Author: ContentAdmin

NLD – Stairway Productions, a trusted name in the Dutch event industry for many years, has reached new heights in its evolution. Following a consistent path of strategic investment, the company has significantly bolstered its inventory with the acquisition of a Martin Audio WPC (Wavefront Precision Compact) line array system from Dutch distributor Ampco Flashlight Sales.

The journey for Stairway Productions began in 2007, with founder Menno Smit servicing small-scale gigs from his base in Delft, strategically located between Rotterdam and The Hague. In 2014, the company took the decision to expand from its original inventory to a more professional, rider-friendly solution. That led to the first investment in the Martin Audio catalogue in the form of a Blackline system as a versatile, multipurpose workhorse.

Step by step, from that initial investment through to the subsequent acquisition of a W8LM system, Martin Audio has played a central role in the Stairway Productions success story – delivering a powerful, consistent sonic signature that has proven its worth across countless applications.

I WAS INCREDIBLY IMPRESSED BY THE WPC’S PERFORMANCE AND CONTROL

Driven by an uncompromising focus on audio quality and reliability, Smit and his team have now taken a major leap in both inventory and technical capability. The new investment comprises 24 Martin Audio WPC line array cabinets, complemented by the company’s existing stock of SX218 subwoofers.

The decision to move to Wavefront Precision was cemented during a hands-on demonstration. “I heard the systems during a Martin Audio Experience Day at the Gebr. De Nobel venue in Leiden,” Smit recalls. “I was incredibly impressed by the WPC’s performance and control; I knew instantly that this was the right direction for our next phase of growth.”

“With the Martin Audio WPC system now spearheading its inventory, Stairway Productions is primed for the next generation of productions,” comments Martijn de Jong at Ampco Flashlight Sales. “The system offers the scalability and flexibility required for larger festivals and complex indoor events, ensuring the same uncompromising reliability that clients have come to expect.”

One of the first high-profile deployments for Stairway’s new WPC system was UIT Week Utrecht—the city’s massive introduction week for new students. Throughout the week-long event, Stairway Productions provided full technical production across multiple locations, handling everything from live bands and background music to complex presentations and high-quality livestreams.

The festival’s closing day presented a significant challenge, with approximately 4,000 visitors and stringent urban noise regulations. The combination of advanced Wavefront Precision technology and meticulous preparation proved essential for the demanding environment. By utilising smart cardioid subwoofer configurations and continuous monitoring via the MeTrao measuring system, Stairway was able to deliver a high-impact audio experience while remaining strictly within permit requirements.

But for Smit, the success of Stairway Productions is built on more than just world-class equipment; it is about the people and the partnerships behind the scenes.

The collaboration with Ampco Flashlight Sales has been a cornerstone of this expansion. “The service and support we receive is exceptional,” concludes Smit. “It’s a relationship defined by short communication lines, proactive problem-solving, and support that goes far beyond the initial delivery of equipment.”

NLD – Purple Group, a premier production house in the Netherlands, has bolstered its inventory with a major investment in Martin Audio’s WPC and WPL Wavefront Precision line array systems, supplied by Ampco Flashlight Sales.

With over 30 years of expertise in lighting, sound, video, and rigging, Purple Group is no stranger to the Martin Audio family. Having previously fielded legacy systems – including W8LC, W8LM, and Longbow – the transition to a new generation of Wavefront Precision arrays was a natural evolution for the company.

The system’s daily operations at Purple Group are spearheaded by Guus Hoekstra and Robert de Loey. “I’ve enjoyed working with Martin Audio for years,” comments de Loey. “The brand has always proven to be reliable, delivering a sonic signature that immediately appeals to both artists and engineers.”

Working alongside Dutch distributor Ampco Flashlight Sales, Purple Group first identified the WPC system as a versatile solution for their rental needs. A 2 x 10”, medium-format, three-way bi-amped array, WPC delivers premium performance, consistency, and projection.

WPC AND WPL GIVES US THE FLEXIBILITY TO SERVE A WIDE VARIETY OF WPC AND WPL GIVES US THE FLEXIBILITY TO SERVE A WIDE VARIETY OF SHOWS, FROM FESTIVALS TO INDOOR EVENTS. SHOWS, FROM FESTIVALS TO INDOOR EVENTS.

The initial investment comprised 24 WPC elements paired with 24 SX218 dual-18” subwoofers, supplemented by TORUST1215 constant curvature loudspeakers serving as front fills – all driven by iKON multi-channel power amplifiers.

The WPC system wasted no time proving its capabilities in the field, delivering high-fidelity sound, uniform coverage, and substantial headroom – even in demanding large-scale outdoor environments.

Almost immediately after delivery, the rig was deployed at Zwarte Cross in Lichtenvoorde – the world’s largest motocross and music festival, attracting 220,000 visitors – as well as the Nirwana Tuinfeest rock festival.

High-profile acts such as Kensington and Triggerfinger performed through the new system, with the technical team reporting universal praise for its performance.

Following the resounding success and positive client feedback of the WPC deployments, Purple Group moved quickly to scale their capabilities. This led to a second significant investment, adding 24 WPL large-format 2 x 12” elements and 24 SXH218 high-output subwoofers to their arsenal.

“With this expansion, Purple Group now commands two powerful, flexible, and future-proof systems,” notes Martijn de Jong at Ampco Flashlight Sales.

Reflecting on the acquisitions, Purple Group’s Guus Hoekstra sums up the strategic value of the move: “The combination of Martin Audio’s WPC and WPL gives us the flexibility to serve a wide variety of shows, from festivals to indoor events. This makes it a valuable investment, both now and in the future.”

FRA – Situated in the Nantes commune of Saint-Sébastien-sur-Loire, the former Papa Tango Club recently underwent a rebrand from owners Evoe Group and resurfaced as Moon Social Club.

As part of a substantial renovation and expansion to create a larger capacity, a new state-of-the-art Martin Audio WPS line array has been installed by technology specialists and Martin Audio partners, Make It Event. The company has been working with the operators since 2018 and currently manages around 15 venues for the group.

The client has been a long-standing partner of Martin Audio — and several other venues within the Group are already equipped with the British manufacturer’s market-leading systems. However, due to the specific constraints of the new venue, the client wished to evaluate multiple audio solutions on site before reach a decision.

WE WANTED AN INSTALLATION CAPABLE OF DELIVERING HIGH SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS WHILE MAINTAINING EXCELLENT SOUND QUALITY.

Make It duly arranged several proof-of-concept tests, including systems from competing brands. However, the final choice went in favour of Martin Audio, thanks to the strong collaboration between Make It and French distributor, Algam Enterprise, who were able to deliver a solution with the right performance-to-price ratio. “Make It are also excellent ambassadors of the Martin Audio brand,” confirms Algam’s Alexandre Porte.

The sound system was designed by Benjamin Verneuil, Head of Integration at Make It Event, and his solution was for eight WPS, flown four aside, either side of the stage—after carrying out visualisation in the manufacturer’s DISPLAY prediction software. The line array is driven in 2-box resolution from a pair of Dante-enabled Martin Audio iK42 and an iK81 multichannel amplifiers to ensure precise sound distribution and perfectly controlled audio coverage.

The main hangs are further reinforced by a pair of CDD8 as sidefills to improve clarity and high-frequency coverage at the centre of the stage — along with four CDD12 ceiling-mounted delays for additional coverage, a further pair of CDD12 on the sides, to open up the sound field — and four powerful SXH218 subwoofers for LF extension. These are arranged in a sub arc under the stage — a solution chosen for both practical reasons and overall coherence, as traditional stacking was not possible in this space.

However, the main stage forms just one of five separate sound zones, all of which feature Martin Audio solutions. Elsewhere, a separate club room is equipped with a mini W8LM system (three elements aside) with a single WMX sub per side. Moving through the venue, two VIP rooms are each equipped with three wall-mounted CDD5, and at the entrance, guests are greeted by discreet sound emanating from four ACS-55TS compact, two-way ceiling speakers. Finally, for those venturing outside, a dedicated area is populated with four Martin Audio AQ8 and an SX215 sub.

The installation comfortably fulfils Evoe Group’s desire for a cutting-edge nightclub, with a more contemporary feel, that would appeal to a younger clientele. Said a company representative, “We wanted an installation capable of delivering high sound pressure levels while maintaining excellent sound quality. A line array system was therefore the natural choice, offering both power and consistency. This setup ensures optimal audio coverage throughout the entire club, with a full and impactful sound, not only on the dancefloor but also in all other areas.

“The generous ceiling height made it possible to install this type of system, complemented by double 18-inch subwoofers to deliver deep, powerful bass,” he concluded.

USA – When Calvary Church in Jupiter, Florida, recently expanded its ministry into a new facility, it wanted the best audio experience it could deliver to its members and congregants inside its new auditorium.

And so the church — originally founded in 1997 before acquiring its own permanent property in 2008 to accommodate its growth — turned to Milwaukee-based Avenue Systems to design and install the new AV infrastructure. This was after they had acquired the additional land, committing $13m to the new development and repurposing the pre-existing auditorium.

Knowing that within the new space, Calvary would need to meet all requirements of a modern contemporary church — “relatively high energy sound but not concert levels”, according to Avenue Systems’ Director of Client Relations, Terry Rhodes — the audio-visual specialists set about creating an elevated experience. A key ingredient was a site-wide Martin Audio CDD point source solution, which offered clear and consistent coverage.

The new technical infrastructure also needed to work within a scalable space. Rhodes noted: “As this wasn’t a particularly deep room there was no requirement for a line array — however, it was relatively wide. So distributed audio from point source boxes made more sense, and was also more economically friendly to their budget, considering they had a number of issues to address.”

MARTIN AUDIO MAKES PHENOMENAL SPEAKERS.

He also observed that Calvary’s technical team, under production director Steve Sweeney, required ease of use, affording volunteer-friendly operation, automation and flexibility. He emphasised that “the partnership we formed was all about trust and building a relationship.”

His sound reinforcement design is based around a pair of CDD15 each side of the stage, with four CDD12 set back in a delay ring along with a pair of CDD10, and five of the ultra-compact CDD6 serving as infills. “We also had four SX218 subs buried in bunkers at the face of the stage,” he added. These were powered by Martin Audio sister company, Linea Research’s 44M20 4-channel amplifiers, managed through Q-SYS processing.

To truly optimise the system, the new room required acoustic treatment to tame reverberation, flutter and echo.

The team at Avenue Systems was able to relax knowing they had the full support of Martin Audio where required, and specifically that of regional rep Martha Callaghan.

Avenue Systems continue to offer close support to Calvary Church, making resources available to strengthen infrastructure where necessary, with confidence that this robust AV solution will serve not only the current congregation but also future generations.

Steve Sweeney agrees, adding: “It goes without saying that having a great relationship with an integrator makes all the difference. Avenue Systems was always there for us, both answering questions to help our volunteers understand the ‘why’ behind our new space’s audio design and taking time to showcase the value of Martin Audio’s CDD line. We were so impressed by how the speakers delivered a complete, balanced sound experience for our congregation during both contemporary worship and our Bible Teaching led by our Sr. Pastor.

“Terry Rhodes was both a great advocate for Martin Audio’s line of audio, and the value of Linea Research’s amplifiers and how well they integrate with our other systems and controls. We’re glad we made this choice, recommended by Avenue Systems. Martin Audio makes phenomenal speakers.”

People Light, a premier sound and light rental house based in Bogotá, has recently upgraded its inventory with a landmark investment in Martin Audio’s large-format WPL – the first system of its kind in the country.

Established in 2007, People Light has grown into one of Colombia’s largest production companies. When the time came to overhaul their flagship audio inventory, their ambition was clear: to meet the uncompromising riders of the world’s most demanding international festivals and tours.

This vision led the People Light team directly to the Martin Audio portfolio, and to Martin’s Latin American distributor AVCOM, supported in the region by Proactive LATAM. Following a series of rigorous field tests and demonstrations, the company subsequently invested in a full-scale Wavefront Precision large-format array.

THIS IS A WORLD-CLASS SYSTEM, PROVEN AT THE MOST DEMANDING INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS AND TOURS.

As the flagship of the Wavefront Precision Series, WPL is a 3-way, bi-amped system featuring dual 12” LF drivers. It is designed to deliver stadium-level output with extraordinary pattern control, further enhanced by Martin Audio’s scalable resolution optimisation.

The comprehensive system now in People Light’s inventory consists of 24 WPL line array elements, complemented by 12 SXH218 dual 18” high-power subwoofers, all driven by iKON iK42 multi-channel amplifiers.

Since the system’s debut, the company reports that feedback from both internal technical teams and external promoters has been exceptional. Alongside the signature sonic quality, particular praise has been reserved for the streamlined workflows—specifically the ease of system configuration, tuning, and rigging, which has significantly simplified on-the-ground operations.

Camilo Aranguren, CEO of AVCOM, comments, “With People Light’s acquisition, major events and festivals in Colombia will now have access to a system designed to deliver power, uniform coverage, and absolute control in large-scale productions.”

People Light have already successfully deployed the WPL rig for leading artists including Yeisson Jiménez, Luis Alfonso, and Hebert Vargas. In a significant milestone, the system is also set to make its debut at Bogotá’s famous El Campín stadium – the city’s largest and most renowned venue – later this month.

Alejandro Puentes, CEO of People Light, concludes, “This is an important step in our history, positioning us as one of the few companies in the region with this level of large-format technology. This is a world-class system, proven at the most demanding international festivals and tours.”

IND – Sayap Suci, a new lifestyle and entertainment destination by Holywings Group, has officially opened in Kelapa Gading, Jakarta, offering visitors a distinctive blend of coffee culture, wellness, dining, and entertainment – brought to life by a professional audio system powered by Martin Audio.

The complete sound system was designed and integrated by GMT Solutions (PT Global Multipro Technology), with Goshen Indonesia serving as the authorised Martin Audio distributor.

Positioned as Indonesia’s first coffee venue with integrated entertainment and lifestyle facilities, Sayap Suci spans over 3,000 square metres and features a 1.2 km jogging track, a scenic lake, and shower facilities. The venue is designed to transition smoothly from daytime productivity and wellness activities into a vibrant evening entertainment destination.

MARTIN AUDIO GAVE US THE FLEXIBILITY, COVERAGE CONTROL, AND SONIC CHARACTER

According to Satrio Prisetya, Marketing & Technical Director of PT Global Multipro Technology, the vision for Sayap Suci demanded far more than a conventional background music system.

“Sayap Suci is a unique project that combines coffee culture, fitness, dining, and entertainment in one integrated environment,” Satrio explained. “From the beginning, the goal was to design an audio system that feels natural and comfortable during the day, while still being able to scale up seamlessly for live music and DJ performances at night.”

One of the key challenges for the project team was achieving consistent sound quality and coverage across multiple zones. To meet these requirements, Martin Audio loudspeaker systems were selected for their proven performance, reliability, and versatility in mixed-use environments.

“Ensuring clarity, consistency, and control across both indoor and outdoor areas was critical,” Satrio continued. “Martin Audio gave us the flexibility, coverage control, and sonic character needed to support that transition, while maintaining a high-quality listening experience throughout the space.”

For the indoor areas, a total of thirty Martin Audio ADORN A55 loudspeakers were installed. The ADORN A55 offers wide dispersion, balanced tonal performance, and excellent speech intelligibility, ensuring that background music and live performances remain immersive without overpowering conversation.

For the outdoor zones, the system is reinforced with two Martin Audio X15 loudspeakers paired with a pair of X118 subwoofers, delivering controlled low-frequency impact with clear, articulate mid and high frequencies for live music and DJ performances.

Reflecting on the final result, a spokesperson for Sayap Suci commented: “Sound plays a huge role in shaping how guests experience our venue. With this system, the audio feels evenly distributed and comfortable wherever you are—whether you’re enjoying coffee, working during the day, or attending live music and DJ performances at night. It truly enhances the overall atmosphere.”