Cinema specialists, Sound Associates, have been involved in two high-profile installations using Martin Audio screen systems.

The first was at the Capitol, the community arts centre in the Sussex town of Horsham, which was formally opened by Queen Elizabeth II.

Martin Audio cinema and theatre sound systems were installed throughout. Sound Associates were commissioned to provide an integrated design approach to the new audio and projection systems, including projection equipment, theatre PA, cinema sound, a combined PA/VA system and general communications. The building had been substantially reconfigured, its new layout featuring a small studio cinema, a larger 160-seat cinema, and the main 450-seat auditorium which is set up for dual use as a theatre and cinema.

For all three cinemas, Sound Associates chose Martin Audio’s Screen Series of loudspeakers, using Screen 4 three-way systems in the main auditorium and Effect 3’s and EM15’s for surrounds. “Martin has been making great inroads into the cinema sound market in the last couple of years,” explains Graham Lodge of Sound Associates. “They’ve come up with highly competitive, quality products that match or exceed the usual benchmarks in specific areas, and they offer excellent customer support across the entire range.”

The Martin Audio support team completed an EASE design for the contractors’ installation in the theatre, supplying four WT3s per side of the stage, with two auxiliary WS2A subs for use when necessary.

Sound Associates then moved to the home of Oxford United FC, where they fitted out a new nine-screen multiplex cinema at The Kassam Stadium.
The company again chose a combination of the purpose-designed Screen 4 and Screen 2 loudspeakers, both biamped, with Martin Effect 3R’s (for surround sound) and Screen Sub 1A for the low frequencies throughout the complex.
The Screen series is built to accommodate the various digital formats of modern film, providing the essentials of low distortion, wide bandwidth and uniform coverage.

Sound Associates’ sales and marketing manager, Jerry Murdoch, says that the Martin Audio systems are now really starting to prove their worth. “We have been using Martin cinema speakers since they started trailblazing in the cinema market. What we are looking for is high-reliability, high output and lower power. In terms of bucks for the pound Martin provides a far better solution than any of the other manufacturers, and as for back-up and support they are exemplary.”
Sound Associates had been recommended to the project on the strength of their reputation, and specifically work they had carried out for the Odeon chain.