––New Sales Announced For MLA And Newly Introduced MLA Compact––
Martin Audio used Prolight+Sound in Germany to launch its new MLA Compact Multi-cellular loudspeaker array—introducing Stockholm-based DM Audio as the first customer worldwide. But by the end of the expo, they were celebrating sales of the original MLA platform to two UK rental companies as the High Wycombe company reported taking orders in excess of £1.9 million.
RG Jones, which numbers the Glastonbury Festival among its many high profile accounts, invested in a System 36 (24 x MLA top boxes and 12 MLX subs) following successful trials at the Royal Albert Hall and on Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of the Worlds.
The company placed the order on the opening day of Frankfurt and joint managing director Andrew Williamson said, “We needed a large format system and this will be our first self-powered rig. It provides an excellent truck-pack solution because you don’t need to deploy a lot of amp racks, and the degree of control it offers is a major plus point.”
Knutsford-based rental company VME, specialists in servicing the entertainment, touring, corporate and broadcast industries also placed an order for a System 30 MLA. Their director, Dion Davie, said, “MLA is the direction we shall be taking as it represents the future of audio.”
Philippines-based JB Music & Sports also finalized an order, confirming the purchase of the country’s first MLA system consisting of a System 36 MLA and System 24 of the newly launched MLA Compact. “We are confident that when potential customers understand the unique abilities of this revolutionary multi-cellular system, they will be won over,” said Jerico Salonga Fernando, VP Sales & Operations.
On the opening day Martin Audio managing director Anthony Taylor had addressed a packed stand of media and distributors, explaining the impact the groundbreaking new MLA technology was now having, on the back of huge growth in 2011. “We threw a pebble in the water and watched the ripples rapidly expand,” he said.
By the end of the show the ripples were threatening to become tidal as Martin Audio celebrated its most successful trade show ever.
For more about Martin Audio, please click to www.martin-audio.com.
About MLA™ (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.
With up to 24 enclosures, each MLA array has up to 144 cells — too great a number to optimize manually, or by ear. Instead, Martin Audio’s proprietary Display2™ 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 Audio’s VU-NET™ 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-NET 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 measured 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.
