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Martin Audio

BERRY GOODMAN TAKES MARTIN AUDIO BLACKLINE XP12 ON WEDDING TOUR 2021

Berry Goodman’s Wedding Tour 2021 saw the one-man show visit wedding halls across Japan; these were seen as the perfect settings for the release of his latest love song, There Can Be No Other Life. The plan was to move around 13 prefectures in a one-box van, loaded with musical instruments and PA equipment.

Therefore, the artist’s production management office, Arigato Music, set out to purchase a small PA, both for this purpose and for use as their own equipment.

The criteria was that the PA rig needed to be easy to carry and fast to set up in any venue so that Goodman could go live immediately. Since it also had to take into account the space constraints of each venue, a self-powered loudspeaker system, which displayed great sound quality, was the obvious solution. After reviewing their options, Martin Audio’s Blackline XP12 was considered the perfect choice.

Blackline XP12 is a 12-inch, 2-way self-powered portable system which can be operated with low mains power, and embodies Martin Audio’s signature sound. Furthermore, the system has easy portability, and the audio connection is made simply by linking the power supply and the XLR cable.

For the performance held at The Beach Yokohama on June 26, a mobile stage and DJ booth were set up with a capacity of 120 people, and a small digital mixer and wireless mics were installed at the side of the stage. The sound check was able to start within an hour and a half of load-in.

MSI JAPAN Tokyo’s Mr. Kuroda, who was in charge of mixing, reports: “This was the second venue to use these speakers. Unlike the previous occasion, which was horizontally wide, the second venue had a lot more depth in the vertical plane. And although this place was awash with glass, making reflections quite strong, I was able to control it in the mix.

“The set list included songs that require a certain amount of volume, so I was trying to create an environment that was easy to listen to in the front rows while audiences towards the back could experience a similar atmosphere. I think the Blackline XP12 did a great job in this respect.

“Although the available mains power supply was limited at the venue, the Blackline XP12 fully satisfied both volume level and sound quality.”

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Martin Audio

MLA RECEIVES UNIVERSAL THUMBS UP FROM LOLLAPALOOZA SOUND ENGINEERS

Martin Audio PA rigs dominated three of the eight stages that made up this year’s four-day annual Lollapalooza Festival at Chicago’s Grant Park.

The premier event—staged by C3 Presents, which dates back to 1991—features over 170 bands from all round the world and attracts an audience of around 400,000 people.

Martin Audio partner Technotrix, who have been supporting the event with barely a break for 25 years, provided Martin Audio’s award-winning systems for Tito’s, the BMI Stage and Bonus Tracks Stage (which this year replaced the former Kidzapalooza).

Technotrix hold a vast inventory of premier Martin Audio PA front-line systems stretching back several generations. For the BMI stage this year, Audio Department Manager Brent Bernhardt and BMI stage FOH crew chief Joe Mion, opted for an MLA Compact rig (six elements a side) on this small portable stage. These were reinforced by four blocks of two MLX subwoofers in a broadside array across the front as up and coming acts such as Migrant Motel, Mothica, phem, and Riz La Vie took to the stage.

Assisting them was a selection of XE300 reference monitors, and an SX218 drum sub, while a pair of Martin Audio CDD8 provided nearfield support for the audience at the front.

Stated Joe Mion: “About 50% of the bands brought their own sound engineer, with one using my festival file and the others bringing their own show file. And we received nothing but positive comments. Being a festival, it’s a headphone sound check rather than a live one and that makes sound engineers nervous. But the PA put them at ease, and particularly the subs, which received most comments—because of the sheer output from just eight boxes. Sound techs observed how fast and clean they were, and particularly their great throw.”

According to Brent Bernhardt, who has been involved with the event for the past 12 years, the real triumph was Tito’s, where ‘Hard Avoid’ in Martin Audio’s DISPLAY control software came into its own, helping to mitigate some of the rear reflections caused by the odd shape of the venue. “Having that tool in the box helped us avoid hitting the roof,” he exclaimed.

Tito’s presented the broadest and most eclectic of mixes, ranging from indie to hip-hop and EDM, country music singer-songwriters to soulful singer/guitarist Brittany Howard from Alabama Shakes. For this stage Technotrix upgraded the PA rig to 12 full MLA modules, with a single MLD Downfill at the base and seven blocks of two MLX, again in a broadside array. Providing front fills were four MLA Compact elements, while all non-active speakers, such as the floor monitors and SX218 drum fills, were powered by Martin Audio iKON amplifiers (some of which also appeared on the Lake Shore stage).

“It was the first year we had been involved with Tito,” noted Brent Bernhardt, “and it went extremely well. The throw of the PA had been a vast improvement on what I was led to believe had been the experience in the past.” And much of this was down to Technotrix’s system tech for that stage, Dan Steinman.

Finally, the service company were in action on the smaller Bonus Tracks, which was used for artists interviews and a broad range of performance “designed to get more outreach to a larger community than the previous kids’ stage” according to Joe Mion. This included the popular ‘Best of Chicago Drag’. Sound from this stage was reinforced by Martin Audio’s workhorse W8LC Compact Line Array, which has been a frequent visitor to Lolla over the years, and two pairs of WSX subs, stacked left and right. Supervising this stage for Technotrix was Aaron Adamczyk.

The event was supported by Martin Audio’s Joe Lima, who assisted with system optimisation and tuning, and whom the Technotrix team credit for providing excellent backup. “We know them all personally at Martin Audio, and couldn’t ask for better support,” they say.

Meanwhile, Lima’s comments about the performance of the PA bore out those of Bernhardt and Mion. Summing up, he said, “This event proved that MLA is easily the most flexible large-scale festival sound system out there.

“We were able to generate different presets for different coverage needs, under variable atmospheric conditions and the response was always identical, which is critical for an engineer that soundchecks a band at 10am with 90% humidity and then starts the show at 7pm with 50% humidity and 10 degrees hotter. That kind of consistency is what our optimised systems (MLA and WP) deliver every day and knowing exactly how the rig is going to respond immediately on the first chord of the show is priceless.”

He was reassured by the favourable comments received from visiting techs. “The FOH engineers for Black Pistol Fire and All Time Low, in particular, achieved some of the punchiest, most well-balanced mixes I’ve heard. They were ecstatic with the MLA rig at Tito’s.”

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Optimal Audio

Optimal Audio appoints Duc Proaudio as Distributor for Vietnam

Recently launched U.K. manufacturer Optimal Audio is pleased to announce the appointment of Ho Chi Minh-based Duc Proaudio as its distributor for Vietnam.

Optimal Audio, part of the Focusrite Group, manufactures a one-stop solution of control, amplification and loudspeakers for small to medium sized commercial installations, with a focus on supporting multi-zoned venues. Its streamlined product-offering works seamlessly to deliver simple-to-install, high quality sound systems that can be easily operated by anyone, not just engineers.

Duc Proaudio is a familiar name in the professional audio world in Vietnam. As well as acting as a distributor, the company is also involved in the design and installation of audio systems across the commercial and entertainment audio sectors, so has a thorough understanding of the needs of integrators and end-users. Pham Duy Quang of Duc Proaudio comments:

“We are delighted to represent Optimal Audio, believing that the products perfectly match the requirements of the commercial audio market in Vietnam for sleek and easy to operate systems that deliver high quality performance. We especially like the Zone Controllers and ZonePad, which have a fresh look in comparison to other commercial audio products – coupling them with the intuitive WebApp makes for very easy end-user operation.”

David McKinney, Sales & Support, APAC, Optimal Audio adds:

“Duc Proaudio has built a strong reputation based upon proven success. The company’s strong dealer network and wealth of hands-on experience gives us full confidence that it is ideally placed to help its customers maximise the benefits of the simple-to-install, high quality Optimal Audio ecosystem.”

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Optimal Audio

Optimal Audio appoints ALVO Technology Pte. as Distributor for Singapore

Recently launched U.K. manufacturer Optimal Audio is pleased to announce the appointment of ALVO Technology Pte. as distributor for Singapore.

Optimal Audio, part of the Focusrite Group, manufactures a one-stop solution of control, amplification and loudspeakers for small to medium sized commercial installations, with a focus on supporting multi-zoned venues. Its streamlined product-offering works seamlessly to deliver simple-to-install, high quality sound systems that can be easily operated by anyone, not just engineers.

ALVO’s experienced and dedicated team serves an extensive dealer network as well as the online platform across Singapore. Jason Ng of ALVO Technology feels that the Optimal Audio offer is very much in tune with the needs of integrators and end-users for easy to install, easy to operate commercial audio:

“We’re very excited to be chosen as Optimal Audio’s dealer in Singapore. Their turnkey, end-to-end systems offer integrators premium quality solutions which are very cost-effective, and end-users will value the ease of operation delivered by the intuitive ZonePad and WebApp. The systems are sure to have a very wide appeal across a variety of commercial applications.”

David McKinney, Sales & Support, APAC, Optimal Audio adds:

“ALVO was very quick to recognise the advantages that Optimal Audio can bring to its customers, and we’re very pleased to be partnering with what is a very experienced and committed team. There is a ripe market in Singapore for our brand of fresh, streamlined solutions, and we’re confident that ALVO will quickly establish us as a leading brand in the territory.”

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Optimal Audio

Optimal Audio appoints ProPlugin as Distributor for Thailand

Recently launched U.K. manufacturer Optimal Audio is pleased to announce the appointment of Bangkok-based ProPlugin as its distributor for Thailand.

Optimal Audio, part of the Focusrite Group, manufactures a one-stop solution of control, amplification and loudspeakers for small to medium-sized commercial installations, with a focus on supporting multi-zoned venues. Its streamlined product-offering works seamlessly to deliver simple-to-install, high-quality sound systems that can be easily operated by anyone, not just engineers.

ProPlugin is highly regarded throughout Thailand as a distributor of leading brands. Its experienced and highly dynamic team has a strongly established dealer channel network, supported by a variety of online and retail stores. The timing of Optimal Audio’s launch was perfect according to Tadsikam Supat of ProPlugin:

“We were seeking a quality brand to expand our entertainment and commercial audio portfolio and saw straight away that Optimal Audio’s products would perfectly meet the needs of our customers, both in terms of its function and fresh-looking style. We’re looking forward to introducing the brand to our customers who we know will be impressed by the sound quality and intuitive operation.”

David McKinney, Sales & Support, APAC, Optimal Audio adds:

“ProPlugin is a well-structured and highly respected distributor of leading brands in Thailand. The company offers a very high level of customer service and support, and also offers advice and consultancy on a wide variety of projects. We believe ProPlugin is perfectly placed to introduce the many benefits of the Optimal Audio ecosystem to dealers, integrators and end-users across the country.”

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Optimal Audio

Optimal Audio appoints Guangzhou Guidance as Chinese Distributor

Recently launched U.K. manufacturer Optimal Audio is pleased to announce the appointment of Guangzhou Guidance as distributor for China, including Hong Kong and Macau.

Optimal Audio, part of the Focusrite Group, manufactures a one-stop solution of control, amplification and loudspeakers for small to medium-sized commercial installations, with a focus on supporting multi-zoned venues. Its streamlined product-offering works seamlessly to deliver simple-to-install, high-quality sound systems that can be easily operated by anyone, not just engineers.

Newly established Guangzhou Guidance will distribute the brand in China. With team members who have vast experience in the Chinese audio industry, the Guangzhou-based company has quickly established a dealer network across the country and anticipates great success promoting Optimal Audio across the full commercial audio spectrum.

General Manager of Guangzhou Guidance, Xu (Rico) Ruixian comments:

“As the pandemic situation in China stabilises, the government is increasing its investment in education and conference infrastructure. With a complete product infrastructure of controllers, amplifiers and loudspeakers, we can see big potential in promoting Optimal Audio to these markets, as well as to the broader markets of hospitality and retail.”

David McKinney, Sales & Support, APAC, Optimal Audio adds:

“The expertise and experience of the Guangzhou Guidance team is of the highest order. They have a thorough understanding of the commercial audio sector in China and we’re confident that combining our fresh and innovative approach with their experience and excellent networks, will quickly establish a high profile for Optimal Audio in China. We look forward to working with them to deliver the best and most relevant solutions to dealers, integrators and end-users across this important market.”

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Optimal Audio

Optimal Audio Appoints First Four APAC Distributors

Recently launched U.K. manufacturer Optimal Audio is pleased to announce the appointment of distributors in China, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam.

Optimal Audio, part of the Focusrite Group, manufactures a one-stop solution of control, amplification and loudspeakers for small to medium sized commercial installations, with a focus on supporting multi-zoned venues. Its streamlined product-offering works seamlessly to deliver simple-to-install, high quality sound systems that can be easily operated by anyone, not just engineers.

Newly established Guangzhou Guidance will distribute the brand in China. With team members who have vast experience of the Chinese audio industry, the Guangzhou-based company has quickly established a dealer network across the country, and sees big potential in promoting Optimal Audio to the education and conference sector, as well as the broader markets of hospitality and retail.

In Thailand, Bangkok-based ProPlugin is an established and very well-structured company with a strong dealer channel network supported by a variety of retail and online stores. Its dynamic team sees Optimal Audio’s fresh approach to function and style as perfectly meeting the needs of its very broad base of customers.

ALVO Technology has been appointed as distributor for Singapore. Its experienced and dedicated team serves a wide dealer network and online platform, and is confident that the ease of installation of Optimal Audio’s turnkey, end-to-end solutions will prove very popular with integrators and end-users alike.

Completing the quartet is Duc Proaudio Technology of Ho Chi Minh City, who will handle distribution for Vietnam. The company has an impressive track record in the country’s audio installation sector and is in no doubt that Optimal Audio’s sleek and intuitive solutions will resonate strongly with its customers.

David McKinney, Sales & Support, APAC, Optimal Audio, comments:

“We are excited to announce partnerships with four strong and well-structured distributors. Each has an in-depth knowledge of the commercial audio market in their respective territories, and we’re confident that our fresh and innovative approach to the sector, combined with their experience and excellent networks, will quickly establish Optimal Audio as a leading brand in the APAC region. We look forward to working with them to deliver the best and most relevant commercial audio solutions to the widest possible range of dealers, integrators and end-users.”

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Martin Audio

RITSUMEIKAN UNIVERSITY UPGRADES WITH CDD

Located in the north-west of Kyoto, which is known as the city of culture, Ritsumeikan University’s Kinugasa Campus recently installed a Martin Audio CDD system in two of its halls.

Ritsumeikan is a historical university founded in 1900 by Kojuro Nakagawa, originating from former prime minister Saionji Kinmochi’s private school. Surrounded by famous temples, its quiet atmosphere makes it perfectly suited for academic and research.

It was in the Igakukan (Institute of medical learning), located within Kinugasa Campus, that the upgrade took place in the two halls. The building itself contains various classrooms, common rooms and offices, as well as a cafeteria and a multipurpose hall.

CDD12 was adopted as the main speaker due to its wide coverage and clear sound which can be heard even directly in front of the stage. Several ADORN ACS-55T ceiling speakers were installed under the balcony on the second floor to cover the depth, adopting advanced FIR filter tuning.

The overall aim of this renovation was to expand the user base by providing a professional infrastructure, and Dante was selected for the main signal routing within a Symetrix DSP environment. Touch panel control which is provided at the side of the stage for users who are not familiar with sound system technology, facilitating easy adjustment of levels and playback of microphones and presentation materials. Even for larger events that require a more advanced approach, Dante signals are distributed to the control room, allowing professional operation via the mixer.

Since Halls 101 and 102 are both connected via Dante, they can be combined, as well as share activity via video. For example, an event taking place in one venue can now be fully shared with another hall. Speakers using wireless mics can be heard equally in both halls, and communication with the hall during, say, a web conference is possible simply by connecting a USB.

Stated Mr. Kengo Kurashina of Ritsumeikan’s Office of Information Infrastructure, Information System Department: “Because of Covid-19, we still have to maintain social distance. However, I want our students to learn just as if they are present.

“I hope to have created those kind of conditions. Martin Audio’s speakers are as attractive as the sound is accurate and rich. I have used it previously in another campus and succeeded in achieving the quality of sound that is usually difficult to realise in the classroom.

“This hall is used for a wide range of student activities such as ceremonies, academic classes, theatre, dance performance shows and traditional performing arts. Therefore, I set a goal to be able to express not only speeches but also audio and music from the Web, with overall consistency.

“Also, since the audience needs to keep a distance, I wanted to expand the sweet spot as much as possible and so I made the decision to tune the speakers with FIR.”

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Martin Audio

METINTERACTIVE INSTALLS NEARLY 750 MARTIN AUDIO SPEAKERS AT LIVE! CASINO

Nearly 750 Martin Audio components have been specified and fitted as part of a complete AV integration at the new $700m Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia.

The 510,000 sq. ft Cordish Companies development is set in the City’s Stadium District.The audio-visual design and implementation was managed by ECI (Entertainment Consulting International) as are all the entertainment complexes and sports arenas within the estate of their parent company.

Audio-visual requirements in the multi-zone space, incorporating a collection of sports bars and diverse restaurants, were specified by consultants, Las Vegas-based Coherent Design, with integration company, Metinteractive, providing the successful bid for the fit-out.

At the business end, the work was overseen by Dan Defendorf, Director of A/V & Corporate Music Programmer for 130 or so Cordish Companies properties—casinos, bar/restaurants, sports and entertainment venue complexes—spread across nine districts of the US. He planned the design in conjunction with the Ryan Dewey, Director of A/V at the Live! Casino & Hotel.

THE REASON WE HAVE USED SO MANY MARTIN AUDIO SPEAKERS ACROSS OUR BARS AND RESTAURANTS IS BECAUSE THEY ARE GREAT SOUNDING, OFFER GOOD DISPERSION AND HAVE AN IMPRESSIVE THROW. ALSO THEY ARE NOT TOO OBTRUSIVE, AND THEY HIT THE RIGHT PRICE POINT.

Dan Defendorf, ECI

Defendorf had already set up a relationship with Martin Audio, via Southeast Regional Sales Manager Brad Stephens. But the turning point came at InfoComm 2019 when he arrived at the manufacturer’s demo room, essentially looking for a reliable and discreet ceiling speaker at an attractive price point. Projects in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh were initially discussed with the company’s Northeast Regional Sales Manager, Martha Callaghan, and a loose template established.

Callaghan recalls that there was a myriad of featured areas that needed to be equipped with high quality audio and big screens in Philadelphia, since this is essentially a sports fanzone. It particularly applied to Sports & Social, a bar described as providing “the ultimate fan experience,” equipped with 65ft 4K media wall as well as 26 65″ HDTV’s, and on game days this is simulcast with the similarly high-octane R Bar. Hence top-quality audio, with high intelligibility, was also a prerequisite.

In fact both these spaces have been identically-specified, with 144 Martin Audio C8.1T ceiling speakers, underpinned with 60 x SX112 subwoofers, while CDD10 and CDD12 are set into the walls, acting as main speakers for DJ nights, and when something punchier is required. Further CDD10 can be found distributing voice announcements and background music from the central bar, while two other areas— Prime Rib, a contemporary fine dining steakhouse, and Luk Fu, specialising in sushi and Asian cuisine—feature the manufacturer’s CDD8.

Altogether, the vast space is populated with no fewer than 436 C8.1T (8”+1”) two-way vented ceiling speakers and 142 C6.8T (6.5”+0.8”), some run 70V line and some low impedance. These also route sound to a pair of private dining rooms, equipped with karaoke systems, as well as all the general and ancillary areas.

Dan Defendorf couldn’t be happier with his product selection. “The reason we have used so many Martin Audio speakers across our bars and restaurants is because they are great sounding, offer good dispersion and have an impressive throw. Also they are not too obtrusive, and they hit the right price point. The correct location of the speakers was vital when it came to the design.”

Admitting that the intervention of COVID had “slowed things down” in terms of the project development, he was relieved that once they arrived on site, the installation process had been so straightforward. “There were no issues whatsoever with the Martin Audio speakers, and so we didn’t really need technical support. With so many properties to look after it is the main reason for wanting to create a standardised template for upgrades going forward, based on trusted brands such as Martin Audio.”

Among them will be technical makeovers of properties within the nearby Xfinity Live! including the NBC Sports Arena.

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Optimal Audio

Commercial Audio. Done Differently.

At a special online event, Focusrite plc unveiled a new commercial audio brand, Optimal Audio.

Promising a fresh outlook, Focusrite Group CEO, Tim Carroll explained that Optimal Audio, which becomes the Group’s seventh brand, has been in development for three years, involving extensive R&D across product and software, in a bid to simplify the unnecessarily complex world of commercial audio:

“Optimal Audio provides a streamlined product offering working seamlessly together to deliver high quality sound that is easy to install and can be operated by anyone, not just engineers.

“Alongside its own dedicated staff, a number of colleagues from across the group – most notably within Martin Audio – have helped to bring Optimal Audio to fruition. In the long term, our ambition is that the brand will have its own distinct team.”

Dom Harter, now Managing Director for both Martin Audio and Optimal Audio, then gave an overview of the product eco-system and the focus of the brand:

“Optimal Audio offers a one-stop solution of control, amplification and loudspeakers for small to medium-sized commercial installations, with a focus on supporting multi-zone venues. At the forefront of the eco-system are four and eight-zone, powered and non-powered Zone controllers that have DSP at their heart. There is currently nothing else at this price point on the market which has the functionality and versatility to allow such a quick and simple setup. They have a flexible three-band EQ plus bandpass filtering on every output, alongside limiters and delay – features that are normally associated only with premium-priced offerings.”

Compatible with any device, Optimal Audio’s WebApp makes system set-up straightforward, allowing installers as much access as they require to configure EQs, devise presets and structure time-of-day routines. Once completed, venue staff can then be presented with a simple user interface which allows them to operate the system. Zone controllers can also be supplemented by elegant wall-mounted controllers called ZonePad, available in one-zone or four-zone formats, which ensure that operation by staff is simple, intuitive and within easy reach.

The next product category presented was amplifiers. Optimal Audio offers three SmartAmps with DSP, multichannel direct drive constant voltage, optimised presets and with half-rack and full-rack options available. SmartAmps provide a cost competitive fit for the commercial market to accompany the portfolio and maximise the performance of its loudspeakers.

Finally, Optimal Audio revealed its collection of loudspeakers. These comprise a range of five ceiling speakers appropriately named Up, a series of four on-wall wooden speakers called Cuboid, and two powerful yet compact subwoofer solutions, simply known as Sub. Whilst again being cost-competitive, sound quality is a hallmark of the loudspeaker category, with Harter promising a “rich and detailed sound that will surpass expectations in this price category.”

Summing up, Harter said, “Optimal Audio maybe a young brand, but as part of the Focusrite Group it has an impressive pedigree. We have combined innovation and experience to simplify commercial audio, and by launching more than twenty products at the outset, Optimal Audio has created a high-quality, comprehensive, multi-zone, one-stop, commercial audio offering.”