Nine new products have been announced by Martin Audio, including the portable series FlexPoint, primarily targeting the premier rental market.
The FlexPoint series is designed to set a new benchmark in performance and versatility for compact, standalone loudspeakers, to match the expectations of prestige venues and touring artists. They have a passive two-way configuration, heeding the need to reduce running costs and amplifier count.
Comprising five models – all with flexible deployment – the FlexPoint series covers a vast range of professional applications, from live sound reinforcement, theatre sound and corporate AV to distributed sound systems and immersive environments. From the miniature FP4 to the powerful FP15, FlexPoint loudspeakers are designed to be compact and discreet, and to provide clarity, detail and coverage at all sound levels without affecting sightlines or detracting from venue architecture.
Coaxial point source technology lies at the heart of FlexPoint systems, which Martin Audio said delivers smoother and more consistent response off-axis than traditional two-way systems. But the company has gone further with dispersion patterns by incorporating a two-stage waveguide within the magnet structure. This waveguide is designed to maintain wide constant horizontal coverage out to very high frequencies, while the perimeter of the cone acts as the horn mouth, enabling pattern control to a lower frequency. Drivers can also be rotated without the need for tools.
Martin Audio said FlexPoint Systems can be used in conjunction with SX series subwoofers to extend low-frequency performance and impact, and it was this range that also saw two new additions announced. The SX115 is a single 15in subwoofer and the SX215 is a double 15in subwoofer; both models allowing for pole-mounting of a FlexPoint system. This now means that the SX series comprises a single and double 10in, 12in, 15in and 18in, as well as a cardioid 15in and 18in, and the Hybrid horn/reflex loaded SXH218.
In keeping with the name, FlexPoint systems support a flexible electronics package. For the optimum sound performance, Martin Audio recommends iKON amplifiers with onboard DSP. However, and primarily for larger installations, Martin Audio VIA amplifiers in conjunction with a DX4.0 system controller are compatible. Then, for smaller installations utilising FP4, FP6 and FP8, a combination of VIA amplifiers and the newly announced DX0.4 or DX0.6 controller are an option. The DX0.4 is a two-input, four-output controller, while the DX0.6 is two-input, six-output.
All nine products will start shipping no later than June, but some products will be available earlier.
“Alongside Wavefront Precision optimised line arrays and TORUS constant curvature arrays, the exciting FlexPoint series completes a trio of premium loudspeaker categories, our finest live sound offering in the company’s history, delivering the Martin Audio signature sound experience for everything from an intimate gig to the largest of festivals,” said Dom Harter, managing director. “The addition of the two new SX subwoofers also completes a full complement of low-end solutions, while the two new controllers provide additional flexibility and cost efficiency when required.”
