08 l April 2013
news EXCLUSIVE Mini takes MLA magic to masses
Martin Audio showcases MLA Mini, the baby of the revolutionary multicellular loudspeaker family, writes Dave Robinson
FOLLOWING THE widely- acclaimed success of the Multicellular Loudspeaker Array (launched in 2010) and its sister system the MLA Compact (2012), Martin Audio will introduce a third component to its groundbreaking sound reinforcement toolbox at this year’s Prolight + Sound event. MLA Mini combines “lightweight, radical design inspiration” and a compact footprint with the award-winning multi-driver MLA technology to produce a small-scale, portable system for installed and live sound applications. The Mini’s output power is still substantial: the High
EXCLUSIVE
APG and Powersoft form development partnership
French loudspeaker manufacturer and Italian amplifier maker seal deal which “goes beyond OEM”, writes Dave Robinson
FRENCH LOUDSPEAKER manufacturer APG has announced a strategic partnership with Italian amplifier maker Powersoft, which has culminated in the launch of a range of APG- branded amplifiers at Prolight + Sound 2013. The alliance is said to be the fruition of a six-year relationship and “much discussion” between the two manufacturers. The arrangement, which took
effect on 1 January 2013, means APG is now able to offer a range of complete turnkey systems comprising loudspeakers, amplifiers and processing, all packaged in standard universal touring racks. Two APG switch- mode Class D power amps, based on Powersoft’s flagship K Series range, will be exhibited at the Frankfurt show. Both manufacturers have stressed that this is only the
(L-R) APG’s Gregory Dapsanse (GM) and Philippe Frarier (president), with Powersoft’s Antonio Peruch, (MD production) and Luca Giorgi, pro audio manager
The SA20:2 and SA30:2: Powersoft knowhow with APG styling
beginning of a joint technology development programme. “Choosing the right partner for
a collaboration such as ours that goes well beyond the realms of a traditional OEM deal is a delicate business,” observes Powersoft MD Antonio Peruch. “You have to be sure that both sides share the same expectations and have similar values. From our side, we wanted closer contact with loudspeaker manufacturers – and therefore with their users – to drive amplifier development. Our aim is to pool the savoir faire from both sides to be able to create better products and systems.”
“As a company APG is
extremely innovative and passionate about what they do and the quality of their products, as are we,” he continues. “They are approachable and easy to talk to. From our perspective, this has considerable advantages over dealing with a large corporation. We were looking to be more than just a supplier – what we wanted was to be able to create a real working development partnership, and we are sure that this is achievable with APG. “Furthermore, we were looking specifically to develop a relationship with a French brand
to reinforce our presence in the French market.” While Powersoft is based just outside Florence in Tuscany, APG’s headquarters sits to the north of Paris. “APG fits the profile perfectly,” says Peruch. “APG and Powersoft have enough common ground in terms of corporate values, the way in which we do business and of course technical expertise and innovation, to create a truly dynamic collaboration,” agrees APG’s general manager, Gregory Dapsanse. “As Antonio said, we have not rushed into this, and we are both confident that it will result in some excellent products for APG enabling us to offer fully optimised systems to our customers, as well as increased exposure for Powersoft.” The first products to be launched as a result of the partnership are the SA20:2 and SA30:2 two-channel, switch-
mode Class D amplifiers. The SA20:2 is dedicated to small and medium-scale applications, such as APG’s Micro Axial, Micro and Dispersion Series speakers, whereas SA30:2 handles bigger systems including the Beam, Uniline and Matrix Series as well as TB subs. Advanced protection circuitry and variable speed forced-air cooling increases reliability, say the companies, while a four-year warranty comes as standard. “These are exciting times for
us,” concludes Dapsanse on the launch of the amplifiers. “It marks a significant step in the development of APG as a brand. However, our long-term aim is to continue to innovate and improve, and we have a number of product development projects on the table with Powersoft.”n
www.apg.tm.fr www.powersoft-audio.com
Wycombe-based developer reports that a 12-box array will throw 35m and deliver audio comfortably in venues of 750-1,000 people. “When we first pioneered the
revolutionary MLA technology several years ago, we always hoped that one day we would be able to make it available to mass market on a reduced footprint and without compromise,” said director of sales, Simon Bull. “Due to some inspired invention from our engineering team it’s a case of mission accomplished.” Fundamental to the power
of MLA Mini is the MSX mini-sub ‘power plant’, which
complements the main system and houses the amplification, networking and DSP necessary to power and control itself and four MLA Mini enclosures. The system can be flown,
ground-stacked or pole mounted. In its simplest configuration, four MLA Minis can be pole-mounted above the MSX with precisely adjustable tilt angle, and function as a plug-and-play system, with the user recalling onboard presets instead of using computer control. At the other end of the scale, up to 16 MLA Minis can be flown in an array and powered by four ground-stacked MSXs.
The MSX contains nine channels of Class D amplification to provide cellular drive while the onboard DSP interacts with proprietary DISPLAY2.1 intelligent software for array optimisation. With each individual cell under software control, ‘hard-avoid’ areas can also be programmed in to reduce sound spill, and vertical coverage can be fine-tuned electronically in-situ without the need to re-rig the array – as with all the MLA systems. Martin Audio managing
director Anthony Taylor adds: “In addition to the physical advantages, MLA’s revolutionary technology now becomes accessible to most budgets for the first time. In theory, every installed venue or
Preliminary image of the MLA Mini with MSX mini-sub ‘power plant’
touring show can achieve the controlled delivery and speed of set up that cellular technology allows, no matter how big or small the space is.” The new system is expected to
ship at the end of May 2013. n
www.martinaudio.com
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