Category: Martin Audio

UK – Billed as a “giant adult playground” complete with fairground games, three years after the inaugural Fairgame concept was unveiled at Canary Wharf, the operators have followed up with Fairgame City. This is set in the burgeoning One New Change leisure and dining hub, and offers spectacular views of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Middlesex Sound & Lighting (MSL) were responsible for designing and supplying a full AV technical infrastructure at both venues, where sound reinforcement is uniquely through a combination of around 100 Martin Audio loudspeakers (most notably CDD6). In fact, of all Martin Audio’s global partners, MSL have arguably been the largest specifier of the CDD series.

With the evolution of the Fairgame concept, MSL recognised that they needed to incorporate a larger scalable sound system that could be used as and when needed. To give an idea of scale, this basement venue is set on a colossal 24,500 sq. ft. footprint, with the space including 12 exclusive games, street food, bars, and private event areas. Around 100 Martin Audio speakers — predominantly a combination of CDD6 and SX110 subwoofers — have been distributed across eight distinct audio zones.

Where elevated audio is required, BlacklineX has been provided for the Main Bar area — where the DJ resides (complete with a pair of XP12 monitors) — along with the Private Function Area. These are paired with the punchier SX210 / SX212 subwoofers, while toilets and ancillary areas are served by Martin Audio’s ADORN series.

The entire signal distribution is on a Dante backbone, with localised BSS wall panels and Netgear line switching. The entire network, including the effects and house lighting, is under roving master iPad control.

WE COULDN’T BE HAPPIER WITH THE END RESULT.

MSL’s project team was led by Toby Jones, who also designed and commissioned the system, working with Fairgame co-founder Richard Hilton, and COO, Toby Cowan. Also assisting with commissioning was Steve Billington, who was also responsible for iPad control integration.

In this riot of activity one of the challenges facing Jones was that of containment — preventing the sound bleeding up to the shops, arcades and restaurants above. It is for this reason he chose such a large complement of speakers, knowing that a large distributed system could be under-driven — further optimised by being placed at strategic heights on Powerdrive acoustic mounts or pole-mounted from the ceiling.

“It was really important to have lots of compact little boxes everywhere at the right height, with the correct orientation,” he rationalised. “The ceilings were quite high, so these custom built, acoustic mount solutions kept the speakers at the correct height. The CDD6s provide a lovely distribution in combination with the compact SX110 subwoofers, mounted on the ceiling.” This ensures the source feeds of BGM, live mic and DJ inputs are heard transparently and with high intelligibility.

A quick fly through the eight zones shows CDD6 at the ground floor entrance and reception as customers transition down to the basement where the action is.

“In the main bar area, we deployed four Blackline X10 pole mounted from the ceiling on acoustic brackets, with two SX212 subwoofers with acoustic yokes firing down,” Jones explained. “In the Private Function Area, we used eight Blackline X8, wall mounted, with three SX210 subs mounted to the ceiling to provide a nice low energy.”

The mezzanine level houses toilet areas and here various ADORN ACS-40TS ceiling speakers and A40T have been deployed with a pair of ADORN A55T lining the customer routes to the toilet. This ensures customers remain immersed in the sound field wherever they are in this vast space.

MSL have delivered an elegant and nimble solution. Thanks to their own integration, at one touch of a button they have total system control over the entire venue, and can change presets as necessary as well as carry out diagnostics remotely. “Being able to monitor the system remotely over a Cloud is invaluable,” he says.

Finally, of course, MSL have provided plenty of headroom with a generous provision of Dante wall input points for iPods — as well as two DJ points complementing the existing Pioneer DJ set-up. “The ease of the Dante network, and expandability of the system — with so many redundant Cat6 network cables — means we can always add more input points,” he concludes.

Commenting on the installation, Toby Cowan, Fairgame’s COO, added, “We couldn’t be happier with the end result. MSL and Toby were great to work with, and the quality of the AV infrastructure is exceptional.”

Footnote: It was recently announced that Ten Entertainment Group, the Tenpin brand operator, which is backed by US private equity firm Trive Capital, has acquired Fairgame, from Richard Hilton, the founder of Gymbox, in a deal that is understood to value the business at circa £40m.

IND – Boasting stunning interiors, an elite crowd and unmatched vibe, Xclusive Club & Kitchen has redefined the nightlife experience in the heart of Pune.

A variety of DJs rotate to deliver a heady mix of high energy commercial, Bollywood and EDM, delivered through a potent combination of Martin Audio’s premium TORUS and BlacklineX series, ensuring an elevated experience for their clientele. The place has been jumping since popular Indian rapper/DJ Raftaar headlined the spectacular launch, in mid-November.

“At Xclusive Club & Kitchen the audio experience was a critical part of the overall design,” said Shivam Vitekar, the venue’s AV consultant.

The main dance floor system features Martin Audio TORUS T1215 and TORUS T1230 constant curvature loudspeakers, delivering powerful and accurate front and midfield coverage with consistent tonal performance across the dancefloor. Deep and punchy low-frequency impact is produced using Martin Audio Blackline X218 and Blackline X118B Hybrid® Horn/Reflex subwoofers, creating the physical energy required for a high-intensity club environment such as this.

IT’S A POWERFUL AND REFINED SOUND EXPERIENCE THAT WE ARE PROUD TO HAVE ENGINEERED.

Additional on-wall reinforcement in premium seating zones is provided by Martin Audio MA BLX 15 and V12 loudspeakers, ensuring balanced sound pressure levels without overwhelming the listening experience.

Amplification for the main PA system is managed using Linea Research 44M 10 DSP four-channel amplification, delivering high output with exceptional control and efficiency. System control, alignment, and final tuning are completed using Linea Research DSP in combination with other third-party devices, collectively providing an integrated system design that delivers a powerful, yet refined sound experience tailored for extended high-SPL operation in a premium nightlife environment.

Reviewing the performance, Mr. Vitekar adds, “The system delivers strong output with excellent control, ensuring the energy remains consistent across the venue. From live performances to DJ-led nights, the sound remains clean and immersive. It has elevated the club’s identity and guest experience.”

Added Dharam Koll, Pre-Design & Sales Engineer, VMT Enterprise, “The sound system delivers exceptional precision and balance, even during high energy sets. The TORUS arrays, paired with Blackline subwoofers, create tight, controlled low-end punch and crystal-clear highs. It’s a powerful and refined sound experience that we are proud to have engineered.”

“Working on the Xclusive Pune project was a smooth and collaborative experience with the system integrator and venue team,” confirmed Kekul Sheth, Head of Sales Distribution, VMT Enterprise.

“Every stage, from planning to commissioning, aligned perfectly with the shared vision. We are proud to be part of an installation that raises the standard of nightclub audio.”

Summing up, VMT director, Jeff Mandot, said “Xclusive Pune represents a significant step forward for professional club sound in India. This installation showcases what is possible when premium technology and expert engineering come together. It sets a strong benchmark for the future of high-performance nightlife venues.”

IN – A recent live concert by Indian playback singer Rahul Vaidya at Gulmohar Palace in Jaipur supported by a Martin Audio WPL line array system providing audio reinforcement for the historic outdoor venue. The large-scale live setup was designed to deliver consistent coverage and clarity across the open-air palace grounds. The WPL line array formed the main PA, with low-frequency support provided by SX218 subwoofers, while LE200 stage monitors were deployed for onstage monitoring. The system was specified by rental company Chopra Sound.

The system, which was driven by iKON iK42 amplifiers, was configured to address the acoustic challenges of the heritage venue while maintaining intelligibility and impact across the audience area.

Commenting on the deployment, Puneet Chopra, director at Chopra’s, said the system helped elevate the overall concert experience. “Martin Audio’s WPL system delivered stunning sound across the venue, from vocals to subbass. The setup ensured every detail was noticed and the feedback from the audience was exceptional,” he said.

“The WPL and SX218 combination delivered a mix that was clean, tight and carried well across the venue, while the LE200 monitors ensured everything on stage stayed in sync,” added sound engineer Dev Verma

System design and deployment for the concert were supported by VMT Enterprise, with pre-design and system planning tailored to the requirements of the heritage site.

UK – In a constant drive to keep its long-standing, multi-faceted resorts at the cutting edge of all round entertainment, Butlin’s recently commissioned advance sound system upgrades at their facilities in Skegness and Bognor Regis.

Since Butlin’s entertainment mix now extends far beyond its origins as a ‘holiday camp’ destination — today ranging from Big Weekenders to Conferences and Events — Head of Technical Entertainment, Andrew Sugg, recognised that its development should be matched with professional, best-in-class audio. And so he turned to his regular contractor, Robin Shephard-Blandy of Illuminate Design for advice. The outcome was an advanced, and scalable Martin Audio Wavefront Precision WPC line array in each of its 1200-plus capacity Centre Stage venues.

Butlin’s are no strangers to the British loudspeaker brand. “We’ve been using Martin Audio systems for probably 20-plus years,” says Sugg. Certainly the old sound system at Centre Stage in Skegness — one of four integrated high-octane venues within the holiday complexes — was showing its age. “Both upgrades were long overdue,” he adds. “Robin has worked with us over the years and understands our business and its requirements.”

This can vary from family entertainment, through to Big Weekenders, featuring DJs and bands, while onstage interviews and year-round family entertainment also require high grade speech intelligibility. “So the actual scale of what a system needs to deliver is multi-faceted.”

Conversations took place with different brand vendors before Martin Audio’s Technical Sales Support, Nigel Meddemmen, undertook site visits to Skegness and Bognor Regis and created design options via visualisation models in Martin Audio’s DISPLAY 3 software. Andrew Sugg had recognised the value that Martin Audio could bring through their support and development opportunities for Butlin’s team.

SEEING A NAME LIKE ‘MARTIN AUDIO’ ON THE TECH SPECS HELPS CEMENT THE FACT WE ARE A PROFESSIONAL VENUE.

But the implementation would require far from a cookie cutter approach since structurally the Centre Stages at the respective venues couldn’t have been more different. “The one in Skegness is high, with a balcony, while the one in Bognor Regis is in a fairly low-ceilinged, very wide venue.”

The designs are based respectively on four- and five-box WPC hangs, with four of Martin Audio’s shorter throw TORUS T1215 in a centre cluster. Multiples of CDD15 provide left/right outfills, while CDD10s are detailed for delay duties, and five CDD12s provide balcony coverage in Skegness.

Subwoofers comprise eight stacks of two SXC118 in a cardioid array, run off Martin Audio iKON iK42 multi-channel amplifiers, while iK81s drive the remainder of the rig. “The enhanced coverage and controllability of the Skegness design was such an improvement on the previous setup that it was also deployed at Bognor Regis to deliver a much smoother sub deployment across the room.”

Meddemmen’s Martin Audio tech support colleagues, Paul Connaughton and Marc Paynter, took over at the later stages, assisting with system engineering and commissioning. ‘Hard Avoid’ was applied to the rear of the venue at Skegness, where it abuts onto the Skyline Pavilion, while at Bognor Regis, Centre Stage is housed in a building directly above Reds, another Butlin’s venue — and so that also required some sound isolation. The installation has been set up as analogue but can flip via a managed network switch to Dante digital as needed.

“The fact that Martin Audio were able to validate the system and put their seal of approval on it gave reassurance not only to Andrew’s guys but also visiting acts and engineers that the system has been set up correctly,” says Shephard-Blandy.

Andrew Sugg takes it further. “Although we don’t need to be rider compliant for day-to-day business, when we go into Big Weekenders, seeing a name like ‘Martin Audio’ on the tech specs helps cement the fact we are a professional venue. We now see this very much as an ongoing relationship.”

As for Illuminate Design they managed to deliver both venues, which were commissioned close apart, without either going dark. “The fact that we stayed fully operational is a testament to how smoothly the transition from the old systems to the new went,” acknowledges Andrew Sugg.

Summing up, he says, “What Martin Audio and Illuminate Design have achieved is superb. Artists coming through are extremely happy, putting us at the professional end of audio … something you wouldn’t necessarily expect at Butlin’s.”

“In fact we are now looking at future projects which will certainly involve Martin Audio and Illuminate Design again.”