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Martin Audio Launches New MLA Compact At London’s Apollo Hammersmith

Get more of the latest news from the 2012 PL+S show.

In its first international showcase, Martin Audio recently unveiled the new MLA Compact Multi-cellular Loudspeaker Array at the storied HMV Apollo Hammersmith theatre in West London for a gathering that included the company’s global distributor network and members of the pro audio media.

The feedback received over the two-day, four-session event was highly positive. In his opening speech, Martin Audio 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,” Taylor states. “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 adds, “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.”

At the unveiling, Martin Audio R&D director Jason Baird provided an in-depth presentation of the MLA Compact system before two hangs of 12 elements, rigged for the occasion, were revealed (along with stacked DSX subwoofers) –– courtesy of the 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 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 noticeably quiet.

The Martin Audio North American team — Rob Hofkamp (sales director), Ferrit Rowe (MLA technical training manager), and Jim Jorgensen (MLA support specialist) — was also on hand for the launch.

“The MLA Compact is poised to make a dramatic impact on the U.S. market, both for fixed installations and regional sound companies,” Hofkamp states. “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.”

Further technical details of the MLA Compact will be released soon. Find out more about the MLA concept and technology here.

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Martin Audio

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