Category: Martin Audio

Located in downtown Akureyri, Hof Cultural Center is at the heart of the northern Icelandic music and performing arts scene, and provides visitor services across the entire north-east corner of the country. Architecturally, the circular building also provides one of the town’s great landmarks. Inspired by the Icelandic igneous rocks, Hof Cultural Center attracts tourists all year round.

Owned by the Municipality of Akureyri, and with operation of the Center in the hands of Akureyri Culture Company, one of the key features is its new Martin Audio sound reinforcement upgrade in the main auditorium, provided by Reykjavik-based Atendi—the manufacturer’s territory distributor.

According to Atendi project manager, Gunnar Gunnarson his company bid successfully on a public tender put out in December 2023 and were duly awarded the contract in September this year.

The requirement was for a system to replace the original sound system, which had been in situ since the venue’s original opening back in 2010. It needed to provide even coverage for the 509-seat auditorium and deliver 103dB(A) with 18dB headroom, and a differential in SPL not exceeding ±3dB at any seat from FOH. This was achieved by specifying Martin Audio’s scalable WPS line array. ”We managed 104.6dB(A) @FOH without going to the limit of the system and +3dB / -0,7dB measured at the venue’s seats,” Gunnarson reports.

It’s amazing what Martin Audio was able to offer for the price.

The system also needed to be supremely versatile, not only providing reinforcement for concerts of all types—as well as conferences and theatre performances—but also be mindful that the venue is home to the North Icelandic Symphony Orchestra, when it is then used for concerts with Icelandic artists ranging from classical concerts to dance music.

The system design was a cooperation between Atendi and Martin Audio, while Atendi undertook the installation, with assistance from local subcontractors and Martin Audio product support engineer, Ben Tucker. He assisted with predictions, visualization, programming and tuning of the system.

Tucker confirmed that the venue acoustics were perfect. “I always start by keeping the Hard Avoid on stage, and having a listen before moving it. After a walkaround and a bit of tuning, I found no reason to move it from the stage.”

Gunnar Gunnarson admits the project was not without challenges, largely due to limited space, since the stage is heavily populated by equipment, surrounding it on all sides. “We were able to use existing hanging points for the main PA and at the same time create additional points for the subs.

The components themselves comprised Left/Right hangs of 10 WPS, with a pair of SXCF118 subs flown behind each main hang, which provided excellent sub coverage throughout. Providing front fills around the stage lip were eight FlexPoint FP4. The system was driven by three Martin Audio iKON iK81 multichannel, process-controlled amps and an iK42.

Stated Akureyri Culture Company technician, Árni F. Sigurðsson, “The tender documents were quite demanding, and we had high expectations for this installation. These were fulfilled as the new system is a game changer with regard to both headroom and sound coverage. I can confidently say that we have the most evenly distributed sound coverage of any of the bigger venues in Iceland and I’m looking forward to receiving feedback from guest engineers. We stage everything from opera, musical theatre, conference and corporate shows to rock, dance music and metal. Having sufficient headroom to present all of these genres will truly set a new standard for the venue.

“First impressions are very promising and Ben Tucker, who designed and tuned the system did an incredible job. It’s amazing what Martin Audio was able to offer for the price.”

Aside from giving Martin Audio another highly prestigious installation of its class-leading Wavefront Precision series, it also has the honor of being its northernmost location—located less than 100 kilometers from the Arctic Circle.

Martin Audio will showcase the expansion of the popular contractor series of ADORN ceiling, pendant and on-wall loudspeakers atISE 2025, with the addition of ADORN A80T.

A80T is a two-way passive speaker with an elegant design that is perfect for architectural environments that require high fidelity sound from an unobtrusive, compact enclosure. It brings class-leading performance, reliability and value to a wide range of commercial sound applications — from retail outlets, bars and restaurants to corporate offices and convention centres.

A80T is the perfect choice for background and foreground systems which require superior performance. Its Martin Audio signature sound characteristic also provides a seamless sonic transition within a multi-zoned complex using larger Martin Audio systems such as CDD or BlacklineX.

Comprising an 8” (203mm) LF driver and a 1” (25mm) polymer dome HF compression driver on a 90° x 50° horn, it handles 200W AES, 800W peak and can produce 120dB peak output at 1 metre. It has a smooth frequency response and strong bass reproduction that extends down to 63Hz.

With a nominal impedance of 8 ohms, multiple speakers can be driven in parallel from a single channel of a low impedance amplifier, such as the Martin Audio VIA2502 or VIA5004, thereby maximising efficiency and minimising cost. A80T also incorporates a high-quality transformer for 70V/100V line operation, with transformer taps selected by a rotary switch, and can be powered by the VIA 5002.

For full bandwidth protection, the low and high-frequency sections are individually protected against overload.

Available in black or white as standard, it can be readily painted to match any décor and can be wall-mounted vertically or horizontally using the supplied accessory WB6/8 bracket. In addition, for general outdoor use the cabinet only requires the additional waterproof connector cover to be IP54 compliant.

The product will be on display on the Martin Audio booth A300 at the front of Hall 7, and it will also be part of their audio demonstrations in F6, Hall 8.

More product details: https://generationav.net/products/martin-audio-series/adorn-series/a80t/

ADORN Series video: https://youtu.be/2JVTQz-sCw0

More on Martin Audio at ISE: https://martin-audio.com/events/ise2025

Based in Crawley, Sussex, Tulleys Farm turns into a seasonal theme park in the Autumn and Winter months. It’s then that they promote an evolving programme of festivals and visitor attractions with ‘Shocktober’ (developing into a Pumpkin Festival), now followed by a newly inaugurated Christmas Light Festival through its various woodland trails, occupying the month of December.

Owned for the past four generations by the Beare family, to give an idea of scale at this pumpkin farm, when Martin Audio partners SWG Events were brought in to create an integrated and immersive sound and light trail—part of an overall Christmas experience—it required around 400 of the manufacturer’s ADORN A55T series loudspeakers, spanning 40 zones.

SWG Events were introduced to handle the inaugural Christmas Light Festival, which occupies an entirely new trail through the woods.

Head of Audio, Simon Purse, says the installation is an extension of the Pumpkin Festival where ADORN speakers already featured. For the Christmas light trail, wooden fencing follows a pathway through the trees where the ADORN speakers, weather-protected by their purpose-designed IP kits, are festooned along the route. These are powered by a series of Martin Audio VIA2004 and VIA5004 amplifiers.

The quality of the system has brought the whole festival alive.

But it is within the 26 dedicated DX0.4 2-in/4-out network system processors that the magic takes place. “The client wanted to be able to control everything from a central position, and with the DX0.4s all on the same network we were able to use the Martin software in a single location. From here, any adjustments could be made to the sound remotely—and all 26 devices can be controlled from anywhere with access to our wireless network, which works remarkably well.”

He adds, “Of the 40 different zones each might have a different track or require a different level—all fed and adjustable from that master control location over a Dante network.” In terms of security there is a live mic override which ducks the system in the event of an alert.

Since the experience needs to be constantly evolving in and out of different themes, SWG are also sending timecode down the same network to various locations, as the content—played out from a media server—works through different genres … from love songs, to classical, rock and disco—synced to the various areas that require programmed lighting. Projection video reinforcement is also tied into the show control to further stimulate the senses.

Leading the project for SWG Events is Dan Jenkins. “It’s very much Dan’s vision of system deployment and flexible control,” says Purse. “In fact it took eight of us a month to put everything in.”

However, it doesn’t end there: the trail opens out to a pair of large lakes which offer stunning views of the lights, and alternate between different shows. To match this dynamic, SWG Events have beefed up the sound system, installing 48 Martin Audio Blackline X12 high performance speakers. “Since the lightshows are more impactful it required a bit more SPL and low end,” confirms Purse. A further area provides a live band stage and lasers.

Summarising the project Simon Purse says it’s the sheer scale of the event at Tulleys that makes this festival season special. “What they have achieved in a year is massive,” he says.

Added Sam and Stuart Beare, “Working with SWG Events for the implementation of the Martin Audio system has been completely seamless. The quality of the system has brought the whole festival alive.”

Martin Audio is revving up the excitement at ISE this year with The FlexPoint Pitstop Challenge, a competition to test your speed and skill in rotating the driver on its flagship FlexPoint loudspeaker, the FP8. The contestant with the fastest time recorded over the four-day event will be crowned the ultimate speed champion,and receive a prize package valued at £10,000, including 2x FP8, 2x SX112 and 1x iKON iK41.

The FlexPoint series is celebrated for its groundbreaking acoustic design, cutting-edge technical innovation and exceptional versatility, making it the go-to solution for premium installations and live sound applications.

Each model in the range—aside from the ultra-compact FP4—features a multi-angle enclosure that allows seamless orientation in either portrait or landscape mode. Thanks to Martin Audio’s proprietary quick-release grille latches and captive release clamps, the FlexPoint driver can be effortlessly rotated 90° by hand, without any tools.

We can’t wait to see who will showcase their skills and be crowned champion.

This ingenious design ensures quick adjustments in the field, a feature Martin Audio is showcasing with The FlexPoint Pitstop Challenge.

Participants will race against the clock to complete the driver rotation process, with a live leader board displayed at the Martin Audio booth. The competition promises not only bragging rights but also a chance to claim the £10,000 prize.

James King, Marketing Director at Martin Audio, shared his enthusiasm: “Of course, we’re thrilled to be launching new products and hosting our ever-popular audio demos at ISE. But this year, we also wanted to bring some unadulterated fun to the show. FlexPoint has been a resounding success with system integrators and live sound professionals, thanks to its exceptional performance and unparalleled flexibility. We can’t wait to see who will showcase their skills and be crowned champion.”

The FlexPoint Pitstop Challenge is open to all ISE attendees, so stop by Stand A300 at the front of Hall 7 and put your speed and precision to the test. Will you be the one to take the chequered flag?

Watch video here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg2hYVV9Mbw

For more on Martin Audio at ISE:https://martin-audio.com/events/ise2025

St John’s Launceston turned to GUZ BOX design + audio to propose an audio solution that would provide clear intelligibility in the main seating areas

Recently, Wuping No. 1 High School held its 100th anniversary celebration. Over the past century, the school has adhered to the educational philosophy of “moral cultivation and all-round development,” inspired by the spirit of Azalea Mountain. Its mission focuses on “laying the foundation for students’ comprehensive and lifelong development,” with the motto of “honesty, perseverance, and trust” and an emphasis on “technological innovation education.” The school has established a strong academic and cultural environment, producing more than 50,000 graduates, including many leaders in governance, academia, and industry.

INDIA: Martin Audio’s versatile loudspeakers have been tasked with reproducing many musical genres to optimum effect over the generations. But one of the most demanding must surely be the spirituality of Indian Sufi music, as performed by one of the leading exponents, Bismil ki Mehfil (Mohd Asif).

His recent concert outdoors at Delhi Technological University (DTU) was a spectacular showcase of Sufi fusion music. Having been studying since the age of five under the tutelage of maestros from the Moradabad and Delhi gharanas, he captivated an audience of between 7,000-8,000 people with soulful renditions, including his hit singleTere Binaand his popular cover of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’sKali Kali Zulfon Ke Phande. To capture the concert’s deep emotion and electrifying energy, leaving the audience spellbound, required all the powers of Martin Audio’s flagship WPL line array.

The PA design comprised eight WPL per side (left and right) with a further centre fill of eight WPC enclosures, ensuring consistent coverage right across the audience area.

The 2 x 12in biamp three-way system, provided by ShowTech, ensured both impeccable sound clarity and reach. Precision and projection combined to allow Bismil’s dynamic vocals and intricate ensemble arrangements to resonate throughout the vast open-air venue.

The audio system truly made the difference for Bismil ki Mehfil.

Complementing this were 12 SXH218 subwoofers in a front-firing configuration, and a further eight SX218 in a reverse cardioid setup for centre fill. The SXH218s provided powerful, direct low-end energy for the audience, enveloping them in an immersive, truly captivating audio experience, while the SX218s, arranged in reverse cardioid, minimised rear-stage rumble and maintained a clean acoustic environment on stage.

Further optimising the sound, the Hard Avoid® feature was applied to the stage area in the dedicated DISPLAY software, preventing unwanted low-frequency spill.

The system was powered by iKON iK42 DSP 4-channel amplifiers, delivering 20,000W of Class D power. This set-up provided consistent sound quality, wherever attendees were located.

ShowTech’s engineers, alongside dedicated technical support from Martin Audio’s territory distributions, VMT Enterprise, supervised the system, ensuring that Bismil’s soulful melodies were heard in perfect clarity. The event also showcased the evident superior capabilities of Martin Audio’s technology and the strong partnership that exists between VMT and ShowTech, dedicated to delivering world-class live sound experiences.

“The audio system truly made the difference for Bismil ki Mehfil,” said Tarvinder Singh, ShowTech’s system engineer. “The clarity, depth and precision it provided brought his powerful vocals and the richness of Sufi music to life, and the audience was fully engaged throughout.”

“Working on the sound system for this event was an absolute pleasure,” added Dharam Koli, Pre-Design & Sales Engineer, VMT Enterprise. “ The set-up ensured crystal clear sound, which played a key role in creating a deeply engaging atmosphere. Seeing the audience connect so profoundly with the performance was incredibly rewarding.

“At VMT we pride ourselves on delivering solutions that exceed expectations, and this event was a testament to that commitment.”

The Martin Audio system exceeds all our expectations. The power, clarity, and precision it delivered during Umiya Mahotsav 2024 helped us create an unforgettable experience for attendees. The combination of the WPL and WPC line arrays provided excellent coverage, while the subwoofers ensured deep, punchy bass. This has been a game-changer for our business, allowing us to deliver top-tier audio quality that elevates our events..

From a technical perspective, the setup performed flawlessly. The flown subwoofers paired with the line arrays allowed us to create a balanced, immersive sound that captivated the audience. The amplifiers provided consistent power without any distortion, and the monitors offered pristine stage monitoring for the performers. As an engineer, working with such reliable, high-quality equipment makes the job infinitely easier and more rewarding.

This system truly enhanced the sound quality, making my job as a mix engineer so much easier. The clarity and depth allowed every detail to come through, while the powerful low-end added a rich, immersive feel. The equipment’s reliability ensured smooth performances, creating an unforgettable experience for both the performers and the audience. Working with this system was a transformative experience, setting a new standard for what we can achieve at SuperWaves.

UK: Part of theMerlinfamily who operate predominantly in the South-West, the500-capacityRegal TheatreinRedruthoccupies a stunning 1930s art deco building, doubling between cinema and live events.

Local contractors, TruCru, were brought in recently to overhaul the theatre PA, replacing an archaic system with a Martin Audio FlexPoint solution. As a community facility, the new PA needed to demonstrate the versatility to cater for a wide variety of shows—ranging from am dram, touring tribute acts, operatic societies and nationally recognised stand-up comedians, with a high SPL. Most importantly, it needed to banish the pre-existing hotspotting that was evident in a challenging building with a balcony tier and an acoustically difficult ‘stepped’ ceiling above.

While TruCru have had widespread experience specifying the manufacturer’s popular CDD series, in this instance both project manager Toby Bodman, and Ben Tucker, from Martin Audio’s Product Support Group, agreed that the shorter throw of the FlexPoint point source speaker would provide a more appropriate solution, with output and dispersion better suited to the room and the balcony rake.

It’s just a fantastic sounding box delivering so much SPL from such a compact form factor.

Assessing the pre-existing system, Bodman noted, “Certain bits didn’t quite work or had been cobbled together to make it work. Because of these issues the coverage had been very spotty. The client therefore wanted not only the best system to cater to the entire space but one that would provide as even a coverage as possible.”

Any doubts that FlexPoint would be able to throw to the very back of the steeply raked Circle and under-balcony were immediately allayed at the demo stage. “Any scepticism disappeared immediately, and even I was a little surprised just how far back it threw and was generally blown away with its overall performance. In fact the overriding comment from those who have heard the system was the extent to which the sound has improved. My one concern was a very fast reflection at the back of the under-balcony, but such is the efficiency of the system that you really don’t notice it at all.”

So how was this solution achieved? With two left/right FP12 mounted high on the proscenium for Circle coverage, and a further pair underneath for the majority of Stalls coverage, Two smaller FP8 then take over from the middle of the Stalls, while four compact FP4 are positioned along the front lip of the stage, to cover the pit area and front rows of the Stalls. An exposed stacked pair of SX215 subwoofers on each side of the stage occupy the positions of the previous subs, and finally six Blackline X15B have been provided for stage monitoring.

TruCru worked around existing rigging points and ran new speaker cable, although the signal remains in the analogue domain. A pair of dedicated DX4.0 system controllers store the DSP.

Summing up the impact of FlexPoint, Toby Bodman said TruCru had immediately put their money where their mouth is, placing a further order for their hire stock. “Aside from the punch that’s packed in such a small profile, it is also so lightweight. For example the 12in box is lighter than some other smaller 10in boxes we have in our hire stock. It’s just a fantastic sounding box delivering so much SPL from such a compact form factor—and the venue’s tech team fully agree.”