Martin Audio’s Mexico-based rental partner Audio Teck Pro recently deployed a large-scale sound reinforcement system headed by WPL and MLA line arrays to provide comprehensive coverage throughout 10,500-capacity, multipurpose GNP Acapulco Arena in support of a live performance.
Audio Teck Pro systems engineer Raúl Román explains that the multi-cellular control of the loudspeaker systems helped overcome the challenges—particularly in this case of heat and humidity—to deliver a consummate audio performance.
“In our experience it is a great advantage to have Martin Audio equipment in our inventory as the brand is frequently requested on artists’ riders, and the systems always respond well,” says Román. “Other brands we have used do not achieve the same results, especially in the treble; this is very important because with other equipment, the treble starts to fall away at a distance of about 50 or 60 meters whereas with Martin Audio it reaches a distance of 100 meters comfortably without problems, which is a great advantage.”
He adds this was corroborated by [Rational Acoustics] Smaart software readings where the treble portions of the music, measured 16,000 Hz rather than the usual 12,000 Hz. “With Martin Audio, everything sounds coherent, very clear and transparent, and at the same level, and this is what distinguishes from others,” Román continues. “And as far as the subwoofers are concerned, there is no comparison; they outperform other brands with depth and tone that other subs do not have.”
The full deployment at the GNP Acapulco Arena included 16 WPL per side for the main hang, run off iKON amps (in 2-box resolution) and eight MLA per side for outfill. Subs comprised 24 SXH218 in an Inverted stack array. By designing it in a cardioid arc, it was able to cover 120 degrees and provide coherent coverage from the first rows to the top of the venue.
“But even with Acapulco’s hot and humid weather, the sound travels fabulously and remains impressive, both near and far,” Román states. “They have used other brands but so far this is the only one that has met the requirements in complicated venues where achieving consistent sound pressure and frequency response are challenging. It is always surprising that while other brands need to add delay points to maintain system integrity in the highest and farthest places; with Martin Audio such integrity is present throughout the entire coverage area without the need for delays.”
