Categories
Optimal Audio

WebApp 1.5: Thinks Faster, Talks Smarter

Continuing its mission to be the go-to zone control software for small to medium-sized venues, WebApp 1.5 arrives with a turbo upgrade and a brain boost to make life easier for system integrators, installers, and everyday venue staff.

What’s new?

Five Times Faster

With Sync speed improvements to WebApp, the flow of operation is now lightning quick and smooth for both system integrators and venue staff.

Auto Name Shortcuts

With auto naming of shortcut buttons, it’s  even faster to configure systems in WebApp. Fields where a user would manually add names of sources, inputs and outputs, WebApp will now make suggestions for the names of those zones. Based on both a library of preset names and from the Zone name, routing and speaker preset, this added intelligence allows a quick shortcut button push to name the field you are completing.

Configures Systems in Under 5 minutes

These enhancements alongside WebApp’s revered workflow means system integrators and installers can on average configure a 3-zone venue in under 5 minutes.

Talk Smarter

WebApp 1.5 has enabled Talk 8 announcements to be integrated into routines. Routines is the automation of control functions within a venue system such as when music starts to play in a given zone, or how the levels may change over the course of a day. WebApp is still the only zone control software in its class to offer this level of automation that makes installers look like super heroes and leaves staff worry free.

Audio files and announcements stored in the award-winning 8 zone digital paging station,  can now be assigned to a routine, such as a school bell or a marketing message in a retail store. This routine can either be triggered manually from WebApp or assigned to a time-of-day routine for automatic playout.

Similarly, when using a ZonePad 4 in single zone mode, the Zone buttons 1-4 can be assigned as routines for instant message replay, along with other routine parameter changes like source and volume.

Sub18 Support

It’s time to get your boom on, as the update also brings built-in presets for our latest hardware arrival—the mighty Sub 18. With deep bass and punch to spare, it’s now easier than ever to drop in low-end power with zero guesswork.

Simultaneous Update of WebApp Desktop Demo

As with all updates to WebApp, the companion offline tool, WebApp Desktop Demo, is also updated so users can get familiar with all functionality of WebApp without the need to be connected to a system.

Matt Rowe, the man leading the engineering wizardry, commented, “WebApp 1.5 isn’t just an update, it’s a leap toward a faster, friendlier, and more flexible audio control experience—because great venue sound should never be hard work.”

Download WebApp1.5 and Desktop Demo: https://optimal-audio.co.uk/support/software/

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Categories
LEA Professional

LEA Amps Power Henry Dorrbaker’s

At Henry Dorrbaker’s, the energy is nonstop—buzzing with the clatter of bowling pins, the laughter from arcade games, and the chatter from a packed dining room. To match that high-octane atmosphere, they needed audio that could keep up. That’s why they chose LEA amplifiers to deliver powerful, crystal-clear sound throughout every inch of the space.

THE SPEC

🎳 Venue: Henry Dorrbaker’s | Beloit, Wisconsin

👷‍♂️ Integrator: SVL Productions

🎶 Audio Spaces: Dining and Gaming Areas

🦈 Product Used: Connect Series 124D354D, and 702D  (Multiple)

Henry Dorrbaker’s

Located in the heart of the vibrant and historical town of Beloit, Wisconsin, Henry Dorrbaker’s Pub & Play is a premier dining and gaming destination popular for its elevated menu, lively bar scene, and versatile indoor-outdoor entertainment spaces. From the 12 customized duckpin bowling lanes to the indoor mini golf course, Henry Dorrbaker’s provides a seamless blend of casual elegance, making it the perfect spot for both weekday dining and weekend entertainment.

THE INSTALL

To create an exceptional audio experience for their diners and players, the team at Henry Dorrbaker’s turned to Brent Hayes, President of the Cherry Valley, IL-based AV integrator SVL Productions, to design and install a sound system to elevate the already amazing upbeat atmosphere inside the venue. The goal was to provide polished background music, flexible zone control, and capabilities fit for the fast-paced and ever-changing needs of live entertainment, all while ensuring simple remote management for the venue’s staff. 

SVL specified LEA Professional Connect Series amplifiers and the LEA Cloud for this project, leveraging the company’s industry-renowned features and reliable performance standards to meet the venue’s needs. Hayes installed the Connect Series 124DConnect Series 354D, and Connect Series 702D amplifiers to enhance the guest experience at Henry Dorrbaker’s.

“We greatly appreciate the LEA Cloud platform and the Connect Series amplifiers as they provide us with extensive visibility and control over our customers’ systems,” said Hayes. “We currently have hundreds of LEA amplifiers online and anticipate adding around 30 more in the coming months. The remote access feature allows us to support our clients efficiently without needing to be on-site.”

The Connect Series amplifiers provide Dante-enabled network connectivity, making them ideal for Henry Dorrbaker’s distributed audio system. Featuring Smart Power Bridge technology, these amplifiers allow for flexible configuration with both high- and low-impedance speakers, ensuring consistent, high-quality audio throughout the venue. Hayes utilized the LEA Cloud, which enables staff to monitor and manage the amplifiers remotely. This cloud-based platform offers real-time insights into amplifier performance, allowing for quick and efficient system adjustments and troubleshooting.

The Connect Series amplifiers offer audio power to various zones throughout Henry Dorrbaker’s, ensuring vibrant sound coverage in the dining areas, bar, restrooms, and outdoor spaces. The amplifiers drive the outdoor speakers, transforming the patio into a lively venue for guests to enjoy fresh air and amazing audio with their night out. As the weather warms up, the team looks forward to fully utilizing the outdoor space to enhance the guest experience with high-quality audio.

THE CONCLUSION

“Henry Dorrbaker’s is an excellent venue with a vibrant atmosphere, and the LEA Professional amplifiers are a perfect fit,” said Hayes. “The flexibility, reliability, and remote management features of the Connect Series make them the preferred choice for installations with this many moving parts. We already have a few LEA projects planned and expect to have many more in the future.”

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Categories
Martin Audio

MCGETTIGAN’S PARTNER WITH MARRIOTT AND MARTIN AUDIO IN DUBAI

UAE: The McGettigan’s Irish Pub franchise continues to expand across Dubai, but their latest bar and restaurant—situated in the Four Points by Sheraton Production City—is the first to be located within a Marriott-owned hotel property.

Set within this growing production hub it will serve the community of media-based businesses who are resident there. Also based at Production City are Martin Audio’s distributor for the UAE and GCC region, PRO LAB LLC, who will be able to use the venue as a showcase. For they supported system integrators Exacting Diseno Technical Services—specialists in the leisure hospitality sector—helping to recommend appropriate sound reinforcement solutions across several ranges in the loudspeaker manufacturer’s portfolio.

Set on a 5,000 sq. ft footprint, the lively bar restaurant offers a haven for business meetings for the hotel residents, transforming at the weekends when the action notches up. DJs perform and the general vibe is one of a sports bar with plenty of screens.

Thus versatility (and the rising tide of ambient sound at weekends) was very much in their thinking when it came to specifying the sound. But PRO LAB knew they were in safe hands with Exacting Diseno. “They are big supporters of Martin Audio, it’s their number one choice, when it comes to specifying sound systems,” stated PRO LAB’s Head of Audio, Pavel Shemiakin.

“When they started negotiating with the client it was made clear that they wanted a high-performance system—a HiFi sound with plenty of punch—because while it’s mostly playing low level BGM during the daylight hours, it also reverts to a sports bar and has DJ plug-in points. So Martin Audio became the obvious choice.”

The heavy focus is at the DJ position where a pair of CDD12 are mounted, while distributed evenly throughout the venue are a further nine wall mounted CDD6. These are reinforced by four ground-standing Martin Audio Blackline X115 subwoofers for LF extension.

However, the installation company, under the project leadership of Lou Agha, was still far from finished. For the outdoor terrace area they turned to 12 of Martin Audio’s ADORN A55T, supplied with the optional AIPKIT IP44 weatherised cover. This area can either take its source feed from the main room, or operate from an independent input and volume control, ensuring maximum versatility.

Stated Rami Haber. Pro Lab CEO, “Partnering with McGettigan’s reflects our commitment to supporting Dubai’s top venues with exceptional audio solutions that elevate the guest experience.”

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Categories
Martin Audio

SUTTER HEALTH PARK UPGRADES WITH MARTIN AUDIO & LINEA RESEARCH

US: Situated in West Sacramento, CA, Sutter Health Park—home to the River Cats baseball team and ‘A’s’ (Athletics)—has undergone a major infrastructure upgrade for the coming season, designed to enhance the fan experience and improve game-day technology.

This includes a strategically enhanced sound system for the bowl—based around Martin Audio CDD and SX subwoofer components, as well as process-controlled amplification from Focusrite sister brand, Linea Research, in the 14,000-cap arena.

The River Cats had acknowledged that their 25-year-old system badly needed enhancing. Locally based Martin Audio partner, Sacramento Production Services (SACPS)—who have a long history in servicing the facility—were brought in, initially to project manage for a third party before later being handed the full role of system integrator, as the time frame for completion narrowed.

Their experienced Sales & Production Manager, Keith Wackford said, “The brief was to get the present system back up and running after they had completely gutted the control room. “In the process they said, ‘What can we do to upgrade the system?’ They wanted a major league experience in a minor league park on a minor league budget.”

Wackford and his long-term associate and project manager, Anthony Brown, undertook a site survey and immediately recognised the imperfections—aside from the tired PA components. Budget and time frame restrictions would not allow for replacement of the main bowl speakers. “But with the addition of the new Linea Research amplification (LR-44C10M-Dante), it’s as if they purchased new speakers.

WE ARE IMPRESSED WITH CDD10, FOR ITS THROW AND INTELLIGIBILITY.

Keith Wackford, Sacramento Production Services

“Elsewhere, it was a case of what would give us the best bang for the buck. We knew the system had always been lacking in subwoofers and if we were going to put in subs, we also needed to ensure the [infill and outfill] boxes would keep up.”

As a long-term Martin Audio partner they contacted Will Harris and Jim Sage at Martin Audio USA, who recommended the SX115 for its superior outdoor driver. “The 25-year-old outfield speakers 

on light poles were in really bad shape,” acknowledges Wackford, “and although difficult to get access to we knew we had to change them and replace them with [weatherised] CDD15W-WR. For how high up they are, everyone is absolutely impressed.” In fact one of the speakers is close to 80ft.

Of the CDD deployment he said, “The CDD15 gave us a little more low end and full range in the outfield, as the bowl PA doesn’t really reach out to there. We also like CDD’s whole intelligibility; at low volumes it’s got a really good intelligibility out of the far throw, plus it’s impressive how wide they are at the near point.”

Distributed around the bowl, the subs themselves are mounted on I-Beams to the underside of the VIP suites, while 30 CDD10W-WR bowl fill speakers were added in conjunction with the subs. After consideration, they opted for one per each seating section, running right round the facility.

“We are impressed with CDD10, for its throw and intelligibility—and the way it couples to the high frequency driver to carry the HF driver a bit further. One of the reasons we went for the CDD10 over the CDD8 is because it has a yoke, and we wanted something that would allow us to pan and tilt in an easy manner.”

In addition to the amplifiers and speakers, SACPS upgraded the mixing console, as well as the main system processor and touch screen interfaces to Symetrix. “Symetrix allowed us to use the Linea Research Intelligent modules bringing the amplifier telemetry data right onto the users’ touch screen remote—giving the user information as to what the nine LR-44CC status and signals are doing. The system is all running Dante with an analogue fail over from the console to the Symetrix, and to all nine LR-44C amps around the facility,” Keith Wackford explained.

Better known as ‘Raley Field’, the site itself is directly adjacent to downtown Sacramento, with a whole neighbourhood growing up around it. “We had a crazy speed limit of, I think 85dB, A-weighted 15ft from a source. So trying to do line array from the outfield or subs up high wouldn’t work. We had to keep things contained within the ballpark as there are a lot of new apartments with high rise buildings springing up. Everything distributed as close to the listening area as possible is critical.”

System feeds include DJs on the concourse, taking advantage of the new audio inputs, and there are plans for future live entertainment. Main PA and pre-recorded live safety messages also run through the system. “Messaging now sounds so much better,” believes Keith Wackford.

Aside from him, Anthony Brown acted as project manager; onsite programming and networking were provided by Brian Webber, while due to the tight time frame Alive Media were brought in to provide on-site installation, wiring and labour. Finally, Symetrix programmer Nick Danielson did “an amazing job” according to Wackford.

The client is delighted with the result following the upgrade. According to Eric King, VIP Technology, “The difference is night and day—the quality, clarity, and overall experience are next level. We really appreciate the attention to detail, the seamless install, and the passion brought to the project

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Categories
Martin Audio

TORUS IS A GOA AT GOYA

INDIA: GOYA is a premier lounge and nightclub in Goa’s tourist hotspot of Vagator Beach. The venue blends high-energy entertainment with a luxurious atmosphere, offering a space where music, lighting, and ambiance converge to create a dynamic, immersive interior. With a reputation for hosting top-tier DJs and live performances, GOYA sets the benchmark for sound and experience-driven nightlife in the region.

The venue required an audio solution that could match this vibrant energy while maintaining pristine sound quality across different areas of the club. The client, Mr. Rajan envisioned a system that would elevate the experience for DJs and live performers, embracing deep bass, clear mids and detailed highs.

With the need for seamless integration between dance areas and lounge spaces, the sound system had to be powerful yet precise, preventing audio spill, while maintaining an immersive feel. The installation team at Chopra Designsfocused on delivering uniform, high-fidelity coverage to every corner of the venue to enhance both live performances and playback experiences.

THE NEW SYSTEM HAS ELEVATED THE ENTIRE CLUB EXPERIENCE, AND THE RESPONSE FROM OUR GUESTS HAS BEEN OVERWHELMINGLY POSITIVE.

Mr. Rajan, GOYA

To achieve this, the venue’s main area was fitted with Martin Audio state-of-the-art TORUS T1215, 12” passive constant curvature array loudspeaker, complemented with Martin Audio’s CDD15B and CDD12B coaxial differential dispersion on-wall speakers. Powering the entire setup was the Martin Audio iK42, a four-channel 20,000W Class D amplifier, along with the DX 0.6 2-in/6-out dedicated system controller for optimised sound processing. For additional reinforcement, compatible subwoofers were installed to provide depth.

With this advanced blend of technology, the new sound system elevates the venue’s reputation as a premier nightlife destination in Goa. The installation has not only met but exceeded the client’s expectations, setting a new standard for sound reinforcement in the region.

“The transformation in our venue’s sound is incredible,” said Mr. Rajan. “From the dance floor to the lounge, the clarity and impact are unmatched. The new system has elevated the entire club experience, and the response from our guests has been overwhelmingly positive.”

“The installation at GOYA perfectly balances power and precision, creating an immersive sound experience throughout the venue,” added Abhimanyu Chopra,Sound Consultant, Chopra Designs. “The system delivers exceptional clarity and impact, ensuring that every performance sounds exactly as intended.”

The Martin Audio components were supplied by the company’s distribution partner, VMT Enterprise, whose Pre-Design & Sales Engineer, Sai Prem,concluded, “The system delivers an outstanding combination of clarity and power, ensuring an immersive experience throughout the venue. Every element has been fine-tuned to provide a balanced and dynamic sound that enhances both live performances and DJ sets.”

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Categories
LEA Professional

LEA Amps Power Wellington International

Wellington International is more than just a premier destination for world-class equestrian events — it’s a hub of innovation, where cutting-edge technology meets exceptional experiences. With a forward-thinking team that understands the unique demands of outdoor venues, they chose LEA amplifiers to get the job done. 

THE SPEC

🐎 Venue: Wellington International | Wellington, Florida

👷‍♂️ Integrator: Wellington AV Team

🎶 Audio Spaces: Main Ring and Stadium

🦈 Product Used: Connect Series 354D704 and 704D (Multiple)

Wellington International

Wellington, Florida, is home to Wellington International, “The Winter Equestrian Capital of the World.” Established in 1974, the iconic equestrian venue covers over 111 acres and boasts 14 state-of-the-art competition arenas, along with more than 500 permanent equine stalls. Wellington International is recognized for hosting the Winter Equestrian Festival, the world’s largest and longest-running hunter/jumper horse show, from January through March. In combination with the ESP Annual Series Circuit, Wellington International hosts 42 weeks of equestrian competitions annually, regularly hosting some of the top riders in the world and over 350,000 attendees.

THE INSTALL

Wellington International’s management team is very tech-forward and acknowledges the value and benefits that superior AV solutions bring to outdoor venues. The venue has recently undertaken a holistic overhaul of its AV systems to provide a more consistent and expandable solution. Overseeing the retrofit is Patrick McKenney, Director of Technology at Wellington International, who immediately turned to LEA Professional amplifiers to help improve sound quality around the property.

“As large as our property is, we began with a pilot program at our dressage ring to see how the new system components performed regarding dust and humidity,” said McKenney. “Dressage involves a custom music soundtrack for each rider, so it’s essential that the rider and horse hear the music. Once we switched over to LEA amplifiers, there was a night and day difference in the audio clarity and power of the amplifiers. It’s really impressive.”

McKenney deployed Connect Series 704 amplifiers to power the ring’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. Venue staff can connect to the built-in Wi-Fi access point, the center’s Wi-Fi, or the local area network via Cat5 or Cat6 cable. The CS704s also provide the DSP for the dressage arena’s audio system.

Given the pilot program’s success, McKenney moved forward with upgrading the main stadium’s AV system, deploying Dante Connect 704D and Dante Connect 352D amplifiers. The 352D is a 2-channel amplifier with 350 watts per channel. Dante Connect models include the same features as Network Connect models, plus 96kHz-capable Dante and AES67 connectivity options.

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 their location or time of day. 

THE CONCLUSION

Upgrading the main ring’s AV system amid Wellington’s busy equestrian schedule is a testament to the improvements that LEA amplifiers provide.

“LEA’s form factor, weight, networkability, and basically everything makes the gear so much more convenient,” said McKenney. “The built-in DSP in the amplifier is massive. Being able to control the amps remotely and make changes on the fly is really cool. I’ve been super happy with LEA’s’ products and look forward to using them as much as possible.”

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Categories
Martin Audio

SWINGERS’ MASSIVE LAS VEGAS SITE PARTIES WITH 170 MARTIN AUDIO SPEAKERS

US: Middlesex Sound & Light (MSL) have successfully delivered the biggest contract in their 41-year history, with the opening of the flagshipSwingers– the crazy golf club in Las Vegas.

Set on a massive 40,000 sq. ft site inside Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino (on the world-famous Las Vegas Strip), the venue boasts no fewer than 170 Martin Audio loudspeakers, including 122 CDD6. This popular series MSL have been installing regularly atSwingerssince the corporate-friendly crazy golf concept was first rolled out in London before it expanded to the USA.SwingersLondon was one of the first deployments of CDD, and to date MSL have racked up more CDD deployments than any other UK-based dealer.

Swingersis the brainchild of two successful entrepreneurs,Matt Grech-Smith and Jeremy Simmonds. Martin Audio now appears in allSwingersvenues as the vibrant entertainment concept continues to evolve. Run with the support of MGM Resorts, the Las Vegas operation not only offers four 9-hole crazy golf courses, but alsoSwingers’ new fairground-style Carnival games arcade concept.

The focal point dominating the entire central section ofSwingersLas Vegas is a long,1920s style English country house, its façade brought to life with a constant flow of projected imagery.

Here, three Martin Audio TORUS T1230 constant curvature arrays, flown discreetly on each side with a pair of cardioid SXCF118 subwoofers, create a classic proscenium PA system. Four powerful CDD10 are located within the country house’s ‘sunken garden’ where the generous balcony doubles as a stage, providing a performance area for small combos, as well as corporate presentations. Further CDD10s are provided for artists’ reference sound, while in the lower section of the house is a DJ station — which comes into its own later in the day and extra volume is required. Elsewhere, no fewer than 122 CDD6 boxes are distributed throughout the venue.

MSL’s system designer, Steve Billington, explained that the Las Vegas site represents a conversionof the former LIGHT nightclub. His first site survey was to ascertain whether any of the existing sound equipment was salvageable. “But it was clear that nothing could be reutilised,” he said, “and so with our existing brand template Martin Audio was always going to be the obvious choice. The question was how we could adapt this template to such a large-scale space that it is.

“With a constantly moving audience, the reason we choose CDD6 is because the dispersion is so wide, and gives consistent coverage compared with a traditional speaker.” This is because it achieves a rectangular, extendable coverage pattern, which is ultra-wide close to the speaker.

MSL’s approach is broadly to allocate a ratio of three SX subs to 12 CDD6. In this application, they have also been careful to place an SXC115 (cardioid) in the DJ booth, since there is an exclusive private hire space directly behind the DJ booth “and this keeps the impact on the dancefloor without bothering the VIP space,” notes Billington. Elsewhere, LF extension, where necessary, is provided through a combination of 30 SX110 and SX210 subwoofers.

Much of the magic had already taken place in the 3D software prior to installation. The design was modelled using Martin Audio’s advanced DISPLAY3 visualisation software, importing Revit and SketchUp models provided by the architect. “SketchUp is a very powerful tool, allowing us to simulate everything, especially TORUS,” says Billington. “For while we’re very comfortable with CDD, which is a tried and tested formula, with TORUS it was useful to be able to measure the coverage patterns.”

Both Steve Billington and MSL MD Darrel Olivier acknowledge that although its footprint may be larger, “the beauty of the TORUS boxes in this application is that they lose themselves because of the height we’ve installed them at.”

Signal distribution is via a 10GB network, with fully redundant fibre backbone running Dante from BSS Soundweb London into the process-controlled amplifiers.

Stated Jeremy Simmonds, co-CEO and co-founder ofSwingers, “When we started designing a flagshipSwingersto take over the enormous LIGHT nightclub space at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas—the entertainment capital of the world—it rapidly became clear that we were designing the best competitive socialising venue in the world.

“MSL were the perfect partner on this ambitious project, bringing incredible creativity and a vast technical expertise to the table. MSL’s unique contribution is a huge part of the venue’s massive success.”

TheSwingersmomentum shows no sign of letting up. The programme is now set to continue in other key US cities, before moving even further afield.

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Categories
Martin Audio

O-LINE SPEAKER UPGRADE FOR KIVA AUDITORIUM

US: Friendship Village retirement facility in Kalamazoo, MI, recently commissioned a complete overhaul of the audio-visual infrastructure at its Kiva Auditorium.

Set on a 72-acre campus, the Auditorium is used for events, meetings, and community activities and is now also perfect to host smaller shows and concerts.

Design consultant Tim Heneveld (from HAV Design) specified Martin Audio’s award-winning O-Line micro-array solution for the sound reinforcement, installed by system integrators, Division 16 Technologies.

The design company had been selected by the Friendship Village team after intensive research into which AV design company could best meet their requirements.

I HAVE ALWAYS EXPERIENCED MARTIN AUDIO AS VERY SMOOTH, CONSISTENT, PREDICTABLE AND MUSICAL.

Tim Heneveld

Heneveld noted that the old sound system had been prone to feedback, and thus the new system would need to demonstrate extremely high intelligibility/clarity, with the sound delivered evenly to a maximum capacity of 200 seats.The venue is almost always filled to capacity and a high percentage of the attendees have hearing difficulties. With it being an elderly facility gain before feedback and a high level of intelligibility in every seat from front to back and was paramount.”

The tech also needed to be visually discreet. “ The room couldn’t be about the technology,” he added, “the system needed to maintain a sleek and slim presence.”

The consultant’s interest in O-Line had been piqued when he saw it on the Martin Audio web page. And having later seen it in the flesh at anInfoComm Show, he realised it would be perfect for this application.

“It offered clean lines, minimal visual impact and yet has a progressively aesthetic appeal. I could balance the desired coverage and output with the visual impact in the room.”

O-Line was installed in two hangs of four elements each. It was designed in 2-box resolution, four amp channels per side, through Martin Audio’s dedicated DX4.0 processor. “We recognized that it is not a high SPL menu, so opted for 12in subwoofers to go along with the main speaker arrays,” he said.

Tim Heneveld is no stranger to Martin Audio technology, having mixed on one of the manufacturer’s rigs as far back as 30 years ago. “I have always experienced Martin Audio as very smooth, consistent, predictable and musical.” However, this was his first design with O-Line as it was for the AV installation contractors, Division 16 Technologies.

Summing up, the consultant says the entire AV installation upgrade—including new 16’ x 9’ video wall—has been a complete success. “The new sound system has allowed a wider variety of events to be held in the space. O-Line provides transparent support for choirs and acoustical instruments (along with fully reinforced events) that were not previously possible.”

Consequently, Friendship Village is now looking forward to years of use of their new system that will empower them to provide top level programming and content for the residents that they serve.

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Categories
Draft

MARTIN AUDIO EMPOWERS THE 2025 “ICE & FIRE · THE SONG OF EVERLASTING SORROW” — DELIVERING THE ULTIMATE AUDIO-VISUAL EXPERIENCE IN LARGE-SCALE OUTDOOR THEATER

China: On March 15, 2025, the debut performance and 20th anniversary celebration of the large-scale historical outdoor dance drama “The Song of Everlasting Sorrow” took place at the scenic Huaqing Palace near Lintong, Xi’an. With Mount Li as the backdrop and Nine-Dragon Lake as the stage, the show captivated countless visitors with its unique artistic expression and awe-inspiring production. Behind this extraordinary performance, Martin Audio played a vital role, delivering an immersive auditory experience for the audience.

The performance venue of “The Song of Everlasting Sorrow” is truly one-of-a-kind — Mount Li provides a natural backdrop, while Nine-Dragon Lake serves as a dynamic stage. However, this distinctive terrain also posed significant challenges for the sound system. The vast stage area and complex topography made sound distribution difficult, with reflections from the mountains and refraction from the water surface leading to uneven audio, decay, and echoes.

To ensure every audience member enjoys clear, powerful, and immersive sound from any seat, Martin Audio’s professional team conducted an in-depth acoustic analysis of the venue. Through repeated testing and fine-tuning, the 2025 Ice & Fire edition of “The Song of Everlasting Sorrow” was fully upgraded with Martin Audio’s flagship WPL + SXH218 line array system. Lighting, stage design, audio equipment, and props were also comprehensively upgraded — with the addition of ice and snow-themed elements for a refreshed visual impact.

Martin Audio’s WPL system played a critical role in this sound system upgrade. Utilizing advanced DSP optimization technology, it allows precise control over each speaker element, achieving accurate sound positioning and even coverage. Whether in the front row or the back, every audience member experiences equally clear and powerful audio, as if they were in the center of the stage.

The WPL system also offers high SPL output, making it well-suited for large, open-air venues and complex show conditions, delivering an immersive and emotionally engaging auditory impact.

At the performance site, Martin Audio’s product deployment was nothing short of ingenious. Two small pavilions on either side of the stage — typically hidden underground — rise up like sleeping giants during the performance, transforming into powerful sound towers. Each side features an array of 5 WPL speakers, working together like a well-rehearsed symphony orchestra to blend vocals, dialogue, music, and environmental effects into one seamless soundscape.

Additionally, 8 SXH218 subwoofers were discreetly positioned on both sides of the stage. Hidden from view but powerfully present, they deliver deep and resonant bass that enhances the emotional depth of the performance. The entire system is driven by 10 iK42-Dante amplifiers.

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Categories
Martin Audio

WPS PROVIDES POWER, COVERAGE AND SIMPLICITY AT UMW’S DODD AUDITORIUM

Situated in Fredericksburg, VA, the 1200-seat multipurpose Dodd Auditorium, at the University of Mary Washington (UMW), has been treated to a new, fully DSP-optimised Wavefront Precision line array from Martin Audio.

The installation, which comprises hangs of seven elements per side, was undertaken by Martin Audio partner, Soundworks of Virginia.

Soundworks had worked at the venue many times over the years as a rental provider, notably at commencement ceremonies. Their CEO Steve Payne observed, “At these events all parents really care about is hearing their kid’s name read out clearly. But this was always a challenge over a 250ft throw distance.” But this is just one of a variety of events hosted at the venue, including all types of performance arts, lectures and movies.

Soundworks had traditionally frontlined another PA system, but it was when they switched to Martin Audio, and the WPS, that a profound improvement in coverage and intelligibility became evident. “It was a totally different experience,” he said. “What had become a challenging job now looked easy. The Martin Audio system is so much more sophisticated; it’s all in the processing, and the software.”

Douglas Noble,Executive Director of Dodd Auditorium, had been equally impressed, and when he set out his requirements to Payne for a permanent PA upgrade he initially stated, ‘I don’t think we have it in our budget, but I would love to put a WPS system in Dodd!’ The Soundworks CEO started crunching the numbers and indeed made it work.

WE LOVE OUR MARTIN AUDIO ARRAYS.

Douglas Noble, Dodd Auditorium

While Soundworks are not traditionally an installation company—“we’ve probably done three in total, and all for clients for whom we previously supplied temporary sound”—Steve Payne agreed that WPS was the system best fit for purpose. “The previous system was at least a decade old, and comprised a main cluster, balcony speakers, delays for the mezzanine … all kinds of speakers all over the place, everything delayed. When I looked at how complicated the existing system was, I knew we could simply do two hangs in there, cover the entire room, with some front fills as a precaution. “We’re now getting way better coverage throughout the room and it’s much simpler.”

The hall itself is a traditional rectangular space, with proscenium, slightly raked stalls with fixed seating and a balcony level. A pair of SXC118 cardioid subs were placed under the stage, which Payne notes is sonically well-matched with WPS. Four FlexPoint FP6 are spaced evenly across the front of the stage in mono. “These are great sounding little speakers, and we use them a lot,” he says. A further six Martin Audio XP12s are deployed as stage monitors, the set-up powered from a pair each of Martin Audio iKON iK81 and 1K42, multi-channel DSP amps in 1-box resolution.

Although the installation process was relatively straightforward, there was a delay while additional steels were added to the roof. “Although the entire PA hang weighed no more than around 500lbs, they had installed a roof-mounted air conditioning system which had maxed out the roof load!”

Very little adjustment to the room parameters was required and the WPS hangs throw effortlessly to the back. “The software is incredible,” reasoned the Soundworks CEO. “After many years of using speaker systems that don’t have that software the difference is phenomenal. You make the measurements, put it into the software and tell it the variation and level you want from front to back row and it works it out. We knew we could programme Hard Avoid on the back wall if needed but we didn’t find it was much of a problem.

“The way the system is set up it will play much louder than they will ever need it to; it means anyone coming in can now use the house system for pretty much anything that takes place in there.”

“We loved working with Steve Payne on this project,” responded Douglas Noble. “We trusted him to make our space sound amazing and he didn’t disappoint.We love our Martin Audio arrays.”

Later, following a symphony and choir performance in the Auditorium, he reinforced this. “The sound was absolutely amazing. The audience response was incredible, and I even had one audience member mention how wonderful our new system was, and asked why it hadn’t happened sooner.”

Another who praised the overall coverage, clarity and power of the system, was Director of the Events AV Office, Mark Simpkins, who assists with training the student staff in the Auditorium.

Aside from Payne, who specified the system and oversaw the project, Garrett Milich generated the system documentation and accomplished the physical installation. Other members of the Soundworks team included Bryan Hargrave, who undertook the room measurements, ran the Martin Audio DISPLAY files, and did the final room tuning, while Mathew Walsh also assisted with the physical installation.

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