LONDON – November 11, 2010 –– Martin Audio today announced its first U.S. MLA customer: Jim Brammer and his North Carolina-based production company, Special Event Services (SES). Based on his team’s overwhelmingly positive experience with their first 36-box MLA system, which they used on this summer’s Zac Brown Band tour, Brammer will add a second MLA rig — consisting of 24 MLA enclosures, 12 MLX subs and 8 MLD downfills – to his existing U.S. arsenal.
Brammer explained the rationale for his successive investments in the MLA platform: “The MLA system is extremely accurate, highly responsive and faithfully reproduces everything that goes into it. And the stereo imaging of the MLA is without equal. More importantly, compared to other systems in our inventory, the sweet spot has virtually disappeared because the MLA sounds good everywhere throughout the venue.�
SES system tech, Preston Soper, provided a from-the-trenches perspective
of the MLA’s incredible accuracy having just run the system on the nationwide Zac Brown Band Tour: “The MLA is a dream. Common phrases I heard from those who heard MLA for the first time included ‘It really does live up to the hype’, ‘It truly is a game changer’ … and my favorite, ‘I have never heard that in a PA before’ (with that referring to a particular instrument, vocal, etc),� lauded Soper.
SES will use its MLA system to deliver full 360-degree coverage at the Zac Brown Band’s New Year’s Eve extravaganza in Atlanta’s Philips Arena. Meanwhile, SES plans to hold a closed-door MLA training/demo session for existing and prospective clients before the end of the year.
Jeffrey Cox, Martin Audio VP, who facilitated the relationship between Martin Audio and SES, added: “Knowing Jim’s insistence on keeping SES, and the industry, on the leading edge of technology, I knew he was a perfect match to help us pioneer this paradigm-shifting system. Together, we have proven that Martin has delivered a complete, tested and vetted system that performed night after night for a Grammy-Award-winning artist on a major U.S. tour. That’s pressure of the highest degree, trust of the ultimate dimension, and proof that a new era of touring sound is upon us.�
About MLAâ„¢ (Multi-Cellular Loudspeaker Array)
The result of many years of intensive R&D, MLA’s methodology replaces trial-and-error array design with intelligent numerical optimization of the array’s output based on a highly accurate acoustic model. The multi-cellular format has six individual cells in each enclosure, each with its own DSP and amplification.
Each 24-enclosure MLA array has 144 cells — too great a number to optimize manually, or by ear. Instead, Martin Audio’s proprietary Display2â„¢ system design software automatically calculates FIR DSP filters for each cell and a redundant-ring audio network (U-NET) downloads the settings into each array enclosure. Martin’s VU-NETâ„¢ software provides real-time control and monitoring of the system.
MLA delivers a frequency response and SPL consistency never before achievable; a very high system output (140dB peak, per cabinet @1m); Automatic optimization of the array, both physically (splay angles) and electronically (DSP); Computer control and monitoring of the entire system, and total control of sound system balance for engineers and sound technicians.
MLA is fully-integrated, with Class D amplification, DSP and U-NETâ„¢ digital audio
network built into each enclosure. MLA complete systems are ready-to-use, with MLA,
MLD and MLX enclosures, flying hardware, software, cabling and training all supplied.
Everything needed is included. All ancillary items — from tablet PC and Merlin™
controller to network interconnects and mains distro — are also included in the complete
system package. This ensures full compatibility worldwide, down to cabling and
accessories.
Additional features include 90° x 7.5° dispersion; a compact size (1136mm wide x 372mm high x 675mm deep), one-box-fits-all (festivals to theaters) application range and a global voltage, power factor corrected power supply.
MLA’s compact size and very high output allows it to be shipped using smaller trucks, offering considerable savings and reduced carbon footprint. The system also includes the MLX powered, flyable subwoofer capable of an unprecedented peak output of 150dB @ 1m; MLD downfill cabinet, and Merlin 4-in/10-out system controller and network hub. Audio input is via analog, AES3 or U-NET.
By adopting these principles and system components MLA is optimized for every member of the audience — from a 2,000 capacity theater, to a 20,000-seat arena, to a 100,000-person festival site. It will deliver the engineer’s exact mix to every seat (up to over 150 meters) with precision, exceptional power and clarity.
About Martin Audio®
Founded by audio engineer David Martin in 1971, Martin Audio pioneered the use of all-horn-loaded bass designs in world-class touring loudspeaker systems for groups such as Pink Floyd, ELP and Supertramp. Located outside of London, Martin Audio now embodies a sophisticated mix of acoustic design, research, mathematical modeling and software engineering for a wide range of products in the installation, cinema and touring sound markets. For more information visit www.martin-audio.com.
About LOUD Technologies Inc.
As the corporate parent for world-recognized brands Alvarez®, Ampeg®, Blackheart®, Crate®, EAW®, Mackie® and Martin Audio®, LOUD engineers, markets and distributes a wide range of professional audio and musical instrument products worldwide. Our product lines include sound reinforcement systems, analog and digital mixers, guitar and bass amplifiers, and acoustic and electric guitars. These products can be found in professional and project recording studios, video and broadcast suites, post-production facilities, sound reinforcement applications including houses of worship, stadiums, nightclubs, retail locations, and on major musical concert tours. The Company distributes its products primarily through retail dealers, mail order outlets and installed sound contractors. The Company has its primary operations in the United States with operations in the United Kingdom, Canada and China. For more information, visit www.loudtechinc.com.
