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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.”

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Press Releases

Generation AV expands in Asia Pacific and launches new website

Generation AV is pleased to announce its expansion in the region with the appointment of 3 well known industry figures located in Singapore and India.

David McKinney, MD of Generation AV comments “We started Generation AV in mid-2019 and hit the ground running.  We got business established quickly and had some great successes before the whirlwind of 2020.  Despite the challenges we have seen business steadily grow over the last year in various parts of the region and decided now was the right time to expand the team to capture the opportunities in the market.  Business is returning albeit at different stages in different countries.  We want to be set up and ready.”

Kevin Kee has started as Regional Sales Director to manage the video brands at Generation AV, based in Singapore.  Kevin has spent over 20 years working in the video market in Asia with companies like Prism Dynamics, Visual Contact and Lightware Visual Engineering Asia.  McKinney comments “Kevin has all the experience and knowledge we were looking for to be able to increase the exposure of Digital Light Windows’ LED solutions, and iMAGsystems software driven AV over IP solutions across the region.” 

Also based in Singapore, David Wong joins as Director of Sales and focuses on the audio side of the business across the region.  David has worked closely with McKinney over the years, including during his time at Harman, and at Electro-Acoustics Systems.  McKinney comments “It is great to welcome David to the Generation AV team.  His experience and relationships with system integrators and consultants across the region is a great advantage for the brands we work with.  Good progress has been made with LEA and Martin Audio, being seen in many of the latest project tenders, and with HH in the portable PA market.  David will be able to build on this and take things to the next level.”

Generation AV also took the opportunity to expand its focus on the Indian market with Prashant Govindan joining the team as Regional Consultant for India.  Prashant was the GM of Harman Pro India for several years and was responsible for their success.  “Having Prashant on the Generation AV team is a big win.  His market awareness, customer relationships, and experience in the India market will really help to provide a strong local base for Generation AV and ensure we have a voice on the ground to support the business.  Prashant will be initially focused on expanding the installation market for Martin Audio, LEA Professional, iMAGsystems, and DLW LED, and building up the portable PA market for HH Electronics.” said McKinney.

“I believe with the expanded sales team of Kevin, David and Prashant, and with applications support from Tony Sawyer located in Manila, Generation AV is now setup to take the business to the next level.  At the same time, the brands we work with have been expanding and enhancing their product and technology offerings, including the Connect Series Cloud enabled amplifiers from LEA and the new TORUS constant curvature line arrays from Martin Audio.  With the new team and the new product offerings, 2021 is going to be an exciting year ahead.”

“Generation AV is happy to announce the launch of our new website.  We are missing face-to-face customer engagement and so having an improved online presence is important to us.”  said McKinney.  The website highlights not only the latest products available, but also provides a great place to watch the latest webinars, get trained on the products, find out what is happening at the brands, or even just to check out news on the latest installations completed.  With support for both YouTube and Youku, the content on the website is available to view in all countries in Asia and will serve as a great resource for distributors, installers, consultants, rental companies, and engineers alike. 

About Generation AV

Generation AV was established in Singapore in 2019 and represents Martin Audio, LEA Professional, HH Electronics, iMAGsystems and DLW LED in Asia Pacific.  Generation AV provides technical and sales support for distribution partners, dealers, and customers across the region.

www.GenerationAV.net

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Martin Audio Press Releases

MARTIN AUDIO ANNOUNCES SPECIAL ‘VIRTUAL’ LAUNCH EVENT

Martin Audio has announced a Special Event to take place on February 16th, 2021, getting its 50th Anniversary year off to an energetic start. The virtual presentation will provide important updates, including the announcement of major new product and software releases.

Their rationale for a virtual event is that with much of the global tradeshow calendar still in doubt, there are very few opportunities in the near future for in-person collaboration to highlight significant additions to the international pro audio industry’s arsenal.

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Martin Audio Press Releases

MARTIN AUDIO CDD FOR ITALY’S FAMOUS NORTH-EAST COVO NIGHTCLUB

Martin Audio’s ever-popular CDD loudspeaker series, has found another high-profile home … this time on the Italian Riviera in Santa Margherita Ligure at the famous Il Covo Di Nord-Est nightclub.

The venue features both indoor and outdoor spaces: the main bar is located in the former, while the dance floor and sofas, arranged differently every night, can be found outside. The main DJ area hosts local artists as well as more well-known names in the music industry, and it is here that the ultra-compact 2-way CDD loudspeaker solution was specified.

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Martin Audio Press Releases

MARTIN AUDIO SET TO CELEBRATE HALF A CENTURY AS SOUND PIONEERS

Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Martin Audio is intent on turning 2021 into a year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary.

The company—founded by Australian Dave Martin in London’s Covent Garden, back in 1971—has consistently flourished despite the twists and turns of the last five decades.

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Martin Audio Press Releases

MARTIN AUDIO ANNOUNCES ADDITIONS AND UPGRADED VOICING TO CDD INSTALLATION SERIES

Martin Audio has announced new additions and upgraded voicing for its best-selling CDD™ series—as well as improved production capacity—as part of a concerted effort to meet the growing needs of installation applications.

CDD was original launched in 2015, bringing engineering innovation to installed applications, combining distinctive curved enclosures with patent protected Coaxial Differential Dispersion™ technology. Delivering class-leading performance, fidelity and coverage consistency to venues that demand the ultimate in cutting-edge technology and style, CDD is also pitched at a highly-competitive price point. Martin Audio further extended the range in ensuing years with both weatherised and marine editions to cater for all outdoor environments including cruise ships.

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Martin Audio

BRISBANE’S LUXURIOUS LE BAIN EQUIPPED WITH MARTIN AUDIO CDD

Brisbane-based property developers, Cavcorp, recently completed the luxurious 15-storey Le Bain apartment complex, in the Brisbane suburb of Newstead.

Described as an immersive experience that delivers a sub-tropical poolside lifestyle, it is redolent of the beaches of Southern France. Crowned by eight Penthouses and a private rooftop pool, it also includes a heated pool, music streaming, temperature-controlled spa baths, private dining room, sun deck with sunbeds, sauna, Technogym, barbeque and an alfresco dining area.

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LEA Professional Press Releases

Speaker Tunings For The LEA Connect Series

The way we see it, our job is to make our products the best and easiest solution available for AV installs. But we realize that the user experience doesn’t end when our product is screwed into a rack. From user guides to training videos to 3rd party control plugins, we don’t want to leave any stone unturned when it comes to supporting our customers. That’s why we are happy to bring you a variety of CONNECTSERIES speaker tunings that we customized for our products to ensure optimal performance, specifically with some of the most recognized and commonly used speakers in the market.

Let’s dive in for a closer look!

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LEA Professional Press Releases

Barco Overture Driver For The LEA Connect Series

We are proudly committed to system flexibility for AV integrators and installers. As such, we are happy to provide our latest CONNECTSERIES driver for integration with Barco Overture.

Barco is a leading control and management software for collaborative workspaces and learning environments. Therefore, this new level of product integration gives you more system solution options.

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LEA Professional Press Releases

LEA Connect Series Install: Willis Tower, Chicago

Watch out! The sharks are swimming in the Windy City.

That’s right, our very own CONNECTSERIES amps have been installed with the best view in the heart of downtown Chicago – from inside the Willis Tower. The second tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), is home to more than 100 companies and is one of the city’s most iconic tourist attractions. When a tower client needed a powerful, flexible, and scalable audio system, our friends at USIS AV used our amps as the system backbone.

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