Singapore-based EXPO AV-INSYNC PTE (EAI) recently (and significantly) boosted an inventory that also includes Martin Audio W8LM mini line arrays by purchasing the country’s first MLA System 36 from local distributors Swee Lee.
EAI managing director Gerard Rodrigues explains, “We wanted a larger format, steerable array system to add on to our inventory, and it needed to represent a significant upgrade. The other main reason is that the next four upcoming gigs are all rider specific.”
Rodrigues adds that the latest purchase continues a legacy that began with the older Martin Audio Wavefront W3/WS2 range. “We wanted to be the first company to own MLA, but in any case, after a year’s worth of research for a new line array, this system came out top in terms of sound quality, output, ease of use and what engineers wanted most.
“We deliberated this to ensure we had concert and corporate clients who would love it and specify it for their events,” he continues. “And although we had not heard it live at the time, I can’t remember the last time Martin Audio built a bad box, whether loudspeakers or line arrays.”
EAI had first heard about the MLA system back in late 2012, with Rodrigues and technical director Desmond Zuzarte noting MLA’s ease of use, the output it delivers, and the steerability and tailored control for each different venue.
After intensive training in late July, hosted by venue partners Singapore Expo & Max Atria and conducted by Chris Pyne (Martin Audio APAC technical & training support), the system will debut later this summer at the Singapore Expo Hall 1 in front of 6,000 people for a talent show.
“Our sound engineers are just very excited about this acquisition,” Rodrigues concludes. “From a sales point of view, the MLA speaks for itself. Aside from its output, the other big advantage is its weight — here in Singapore, we needed a system that could deliver huge sound output, while maintaining a certain weight load restriction in many venues. And looking at how the system is selling in Japan alone, it is a choice of all concert organizers and technical directors for large scale events.”