Already owners of a Martin Audio MLA System 30, Manchester-based VME Ltd has extended their investment with the acquisition of a further 28 MLA, six MLD Downfills and 12 MLX subs, bringing their inventory up to 76 enclosures. The move positions VME as the second largest MLA rental company in Europe.

Managing director Dion Davie explains that the purchase is the result of increased broadcast requirements for Sky Sports and the prospect of a busy summer season. Large amounts of stock have already been requisitioned for use at outdoor events this summer, including their own stately home classical concerts. ‘We had so many big boxes going out and we wanted to remain self-contained,’ he says.

This follows the intention of VME, originally set out in spring 2012, to step up to large-scale concert touring and festivals from their core base of the summer classical concerts and smaller scale reinforcement. ‘The MLA acquisition represents the biggest single investment we’ve ever made,’ Dion said at the time.

But with the escalation of Sky Sports Fight Night arena tours, which require MLA systems to be rigged in six hangs surrounding the ring, he says ‘we are using nearly every box we have.’

‘There are splits of everything, straight off the broadcast, with performance music and grams stings, as well as high level VT inserts, because we have HD screens, which need to be perfectly in sync. It is a highly technical, precision operation.’

Meanwhile VME expects to announce other new broadcast contracts, and will be finalising its summer work schedule: ‘VME’s work profile has given us presence in some segments that we wouldn’t routinely be associated with,’ says Martin Audio Director of Sales, Simon Bull. ‘We are grateful for the faith they continue to place in our cutting-edge technology and will continue to support them far into the future.