Covering The Bases
While the company had already done a variety of regional work, Scarfe soon decided to focus on that segment of his business exclusively, believing that, as a single owner/operator, it offered the most viable path forward.
This proved to be a fortuitous decision, and since 2002, MHA has doubled its warehouse space and completely replaced its inventory in order to remain at the forefront of audio technology.
“It’s a client driven business, and a regional sound company is expected to be able to cover absolutely all the bases for sound reinforcement,” he states. Doing so effectively requires re-investing regularly in new technology, with one of the company’s most recent additions being a Martin Audio MLA Multi-cellular Loudspeaker Array (MLA) system. (Specifically, 24 full-range enclosures and 12 MLX subwoofers.)
In addition to MLA’s uniform response, controlled coverage and overall sonic quality, he points to the system’s compact nature as a another plus, explaining that for the average “shed-style” venue, the entire system fits into one 26-foot truck.
Since it joined the inventory in early summer of this year, the new system has already been deployed at a range of events such as the annual Capital Jazz Festival in Columbia, MD, and for shows by Maroon Five, Katy Perry, Zach Brown Band, Luke Bryan and several others.
Scarfe adds that Martin Audio has served as a true long-term partner with his company over the years.“I believe in their products, and they’ve contributed to our success. When we demo’d MLA, the system performed beyond my expectations, and the evenness of coverage and the amazing vocal coherence through the audience area is appreciated by my clients. I believe that this system is years ahead of the rest of the industry and allows MHA Audio to ensure the very best sound for its clients.”
Despite the considerable track record, the company remains compact, consisting of just a few full-time employees, including Scarfe’s wife Leigh, who plays an integral role as office administrator. Going forward, goals for the future are as well defined as ever.
“We’ll continue to provide an excellent product and the best personnel to keep our clients satisfied and wanting more. We don’t need to be the biggest company in the world,” he concludes. “I enjoy the business, working with new technology and trying out the latest equipment.
“We have an amazing roster of fans and industry colleagues, and I’ve got employees who do a great job and have the same kind of attention to detail I do.”
Based in Toronto, Kevin Young is a freelance music and tech writer, professional musician and composer.