Long-standing Martin Audio rental partner SWG Events, based in Bristol, UK, recently upgraded its pro audio inventory with the acquisition of 24 large-format Wavefront Precision WPL enclosures as well as 12 SXH218 subwoofers and 24 XE500 floor monitors.
Powering the WPL arrays in 2-box resolution are Martin Audio iKON iK42 process-controlled, multi-channel amplifiers, part of an order for 17 units that will also be assigned to the XE500 monitors.
“Everything came along at the right time, with me joining the company [from Martin Audio]. This coincided with SWG looking to buy a bigger, state-of-the-art system as an upgrade for their trusty W8LC, to put us back at the top end of the touring market with higher tier acts,” states SWG Events head of audio Simon Purse,
The acquisition was sanctioned by SWG managing director Alister Pook in light of the fact the company had been forced to cross-hire during this summer’s crowded outdoor season. “SWG has always been a Martin Audio house, and the fact that they were able to supply immediately from stock, plus our familiarity with the system, were major selling points,” Purse notes.
On arrival the new inventory was deployed within 48 hours, enabling their sub-hired MLA to return to base, at the Rhyl Event Arena for a package show that featured James, Tom Grennan and Jack Savoretti. It then moved onto CarFest North on the Bolesworth Castle in Chester.
Purse says that the choice of system size ticked a number of boxes. “A 12-box hang per side generally fits where we are at, giving us coverage for 5,000 up to 10,000-cap venue sizes. The Southwest has now got to the point where there is local availability to cross-hire so that we can scale up to a full arena system,” adding, “I believe we are one of the largest stockists of the XE500 and I’d be happy to put these in front of anyone.”
Martin Audio UK sales manager Peter Codron concludes, “SWG has been a loyal, and long-serving customer of Martin Audio for many years. Their ongoing support is further reflected in this latest investment in our new technology, and being part of the ever-increasing UK Wavefront Partner Network. It is also gratifying to know that they already have a number of events earmarked for WPL.”
