In early December, with a noticeable absence of media hoopla, Martin Audio staged a low-key ‘sneak preview’ of the Wavefront W8L line array system.

The event selected for the debut was the 12th annual KROQ ‘Almost Acoustic Christmas’ concert, which rocked Southern California’s Universal Amphitheater with music from 16 top alternative bands. The prototype W8L system was flown in from the UK, with the balance of the system — as well as all other audio logistics — provided by Delicate Productions of Camarillo, California.

“The performance was outstanding,” says Delicate’s Audio Manager, Graham Thornton, “The coverage was exactly as predicted, with very little drop-off from front to back, and everything sounded superb.”

The bulk of the capacity crowds (about 6,500 each night) were covered by the main FOH system, comprising 20 W8L cabinets, flown ten per side. Each W8L cabinet contains a single 15in driver, two 8in midrange drivers, and three 1in HF drivers, all of which are horn loaded. Sub bass was provided by Martin BSX subwoofers stacked six per side.

The diverse musical fare over the two nights provided the perfect test for a high performance, high powered touring system. Falling in with the concert title, a few acts (notably Stained and Alien Ant Farm) did play acoustic sets, which helped to demonstrate the dynamics and transparency
of the system.

But most of the music was hard-edged rock from bands like Linkin Park, Foo Fighters, Bush, Blink-182, Bad Religion and System of a Down. The calibre of the bands, hailing from both sides of the Atlantic, proved the deciding factor in bringing the new Martin system all the way to California for its live debut.

“We went over to England to hear the system in October,” recalls Delicate CEO ‘Smoother’ Smyth. “I suggested that it would have tremendous promotional value to use the new system, since more than a dozen top engineers would have a chance to hear it at one go.

According to Smyth all involved were impressed by both the sound and the low-key presentation. “In particular, I remember Gungi Patterson, who mixed System of a Down, was most impressed, as was Jeff Gilmer with Stained. Beyond that, I think they felt privileged to be in on it, and were taken aback with the modesty of our approach.”

Delicate’s Graham Thornton finds the new W8L both a step forward in technology, and yet comfortingly familiar. “It does retain some of the features we like from the other Wavefront systems,” he notes. “For example, this is the first line array that is horn-loaded throughout, with the bass horn similar to that of the W8CS. That’s one of the things we noticed immediately, the depth it gives to the low frequencies.”

To keep music coming non-stop, the KROQ show was set up with a turntable stage, with double front ends feeding into the XTA 226 processors and Crest amplifiers (7001 and 8001) driving the Martin W8L Wavefront system. FOH setups were identical, with Yamaha PM4000 consoles and duplicate racks of dynamics and effects. The dual monitor systems employed Midas Heritage 3000 consoles, Crest amplifiers, and both BSS (388 and 366) and Martin MX4 controllers for the Martin-based monitor systems.

To analyse the system performance in a live concert setting, Martin Audio dispatched Applications Manager Jim Cousins and Director of US Operations Robert Hofkamp to California for the event.

Reflecting on the positive outcome of the event, Delicate’s Smyth stresses the crucial role of teamwork between the rental company and manufacturer. “For something like this, Martin can’t really do it alone, and I can’t do it without them. It was very much a team effort. They saw the value of what we were doing, and decided to come to the party. Now the word is out, and our orders are in.”

Delicate Productions have now received their initial order of 24 W8L cabinets, with 16 more to follow. In the meantime Sunbelt Scenic Studios in Phoenix, who have also ordered 24 cabinets, have agreed to assist Delicate with touring demands and larger venues.