Author: janice

RSS FEED BOOKMARK THIS PAGE TORUS AND CDD DOMINATE GERMAN THEMED ALBERT’S SCHLOSS MUSIC VENUE

Post author By janice
Post date April 16, 2022

Described as “a retreat from the modern world” the German-themed Albert’s Schloss emporium was influenced by the operators’ across Alpine Europe.

Named after Prince Albert, the second unit in Birmingham (following the opening in Manchester) is set on a giant new-build footprint—part of the city’s Paradise Forum development—which required an equally expansive sound system.

Integrator Richard Anderson of Pro Technical (UK) Ltd, who had worked with directors of the operating company, Mission Mars, in the days when they ran the hugely successful Revolution bars, recommended Martin Audio’s new TORUS constant curvature array, combined with a CDD solution. This is already proving so successful that it has been adopted as the template for future openings.

“These venues are solid entertainment venues,” said Anderson. “Therefore they wanted a powerful array for the stage but also something that would fit within the budget. Martin Audio is a reputable brand and we have used CDD many times over the past ten years.”

TORUS had been suggested as the perfect nearfield solution for the stage in the giant beer hall, which has a vibrant programme of live bands—from cabaret to full-on rock—seven nights a week, as well as DJs and background music during its all-day trading hours.

Thus Richard Anderson mixed pairs of TORUS T1230 (30° vertical dispersion) and T1215 (15° vertical dispersion) constant curvature arrays in stacks either side of the stage, with Martin Audio’s proprietary DISPLAY software optimisation and manual horizontal dispersion adjustability, providing tailored medium throw coverage across the width in front of the stage.

Both TORUS models also feature a 12” driver, but the low end is reinforced by four SX118 (single 18” subs) set under the stage, with the 550-strong clientele further back down the hall immersed in a sound field created by 24 powerful coaxial differential dispersion CDD10’s.

Upstairs is Ludwig’s Tavern, named after former Bavarian king Ludwig II. This more exclusive area, where customers can play shuffleboard, takes a feed off the main system downstairs but also has its own independent DJ plug-in point. This is served by six CDD6 and a powerful fully displayed Martin Audio SX210 which sits loud and proud. “The client has never worried about having the speakers fully visible,” says the installer.

The entire system was powered by a combination of Martin Audio iKON iK42 and VIA5004 amplifiers, and was commissioned by Martin Audio’s Nigel Meddemmen, who also provided design support.

“The client is ecstatic and we’re now looking forward to adopting a similar model in Liverpool,” concludes Richard Anderson. This was backed up by Mission Mars Group Property Director, Godfrey Russell. “The Martin Audio system has provided Alberts Schloss with a great sound; we are really happy with the result,” he stated.

Martin Audio

MARTIN AUDIO IS PYTCH-PERFECT FOR ALFRESCO DISCO’S MASSIVE WAREHOUSE PARTY

Post author By janice
Post date April 11, 2022

Bristol-based experiential and party planning specialists, PYTCH, recently supplied local event organisers, Alfresco Disco with a full Martin Audio rig for a classic warehouse-based dance party.

Comprising two stages, the sound needed to be carefully EQ’d to cope with the all-nighter’s early proceedings—when it was little more than an empty, echoey warehouse—to ramping up the volume once the venue was packed with around 2,150 revellers.

But then, according to Chelsea Hopkins at PYTCH, care had to be taken to avoid sound escape in a densely packed residential area. “Although the bass was powerful the sound was directional and well contained— resulting in minimal disruption for local residents,” she confirmed. This was assisted by a cardioid pattern sub array which reduced any troublesome low frequencies.

THE MARTIN AUDIO RIG RESPONDED BRILLIANTLY, DELIVERING PERFECT TONE WITH MASSES OF HEADROOM.
Simon Gore, PYTCH

She added that PYTCH has been staging parties for Alfresco for the past five years. “We have remained the preferred provider due to our ability to set up in unusual spaces.” For this event guests could spill out the back of the warehouse into the yard and smaller warehouse, where PYTCH has an LED wall set up as part of their studio.

To satisfy the audio requirements of such a large gathering, delivered from a succession of DJs, PYTCH equipped the main stage with 12 flown Martin Audio W8LM Mini Line Array elements, underpinned with 10 WS218X subwoofers. These were all ground stacked, one array of three either side of the stage directly under the line array and four under the stage in an endfire array to fill in the low end for the middle of the room.

A pair of W8LMD provided additional downfill coverage and a further pair of Blackline XP118 powered subwoofers added further low frequency support. Two further W8LM cabs were ground-stacked on the lip of the stage to provide centre fill.

This design was conceived by the service company’s in-house tech team, led by a member of their wider network, George Chandler.

The smaller second stage was located in ‘The Virtual Venue’, by day a broadcast, virtual production and recording studio, which ran vinyl records alongside CDs. Here they fielded a pair of W8C Compact tops and second stack raised to listening height as well as WS218 subs.

Reflecting on the event, PYTCH sound tech Simon Gore, who mixed the main stage, remarked on the even coverage throughout the space, saying “I was really impressed at the even coverage. The Martin Audio rig responded brilliantly, delivering perfect tone with masses of headroom.” And Chelsea Hopkins added that thanks to the precautions they had taken the event was a complete success. “The sound system was fantastic and we’re not aware of any noise complaints during the event—which is fantastic.

“In fact the feedback we had from organisers and attendees was that it sounded incredible.”

LEA Professional

Canadian University Powered By Connect Series Amps

Post author By janice
Post date April 11, 2022

Canadian University Powered By LEA Professional Amplifiers

Simon Fraser University (SFU), ranked one of the top universities in Canada, is recognized around the world for its excellence, innovation and sustainability with campuses spanning three of British Columbia’s largest cities — Burnaby, Surrey and Vancouver. Last year, the university needed to replace a 10-year-old amplifier system to support a new learning environment for students.

Let’s dive in!

THE SPEC

CANADIAN UNIVERSITY POWERED BY LEA PROFESSIONAL AMPLIFIERS

🏢 Venue: Simon Fraser University | Top-ranked University in Canada

👷‍♂️ Integrator: Adrian Bisek, AV System Designer at SFU Surrey campus

🎶 Audio Spaces: 12 classrooms

🦈 Product Used: CONNECTSERIES CS84D (qty 12)

THE VENUE

CANADIAN UNIVERSITY POWERED BY LEA PROFESSIONAL AMPLIFIERS

SFU is recognized around the world for academic excellence, innovation, and sustainability. They are consistently ranked among the top research universities in Canada and as one of the top 250 universities in the world. And with more than 170,000 alumni spanning the country and globe, SFU’s impact in every facet of life is far-reaching.

THE INSTALL

CANADIAN UNIVERSITY POWERED BY LEA PROFESSIONAL AMPLIFIERS

For this installation, the learning experience of SFU’s students was the school’s top priority. When some of the previous amplifiers powering classrooms began to fail, Adrian Bisek, AV System Designer at SFU Surrey campus reached out to SC Media, LEA Professional’s Canadian representative, to secure the right technology to support the university for the next decade. In his role, Bisek is responsible for the design and implementation of audiovisual systems for the school. His department supports all classroom learning, collaboration, interaction at distance, and communication to large audiences, as well as supporting university administrative and research objectives

After meeting with SC Media, SFU opted for a set of a dozen Connect Series 84D amplifiers from LEA Professional to provide the power ratings, frequency response, and connectivity options they needed at a price point that fit the university’s budget. The amplifiers are currently being used to power the university’s standard sized classrooms.

Bisek did not hesitate in using the brand for the first time, mainly because he knew of LEA’s heritage and the world class engineers that are behind the product.

“After an introduction to Bradley Drummond from LEA Professional, we were able to have our detailed questions answered about the products we were interested in. We focused on the power capabilities, GUI interface, and networking security. Technical Support were very knowledgeable about how their devices worked and were able to get us all the information we required for our team. Afterward, we felt confident knowing how LEA Professional had come about, their products, and how they supported their customers.” commented Bisek.

“We haven’t implemented Dante on our campus network yet, however as more AV devices are put on the network, we wanted to make sure that we have industry standard equipment with the latest technologies available. Dante helps simplify installations by configuring audio signal on the network, which may help us with future requirements for classroom overflow, or supporting student learning in a hybrid environment – we do what we can to install for today, and be prepared for tomorrow.” commented Bisek.

Bisek, who did the installation himself with his team at the university, said the process went well.

“The challenge is usually setting up the IP configuration on different private networks with most devices, but the LEA amps allow the setup to happen over WiFi which makes it simple to configure with our phones.”

“When we initially installed these devices, we contacted Technical Support with some configuration and PoE questions.” said Bisek. “LEA quickly resolved everything. We were able to easily setup the amps to have two or three channels in 8-ohm and the fourth channel in 70V high impedance. The straightforward browser-based GUI and network monitoring ability out of the box is a bonus. Overall, the communication and support with LEA Professional was top notch and we were very happy once everything was working perfectly.”

THE CONCLUSION

We’d like to thank Adrian and his team at SFU for choosing our amps for this killer installation and we hope that the audio systems will continue to deliver reliable audio for staff and students for years to come.

If you have any questions or feedback about using amplifiers for systems like this or any other projects, feel free to fill out the form below or reach out to us on our social media channels.

Press Releases

IPORT CONNECT PRO | Aspen Highlights

Post author By janice
Post date March 14, 2022

At the core of our new platform IPORT CONNECT PRO, we continue to be driven by the desire to provide minimalistic, industrial designs that hold, charge, and protect dedicated iPad to empower every space to come to life at the touch of a button. With our all-new comprehensive selection of stationary and removable CONNECT PRO solutions, we introduce next-level charging technology. Check out the beautiful ways you can integrate iPad into your home with IPORT CONNECT PRO.

Martin Audio

PORTABLE CDD-LIVE BRINGS GREATER FLEXIBILITY TO JAPAN’S HEP HALL

Post author By janice
Post date March 14, 2022

Located in Japan’s Umeda commercial district of Kita-ku, next to Umeda Osaka Station, HEP is a major shopping mall and entertainment centre.

Within the mall, dominated by a bright, giant red Ferris wheel overlooking the sights of Kansai region and the huge whale monument in the atrium, is the HEP FIVE fashion site. This is one of 160 stores and casual restaurants, as well as a combination of amusement and entertainment facilities.

Up on the 8th floor of the building is HEP HALL, a theatre space which recently upgraded its technical infrastructure, Martin Audio’s CDD-LIVE being the preferred PA system.

HEP HALL manager, Mr. Marui (from management company D Jam Create) explained the reason for the upgrade. “HEP HALL has been popular as a theatre venue for a long time. However, since the previous permanently installed loudspeakers were a fixed L/R proscenium system, a separate PA often had to be brought in by touring productions. As we have now added a portable CDD-LIVE solution to the original PA, it has given us more flexibility; it means production teams no longer need to carry their PA, and we can handle various events in different parts of the building—not only plays but also live music.”

One set of CDD-LIVE 12 and SXP118 subs has been installed at both sides of the stage, where a wide and even coverage is maintained, without the need for infills. In addition, four CDD-LIVE 12 are available for use as stage monitors. The main power distribution rack, installed at stage left, is equipped with a power supply panel with circuit breakers, enabling a flexible layout. In addition, Dante network audio is adopted for sending and receiving signals, and simple plug and play is facilitated by connecting just the power supply and LAN cables.

Explaining his reasons for a fully portable system, he continued, “We needed this degree of flexibility, as the layout changes according to the event. For example we can bring the speakers to the ground floor lobby and hold a PA event there. With that in mind, it makes sense to have a self-powered system.”

The system is configured with full Dante networks on which are a Yamaha QL console and Shure wireless systems, as well as CDD-LIVE. However, even when combined with a simple analogue mixer for a lobby event, CDD-LIVE can be used with an analogue connection without any setting change. This is an advantage of the automatic input signal detection function. Since CDD-LIVE is self-powered, it does not require any amp racks, and can easily be transported.

Mr. Marui concludes, “I really like the fact that this system is more powerful than it looks. I hope Covid19 settles down quickly so that this system can be used at many events in the future.”

LEA Professional

DSP In Professional Audio Amplifiers

Post author By janice
Post date March 14, 2022

DSP In Professional Audio Amplifiers:

Using pro audio amplifiers with built-in DSP has become the standard practice for many pro AV system installers. But still, you might ask yourself, “why do a large majority of installers dish out the extra dough for a DSP amp over its analog counterpart.” While fully analog gear does serve a certain purpose and also holds an ere of pride and nostalgia, there are countless benefits to designing and installing systems with DSP-based amplifiers at the core.

WHAT IS DSP?

DSP IN PROFESSIONAL AUDIO AMPLIFIERS

DSP stands for “digital signal processing”. It is the process of directing an audio signal through computer-based processing algorithms in order to alter the characteristics of the signal’s timing, spacial traits, frequency, or phase.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DSP?

DSP IN PROFESSIONAL AUDIO AMPLIFIERS

Frees up rack space
Before DSP, you had to load your equipment racks with analog gear like delay units, reverb units, crossovers, equalizers, and more. And, much of that gear was large and heavy, taking up multiple rack units per unit. But now, with DSP, you can still take advantage of the power and flexibility of that analog gear, without overcrowding your rack. Now, all of your input routing, room tuning, speaker tuning, and limiting is just built into the amplifier! And if you use an amp such as our CONNECTSERIES, it’s all built into a one rack unit amplifier. Equipment racks everywhere are smaller, lighter, and cleaner thanks to DSP!

Requires Less Cables
To piggyback on the previous benefit – less gear = less cabling. We’ve all seen or heard about the installer horror stories. You show up to troubleshoot a client’s system, walk into the rack room, turn on the lights, and find yourself tangled in a nest of network cables. Some people might reach their zen mode spending hours tracing and untangling cables, but for most of us, it’s a headache. Thanks to the addition of DSP in professional audio amplifiers, not only do you eliminate extra gear (and therefore, extra cables), but DSP also opens the door to digital signal routing. You don’t need to use physical cables to design your signal chain anymore. Using a digital input router, you can route any input to any output – and with Dante, it’s just an ethernet cable.

Simplifies System Design
Based on the last two benefits, this one can probably be implied. However, it’s important to note that less gear, means less to physically plan, purchase, carry, unbox, install, wire, and test. PLUS – less gear and cable also add the benefit of potentially less electronic failures and troubleshooting.

For many installers, there is also something to be said for digitally mapping signal flow. It’s easier to visualize, test, and make changes.

TYPES OF DSP

DSP IN PROFESSIONAL AUDIO AMPLIFIERS

Delay – Digital delay is one function of DSP that is commonly used during system installations. Installers use delay to correct the timing issues of audio between zones of speakers that span across a distance. When speakers are installed too far apart from one another, the audio signal travels back to the listeners ear at different times, resulting in echoing signals. To correct this, installers add different amounts of delay to different speakers and zones in order to ensure the audio signals all meet the listeners ear at the same exact time. This results in a crisp, clear audio signal.

Crossover – Crossover is used to split the source audio signal into multiple frequency bands that are then sent to different types of speakers. The reason for this is that not all speakers are created equally. Some speakers are optimized for lower frequencies such as subwoofers while others are optimized for high frequencies such as tweeters. Once the signal is run through the amplifier’s crossover, it extracts the high frequencies and sends them to the appropriate speakers and it extracts the low frequencies to send to the subs. This results in a clearer and well-defined listening experience with less noise and distortion.

Compressors – Compressors are used to limit the overall dynamic range of an audio signal. This ensures that the signal will never dip below a certain listenable range and also never go beyond a peak range where potential damage could result to the loudspeakers due to sudden level burst. While this can be a helpful tool in some instances, adding compression has a reputation for reducing audio quality and taking “the life” out of the signal.

Signal Routing – Digital signal routing provides a huge convenience to AV installers. It makes it simple to quickly reroute audio signals from any input to any output without having to unplug and physically move cables. Tools such as the input routing matrix provided by our Web UI, provide an easy one click routing option.

Signal Generator – Signal generators are typically used for system testing and tuning. By generating high demand signals such as pink noise, white noise, and sine waves, AV installers can identify problematic frequency ranges withing their installs such as clipping points and distortion or test their systems before the input source is hooked up.

Equalization – Think of equalization as frequency-specific volume knobs. Commonly used for system tuning, it allows you to adjust certain frequency ranges individually to achieve the desired frequency response, producing the tonal balance you desire.

Limiter – Limiters are used much like compressors to limit the peaks of an audio signal in order to prevent clipping or distortion. However, unlike compressors that typically roll off the signal in a gradual manner, limiters are more of a hard stopping point. Limiters are often used in tandem with compressors. The compressor will be the initial signal roll-off and the limiter is set to be the last line of defense against signals that may peak and cause unwanted distortion.

So even though we have only just begun to scratch the surface of the possibilities of DSP in professional audio amplifiers, you can clearly see the added benefits to your overall system installs. That is why every CONNECTSERIES amplifier comes with built-in DSP that is intuitively controlled through our Web UI and CLOUD platform.

Linea Research

Focusrite Announces Acquisition Of Linea Research

Post author By janice
Post date March 10, 2022

UK-based manufacturer of amplifiers, controllers and software is ninth brand to join Focusrite Group that includes current technology partner Martin Audio.

Focusrite plc has announced the acquisition of Linea Research, the UK-based designer and manufacturer of power amplifiers, controllers and software, becoming the ninth brand of the Focusrite Group in joining Focusrite, Novation, Ampify, ADAM Audio, Martin Audio, Optimal Audio, Focusrite Pro and Sequential.

Headquartered in Letchworth Garden City, UK, Linea Reserach was formed in 2003 by a team of experienced audio professionals, with products that include a range of power amplifiers as well as digital signal processors, audio networking and software products. Two of the original founders, commercial director Davey Smalley and engineering director Ben Ver, will continue to lead the business post-acquisition.

Focusrite’s subsidiary Martin Audio is a major customer of Linea Research, with technology that’s behind the iKON amplifier series that powers Wavefront Precision line arrays. The acquisition is intended to strengthen the critical source of supply of amplifier modules for Martin Audio and will enable greater integration of loudspeaker and amplifier technology in products. It is also the intention to continue to develop the sales of Linea Research products through third-party distribution and to OEM loudspeaker customers.

“It is an absolute pleasure to welcome Davey, Ben and the entire Linea Research team to the Focusrite Group,” says Tim Carroll, CEO, Focusrite. “We know the team and the business well given that Martin Audio is a major Linea Research customer. This will lead to many synergies and is expected to improve gross margin for both Martin Audio and the wider group. Linea Research’s products are globally recognised as best in class and we are all excited about the opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead with the collective expertise of the Linea Research and Focusrite Group R&D and sales teams.”

A joint statement from Smalley and Ver, adds, “We are delighted to be able to continue the Linea Research success story from within the Focusrite Group. Having seen the support and growth of the brands within the group, we believe this provides us with a secure foundation to further our R&D efforts and product portfolio, strengthening the Linea Research brand while continuing partnerships with our long-standing OEM partners. This can only be a good thing for our customers, end users and very much our staff.”

Click here for original article.

HH Electronics

HH Electronics partners with Qixin

Post author By janice
Post date March 1, 2022

CHINA: Prolight + Sound Guangzhou has provided the perfect opportunity for HH Electronics to announce its partnership with distributor, Qixin, which will see HH products exclusively distributed throughout China and Hong Kong.
Having appointed Singapore-based Generation AV to look after its sales strategies two years ago, British Headstock Group’s HH Electronics has been focusing on furthering its reach in the Asia Pacific region as well as the Middle East and Africa. David McKinney, MD at Generation AV, said: “Partnering with QIXIN has widened the exposure and reach of HH in China. With QIXIN’s excellent technical and support team, we are confident HH customers will have a great HH experience across China. Big thanks to Daniel, Aeolus and the QIXIN team for the launch of our new partnership at PL&S Guangzhou. We’re off to a great start.”

Ian Wright at Headstock Group said: “We are excited be working with Qixin as our exclusive HH Electronics partner for the China and Hong Kong markets. Their sales team is incredibly experienced with solid relationships with dealers and system integrators across the country, developed over many years. They have a clear understanding of what their customer’s needs are in regard to both product and the service required to support them.

“Qixin’s technical team’s qualifications and market understanding are at a very high standard, and this has been invaluable as we work together to develop suitable products for both local and export markets. I am extremely confident that the Qixin team can establish HH as a leading brand there. All of us at the Headstock Group wish them well with this new venture.

Edison Haung, general manager of Qixin, said: “We are so excited to be HH’s new distributor for China. HH has 50 years of experience in sound technology, especially in materials and structures.”

www.hhelectronics.com

LEA Professional

Sports Stadium Audio Visual Systems | LEA Install At Dowdy–Ficklen Stadium

Post author By janice
Post date January 6, 2022

Sports Stadium Audio Visual Systems | LEA Install At Dowdy–Ficklen Stadium
When East Carolina University stadium experienced debilitating audio issues right in the middle of football season, a solution had to be found before the fan experience started to suffer. And what could be better to power the sports stadium audio visual system for the ECU Pirates, than a rack packed with shark fins.

Let’s dive into the system details for the who, what, why, and how of this audio system touchdown.