Since making an initial investment in Outline point-source systems in 2017, UK rental and installation company Novum AV has been deploying its Vegas 12CX and 8CX inventory in a wide range of work around the country from its base in Tamworth, Staffordshire.

‘Back in 2017, Outline was very new to us and a surprise choice,’ Novum AV MD, Tim Jacques recalls. ‘We ran blind tests with seven different manufacturers and Outline was unanimously chosen by our six technicians who all thought they had selected their preferred brands.

‘The system has changed how we operate and design certain jobs as not only is there a like-for-like weight saving compared to our previous point-source enclosures, but the HF throw is so great and the sound quality so clear that we have often needed fewer speakers to achieve the required results. The purchase made sense technically, but on reflection has also given us commercial benefits.’

With an eye to future success and expansion of its capabilities, the next step was to replace Novum’s existing line array system. All options were on the table and, after exhaustive research, Outline was again in the running.

James Lawford of Outline UK and Ireland distributor, CUK Audio, proposed a system based around the Mantas 28 array; a proven design featuring two 8-inch drivers with a 3-inch HF driver coupled to the DPRWG waveguide that is common to Outline’s large-format GTO family and recently launched medium-format Superfly.

‘Having grown to know Novum’s work and requirements it was clear that an Outline Mantas 28 system could be the logical next step for them’ comments Lawford.

Accompanying Novum Head of Audio Matt Hawkeswood, Jacques accepted an invitation to visit CUK Audio’s new premises in East Kilbride to audition and receive training on the Outline solution under consideration. In addition to the hardware, training covered OpenArray, the proprietary simulation software for all Outline loudspeakers. Lawford had already modelled some deployments of the suggested system in real-world venues within the software to demonstrate the clear fit between the capabilities of the solution and Novum AV’s technical requirements.

Following a trial of the Outline system on an event, Novum confirmed the purchase – a package of 12 Mantas 28 enclosures, lightweight rigging frames and six Sub 218 subwoofers. Novum also took the opportunity to extend its point source inventory with additional Vegas 12CX cabinets. The entire system is driven by two Powersoft X8 Dante amplifiers, which have spare channels for front and spot fills. The integrated redundant Dante networking of the Powersoft X8 platform integrates perfectly with Novum’s recently purchased Dante enabled mixing consoles.

‘Having previously stocked Nexo, Martin Audio and, most recently, L-Acoustics, any system that we chose really had to perform at the highest levels,’ Hawkeswood comments. ‘From a technical perspective, the decision to purchase Mantas 28 was a no-brainer. The rigging is fast and could easily be handled by a single technician. The boxes are lighter, throw further and with smoother dispersion than our previous systems, and the system performs as per the simulations in OpenArray making our designs very predictable and accurate. Furthermore, as a system technician, configuring a complete system using Powersoft Armonía Plus is a dream.

‘From a client perspective we’ve had a consistent reaction from our regular clients – raised eyebrows at the start of the conversation followed by a big smile once the system is heard.’

By the end of summer, Novum will have 24 Mantas 28 and 12 subwoofers available for hire, along with appropriate amplification and rigging. The system has already been blooded on a number of events including Thy Kingdom Come with internationally renowned speaker Canon J John, Swingtime in the Gardens, a new live music event organised by local entrepreneur Antonia Socci at Warwickshire’s Ragley Hall and the H&H Classic Car Auction held at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford.