Italian rental company CLS has upgraded its Martin Audio inventory with the addition of a Wavefront Precision Mini (WPM) PA rig. The sale to the company, which was set up in the Florence region last year by Duccio Mitola, was handled by Audiosales, Martin Audio’s Italian distributor.

Duccio’s experience of Martin Audio can be traced back to operating a W2 as his PA seven years ago – as a result, when he started CLS Martin Audio was his first port of call as he purchased a Blackline S15 and F10 rig (along with some EM series speakers). As the company expanded its work base, he upgraded to a W8LM Mini line array, and it is this that the new technology of the WPM has replaced.

Explaining the purchase Duccio says he had initially been looking to extend his stock of W8LM and approached Audiosales: ‘But they asked why I wanted to take the old W8LM when there is now the new Wavefront Precision technology?’

After being impressed at the demo of the new system, Duccio determined to sell his older system in favour of a 16-box WPM, along with two SX218 subwoofers, which will reinforce his existing stock of six WS218X. At the same time, CLS added six LE100 stage monitors and some Blackline X. These were also supplied by Stefano Rocchi’s company, whose Audiosales team supported the sale throughout.

‘We wanted another compact solution and the WPM also sounded great,’ Duccio says. ‘This will be perfect for the range of shows we do, such as rock, jazz, theatre – in fact, anything where good quality sound is required. Martin Audio is our number one brand. Although we also run cheaper systems it is the first choice every time.’

Mitola has no regrets over the acquisition: ‘WPM is light, sounds extremely good and is the ideal system for our size. The Ikon amplifiers allow many different options and make the set-up simple and fun. With the same amplifier you can power monitors, cabinets and sub.

‘Compared to the competition, Martin Audio has managed to retain its magic and personality, which are present in both the products of yesterday and today. WPM is so versatile, and it delivers a precise and modern sound that is linked to the history of its manufacturer, and I really like that.’

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