch of the Coco brand in London, overlooking Tower Bridge—and offers the same breathtaking views from its downtown location, this time of the Burj Khalifa. All operations are alcohol-free, with upscale mocktail bars.
Lou Agha had been introduced to the project via a consultant. “When the client asked what sound systems I used, he was pleased it was Martin Audio, as this was the brand he was using in London.”
Agha first arranged a demo at PRO LAB of various CDDs (up to 8in) and FlexPoint. “We started with the small FP, and he was amazed by the sound quality.” He then quoted in various configurations, recommending CDD6 for the venue’s low-ceilinged interior and 14 punchy Blackline X8 for outdoors which combines Shisha Lounge with DJ and small combo live acoustic music, with vocalists, in a non-stop entertainment package.
The unit is divided into nine separate zones—all networked on a Dante backbone. The 14 Blackline X8 are complemented by six Martin Audio SX112, while six pre-existing ADORN A55 have been refurbished and added—four on one side two on the other.
At the entrance another pair of ADORN A55 and single SX110 sub beckon customers in, and as they enter the Dome, they are greeted by six FlexPoint FP8 speakers, with four SX112 subs.
“Inside the client wanted high quality music io be extended to the toilets,” continues Lou Agha, “so we have ADORN ACS 40TS ultra-compact ceiling speakers running at 16 ohms. That way they sound really nice.”
The lounge features two non-smoking areas: one contains four CDD6 and two SX110. While the other has six CDD6 and two SX110. In Smoking Area 1, are a further four CDD6 and two SX110; Smoking Area 2 has two further CDD6 and a single SX110, and Smoking Area 3—which can also be rented for private occupancy—is equipped with four CDD6 and two SX110.”
Lou Agha says that in order not to intrude on the general aesthetic of the lounge, the subwoofers are placed discreetly. “I used the SX110 rather than the SX210 because of space constraints,” he says. “For that reason I couldn’t put the SX210 on its side, so I separated them into pairs of the SX110.” By day the venue’s background music operates off a Spotify playlist, common to both London and Dubai—programmed by one of their DJs, with a theme heavily weighted towards the popular Afro Beats. Routing and DSP are under the management of a Xilica FR1.
On Coco’s website, the venue boasts that “from 24-hour upscale dining to theatrical culinary experiences and late-night lounging, Coco redefines sophistication.” And thanks to its sophisticated sound system, delivering a high-octane musical experience, it certainly lives up to this promise.
Australia: Dating back to 1824, St. John’s Anglican church in Launceston, Tasmania is the oldest church in the city, having recently celebrated its 200th anniversary. To mark the bicentennial the church committee commissioned a major upgrade, largely to enhance speech intelligibility. GUZ BOX design + audio, headed by founder Tim Kuschel, were tasked with overseeing the acoustic and electroacoustic design works.
This was back in 2020, but hampered by COVID restrictions and a lack of data, it wasn’t until March 2021, in the post-COVID era, that the Canberra-based consultant fully realised the overwhelming number of architectural constraints he would be facing in this heritage-listed building—not least the demanding acoustics, with multiple reflections created by a 22m-high dome.
The reason intelligibility was such a concern was because a large proportion of the congregants are elderly worshippers, struggling to understand spoken word services. The existing speaker system simply did not meet the requirements, as it consisted of too many non-compatible enclosures, randomly installed as new extensions had been added over time.
But speech wasn’t the only consideration as St John’s also hosts more contemporary music for its youth services—as well as orchestral and pipe organ recitals.
After evaluation, Tim Kuschel’s upgrade solution to provide enhanced coverage in the sanctuary, platform and presentation areas, came down in favour of Martin Audio’s multi-award-winning O-Line modular micro-array set-up, with scalable resolution. “This offered the most consistent results across the seating areas,” he rationalised. “With its compact form factor, O-Line excels in houses of worship where speech intelligibility is the primary function.”
GUZ BOX had arrived at this solution only after conducting extensive acoustic measurements using EASE software, to ensure that the loudspeaker energy was focused on the main church seating areas, and that the sound would operate within the full frequency range for speech and music, setting a desired Speech Transmission Index (STI) and other key parameters.
WITH ITS COMPACT FORM FACTOR, O-LINE EXCELS IN HOUSES OF WORSHIP WHERE SPEECH INTELLIGIBILITY IS THE PRIMARY FUNCTION.
He built a model in AutoCAD, converted it into a virtual acoustic model using AFMG’s EASE version 5 and correlated the physical measurements with the EASE model. He also worked closely with Cumulus Studio by proposing an extensive acoustic works treatment programme, including ceiling absorbers and wall treatments.
Working closely with Martin Audio distributor Technical Audio Group (TAG), he detailed two hangs of 16 Martin Audio O-Line elements.
For the ability to reproduce music, however, he recognised that additional subwoofers would be required. Thus low-end extension is provided by six of Martin Audio’s SX110 10in direct radiating sub bass arrays, equally spaced across the front of the stage under the main platform. Each was individually amplified and processed to optimise steering.
However, the installation was not without its challenges. Unable to suspend the main arrays from the 22m-high concrete dome—due to it being 16m higher than the optimum speaker placement—in order to achieve optimum coverage, in line with the modelling prediction the top speaker of each hang was suspended 6m above the sanctuary floor. This required customised speaker brackets to be fabricated, to extend the distance of the arrays from the wall. The 16 pairs of loudspeaker cable were also concealed within the mounting bracket. “It was a pretty neat solution all round,” reasoned the consultant. “The installer did a great job with this.”
Tim Kuschel turned to Martin Audio’s proprietary DISPLAY 2software, deploying the ‘Hard Avoid’ feature largely to avoid spill back onto the stage/platform area. In this case, single-element resolution was used for optimised coverage over the audience area.
Other infill speakers have been strategically placed including several Martin Audio CDD6 and CDD5’s, which have been fixed in the side chapel and chancel/choir stalls on ball and ceiling brackets. These were chosen for directional characteristics and form factor.
As for aesthetics, the O-Line elements (and other Martin Audio loudspeakers) were installed in standard colour finish, however all other fixings including cable-runs in conduit were colour-matched where possible to satisfy heritage requirements.
Other project considerations included independent wireless iPAD control for the clergy, enhanced assistive listening, isolation from other interference and advanced acoustic treatment (as well as carpet absorption). The latter included an aesthetic acoustic treatment of Megasorber C50 50mm sound absorbing panels to approximately two-thirds of the ceiling over the main seating areas.
Tim Kuschel can reflect with satisfaction on a project in which all his goals were met. The reverberant energy over the audience area has been controlled and the new audio system provides a minimum measured STI value of 0.61 from the front row to the last seat of the balcony—with the speech clarity uniformly intelligible throughout. He has ensured intuitive control and management by non-technical staff in whatever mode the system is set up.
He has also struck the right RT60 balance, recording 2.5s of reverberation time, mainly in the mid-frequencies. “The organist demanded reverberant energy in the space, and it was pleasing to note that this has been unaffected by the acoustic works,” he noted. “Crucially, the reflected energy has been controlled and so the performance of singers and musicians is not compromised.”
Installation works were carried out by Tasmania-based Contact Group, while T-Built project manager Joel Taylor coordinated and managed all the onsite contractors and systems integrators.
US: Back in the year 2000, RMB Audio—one of Martin Audio’s longest serving global partners—installed a Wavefront W0.5 miniature high performance speaker solution in Heritage Baptist Church in Zebulon, NC.
The splayed array was designed to provide coverage of a church seating 600 with a balcony, below a vaulted pentagonal roof. Audience seating on the floor in the sanctuary formed a 200° fan from the pulpit, which required some angle separation between the cabinet hangs to provide an overlap from the 100° horizontal pattern.
Due to Martin Audio’s advanced engineering and build quality, this gave the church an excellent return on investment. But when it came to refreshing the speakers, a cell defect was detected. Realising that components for this vintage system were no longer available, an alternative was required.
Cooper Cannady, RMB’s owner, turned to the award-winning O-Line micro-line array for its accuracy and consistency, with two eight-element hangs proposed after modelling in Martin Audio’s DISPLAY software, and comparing with existing room data. Suspended from the existing half-circle frame the new rig provides coverage for the floor and balcony seating to the point where the existing Martin Audio under-balcony C115 speakers are no longer required to reach the last four rows of rear seating.
ASIDE FROM ITS THROW, WE’RE EXPERIENCING NO WALL REFLECTIONS, LOBING OR LOW-END THRUST TO THE STAGE; IT’S EVENED OUT VERY NICELY.
Cannady always had confidence that O-Line would be the best solution. “We knew it would be spectacular for that venue,” he said. “I sent them some photos of other installations we had done, and after discussing how much throw they would need they were left in no doubt as to what they were going to get. We have been able to run the system off their existing amplifiers and it went together really well, with all the angles fitting in very nicely.”
Each box could be run off a single amplifier channel without applying any resolution, although RMB will add Martin Audio’s dedicated DX4.0 system controller in due course—with FIR filter settings loaded in—largely for limiting and minor frequency adjustment.
“The quality has increased tremendously,” notes Cooper Cannady. “Aside from its throw, we’re experiencing no wall reflections, lobing or low-end thrust to the stage; it’s evened out very nicely.”
This is particularly important, he says, when three generations of families routinely attend services.“The older generation have said they can hear much better—which is always the top goal we work towards. O-Line brings the spoken word up significantly.”
Aside from the intelligibility and clarity of celebrants’ speech, the church features worship bands, comprising piano, organ, a brass section and acoustic guitars. “When we initially demoed the system, we played music that had some pretty robust low end to it.”
Finally, O-Line was always designed to be architecturally discreet, and turning to aesthetics, the RMB owner says although the PA has transferred “from black to white”, the change has hardly been noticed. “In fact it looks very attractive up there.”
Rev. Joel Dupree, Administrator at Heritage Christian Academy, added his endorsement: “RMB Audio upgraded our 25-year-old Martin Audio array with O-Line cabinets, which produce such great sound from a small package. It’s a perfect upgrade for our congregation.”
UK: The 235-cap Junction live music venue in Plymouth recently upgraded its ageing sound reinforcement infrastructure, opting for a Martin Audio premium PA.
The installation was carried out by locally-based Martin Audio rental and installation partner Nub Sound, and overseen by their Director of Operations, Josh Small. He recommended the manufacturer’s powerful triaxial THS 15in point source loudspeaker, combined with SXC118 cardioid subs to provide both the requisite headroom and vocal clarity—far exceeding the capability of the ancient system that it was replacing.
The long-running venue has been operated by the independent Bedford Breweries for the past decade-plus, but has been trading as The Junction for at least 20 years.
The venue has been systematically upgrading its sound capabilities over the past 18 months, with loudspeakers always planned as the final jewel in the crown. Said Josh, “The venue has transitioned from being a pub that did live music, to a proper live music venue.”
House engineer Dom Chiswell, another staunch advocate of Martin Audio’s signature sound, said the change of direction had been enforced as a result of the pandemic. “When we came out of COVID, we took a big hit with midweek bar sales; it wasn’t working, so we decided to focus on live shows, but make the experience a lot better for bands prepared to travel all the way down to Devon.” The new booking policy is now geared towards 60% touring bands.
WE’D BEEN SHOWN THS AS PART OF THEIR ‘UNPLUGGED BUG’, WHICH AT THAT TIME IT WAS ONLY A BESPOKE BOX. BUT ONCE IT CAME OUT AS A PRODUCTION ITEM IT WAS CLEARLY THE RIGHT BOX FOR THE ROO.
The process to find the perfect sound solution began a year ago, with an open day at Nub Sound, whose own relationship with the venue dates back many years. Martin Audio support engineer Ben Tucker attended, and several alternative Martin Audio PA systems were considered, including TORUS, FlexPoint (and briefly CDD-LIVE).
“We’d been shown THS as part of their ‘Unplugged Bug’, which at that time it was only a bespoke box. But once it came out as a production item it was clearly the right box for the room.”
Endorsed by Ben Tucker, Josh Small’s recommendation was for a L/R THS system, with one enclosure on top of a pair of stacked SXC118 cardioid subs on each side. A pair of delayed FlexPoint FP6, one mounted each side of the room, provide the necessary fills.
Explaining the need for so much headroom, Josh said, “The club stages a lot of punk, metal and rock music with loud guitars, so it wasn’t only about reinforcing their low-mid, core energy but getting the vocal above that, which is why the three-way box made so much sense. I’m very comfortable with that decision.”
Processing for the THS and FlexPoint takes place within a dedicated Martin Audio DX0.6 system manager, which feeds the amps. The system was set up with manufacturer presets and tuned with SMAART and pink noise. “All I really had to do was time align the system,” continued Josh. “I didn’t need to do any significant EQing at all—we just relied on the natural voicing of the system which was great.”
The new PA has certainly been well received by visiting sound engineers. “At least three of their roster of freelance engineers phoned to say how much better it sounds, and compared with the old system, it’s like night and day. Having the cardioid subs, and bringing down the LF on stage, means that drummers are much happier, and it allows us to reduce monitoring volume and improve the sound in the room. At the same time, the pattern control on the THS is really good and that has helped improve how the room is performing.”
Dom Chiswell agreed wholeheartedly. “Feedback from engineers and bands alike has been amazing. The amount of headroom I’ve got is insane compared with what it was like before. Now I am able to hear a little bit of everything in the mix, the sound appears louder because of the added clarity, although in fact we are actually averaging about 3dB quieter than we were beforehand.”
Dom Chiswell had worked regularly with Martin Audio MLA Mini and CDD during his days at university, while his time at Deep Blue Sound, who had a partnership with Martin Audio, gave him further exposure.
He admits the new PA has put a smile back on his face. “It’s given me a new lease of life because I was starting to experience burn out. Putting in a new system, working with Josh and then hearing it in situ has given me a new-found love for my work.”
He says he had never realised that a new PA system could have such a positive impact on his mental health.
Integrator: 
Audio Spaces: Entire Theater
