It’s that time of year again… spring is well and truly here, and Martin Audio’s first open days of the year have kicked off! This year, Team Leisuretec saw a complete overhaul of the event, and as someone who has visited a number of them, what a reinvention it was.
In previous years, each product line and brand from the Focusrite family was showcased individually. However, with this year’s changes, we got to see how each brand can interact and work together across a wide range of applications! From small hospitality installations to huge stadium sound systems and festival setups that have helped build the Martin Audio name. This year’s event truly set itself apart, ensuring that all elements were as interactive and immersive as possible.
On arrival, we were greeted with a red-carpet entrance, complete with a paparazzi photoshoot and a warm welcome from the Martin Audio team. Of course, the Leisuretec team was happy to strike a pose.
We had a few minutes to catch up with some familiar faces before a paging announcement asked everyone to be seated. Fun fact: all paging announcements at the open day were powered by Optimal Audio’s Talk 8 Paging Station! Extra Fun Fact: Optimal Audio was celebrating its 5-year anniversary at the event!
The day kicked off with a quick overview of each brand from the Focusrite family, including Martin Audio, Optimal Audio, Linea Research and TiMax. We then dived straight into the world of hospitality, exploring how each brand can be utilised in a restaurant installation. As this section began, the warehouse was transformed into a restaurant/bar venue, which really helped immerse us in the environment.
In one example, Optimal Audio was used for routine scheduling and paging, Martin Audio delivered its renowned speaker performance, and Linea Research handled DSP and control. Did you know? All current Linea Research amplifiers and controllers feature Martin Audio speaker presets as standard. While the speakers were being demonstrated, subtle ambient crowd noise was introduced via TiMax, adding another layer of realism and making it feel like a live venue.
After a short break to network, we moved on to the “Stadia” section of the day. Similar to the hospitality demonstration, this also took a cohesive approach, but on a much larger scale. The example showcased how Imperium Integration utilised Martin Audio to upgrade the PA/VA system at Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium.
We learned that over 100 Martin Audio speakers were deployed across all stands, TV production studios, hospitality areas and ancillary spaces. One key consideration for the stands was weight, which led installers to choose Martin Audio’s TORUS T1230 line array.
It was hungry work listening to everything Martin Audio had to offer… and, as always, they generously provided a wide selection of sandwiches, finger foods and delicious desserts. Naturally, our team stuck strictly to the healthy fruit options (if you believe that… ).
After lunch and more networking, the second half of the day began. This time, we were transported to the middle of a club dancefloor. During this section, the new Blackline Q series was showcased, starting with a “First Professional DJ System” comprising a pair of Blackline Q26 column speakers and Blackline Q210 subwoofers. This setup was a pleasant surprise. The versatility of the column speakers stood out, proving they can excel in a portable DJ setup rather than just their traditional use case. After diving into the technical details, we were treated to a DJ set from Dom Search, one half of the DJ duo The Nextmen. Combined with immersive projections, it genuinely felt like being in a nightclub, the only thing missing was a cocktail in hand! Several members of our team described this as their favourite part of the day, calling it a “great addition” that made the experience “far more visually interactive and engaging”.
We then moved on to the second DJ system, still within the portable realms but with noticeably more impact. This setup featured a pair of Blackline Q12 speakers and a single Blackline Q118 subwoofer. Once again, the performance impressed, the compact 18” sub delivered a solid low-end presence, while the 12” tops provided clear and balanced sound.
Finally, we experienced the third and most powerful DJ system of the day. This consisted of a pair of THS 15” triaxial point source loudspeakers and a stack of SXH218 subwoofers. This system truly showcased the scale Martin Audio is capable of. With a single SXH218 capable of reaching a maximum SPL of 148dB, you can imagine the impact of three. Thankfully, they didn’t push them to the limit… which was probably for the best… but even at reduced output, the sound was incredibly immersive. It’s something you really need to experience for yourself.
Following the DJ demonstrations, Dom Search and Dom Harter (Martin Audio’s Managing Director) hosted a short Q&A, discussing the Blackline Q series and the future of DJ sound systems. They touched on how technologies like TiMax and spatial audio can create fully immersive environments, with sound moving dynamically around a venue to deepen audience engagement.
After another short break, we were introduced to the “Auditoria” section. Here, we explored TiMax in more depth and what it can offer in theatre and performance environments. We were shown the differences between mono, stereo and spatial sound, walking around the room to experience how traditional stereo systems create noticeable “hot spots”, whereas TiMax delivers a consistent, immersive experience no matter where you stand.
We were then joined by sound designer and engineer Phil Wright, who shared insights from his 30-year career. He demonstrated just how intuitive it is to create and manipulate immersive audio using TiMax.
This section was also a standout for many of our team. Szilvia from our sales team commented, “The TiMax spatial audio setup was my favourite by far. The listening experience felt incredibly natural and immersive.”
The day then moved into the festival and live sound segment, focusing on the Wavefront Precision series, a family of line array speakers designed for touring. The range includes 2x6.5” (WPM), 2x8” (WPS), 2x10” (WPC) and 2x12” (WPL) models, making it incredibly versatile for everything from corporate events to major festival stages.
Guest speaker Simon Honywill shared his experience using Wavefront Precision systems in live environments, offering valuable real-world insight. And speaking of festivals, did you know that Martin Audio has been the go-to brand for Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage since 2008? The system there covers crowds of up to 120,000 people, delivering over 100dBA SPL while keeping sound spill tightly controlled.
To finish off the day, we were treated to one final DJ set, bringing everything together in style. It was the perfect way to round things off, not just a demonstration of the systems we’d seen throughout the day, but a reminder of what it’s all about: delivering powerful, engaging and immersive audio experiences. The combination of high-performance sound, immersive visuals and a live DJ atmosphere left a lasting impression, and provided a fitting end to an incredibly well-executed and forward-thinking event. We look forward to the next one!
