London––Martin Audio had such a high level of confidence in its new MLA Compact Multi-cellular loudspeaker array that the company booked the HMV Apollo Hammersmith over two days for its first international showcase.
This showcase provided the proper context for the MLA Compact’s official introduction to the media and Martin Audio’s global distributor network.
The feedback received over the four sessions—which drew visitors from as far afield as North America—was overwhelming.
In his opening speech, Managing director Anthony Taylor referred to the 900 original MLA systems now out in the field, stating that the release of a Compact version was an inevitable consequence of the MLA’s success.
“We have been working on this really for the last 14 months and we are very excited by the concept.
“It has all the attributes of the original MLA—it is an incredibly powerful system, and the fact that it is scalable will put us into all kinds of different areas. The Compact is particularly well suited for installation projects as well as side fills for the MLA and venues up to 5,000 seats.”
He added, “I think the market expected us to go to a smaller box with the same characteristics, and this is really just the start of how we will deploy this technology.”
R&D director, Jason Baird, provided an in-depth presentation of the system before the two hangs of 12 elements rigged for the occasion were dramatically revealed (along with stacked DSX subs)––courtesy of the excellent production support provided by corporate event specialists, USS.
Reference tracks were used to demonstrate different optimizations — including spoken word (Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy), Jennifer Warnes’ Somebody, Somewhere and a blast of Rammstein.
Guests were then invited to walk the room—including up to the Circle—to experience the consistency of the cellular control, as well as to the back of the stage behind the hangs, where the sound levels were impressively quiet.
Martin Audio’s North American team- Rob Hofkamp (North American Sales Director), Ferrit Rowe (MLA Technical Training Manager), Jim Jorgensen (MLA Support Specialist)—was also on hand for the launch.
Asked about the MLA Compact’s potential in the U.S. and Canada, Hofkamp stated, “The MLA Compact is poised to make a dramatic impact on the U.S. market, both for fixed installations and regional sound companies. Its light weight, scalability and competitive pricing coupled with the power and seamless coverage of MLA technology, make it a market leader right out of the box.”
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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.
