CHICAGO, IL – Special Event Services (“SES�) and On Stage Audio (“OSA�) today announced they will partner on the May 17, 2011 live production of the Oprah Winfrey Show finale, “Surprise Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular,� at Chicago’s United Center.
As part of the growing MLA network, SES and OSA will deploy the largest MLA system ever flown to ensure uniform coverage throughout the arena for this high-profile production.
“Knowing the high level of audio quality we need to provide for an event of this magnitude, MLA was the obvious choice,� said Jim Brammer, SES President. “As the launch customer for MLA in North America, we’re pleased to have a high-caliber company like OSA join the growing MLA network, and we look forward to partnering with them on this event.�
On May 17, the United Center will serve as both the set for the taping of the
final Oprah Winfrey Show, scheduled to air on May 25, as well as a star-studded live concert.
“We are proud to be partnering with SES as MLA system providers for this event, the largest-scale production ever at the United Center,� added Jim Risgin, OSA Vice President. “And it’s a pleasure to work with Harpo Productions as they realize the beneifts MLA’s technology will bring to this history-making production.�
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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.
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 Display2â„¢ system design software automatically calculates FIR DSP filters for each cell and a redundant-ring audio network (U-NETâ„¢) 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-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 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.
