With the outdoor music festival season fast approaching, and local authorities across the country seeking to reduce noise pollution at key event sites, Martin Audio UK distributor Old Barn Audio has purchased a 16-element MLA Compact system.

Director Phil Clark says that, given his company’s own history with Martin Audio – coupled with an already existing demand this summer for a technology that is scientifically proven to eliminate off-site noise escape – the move was a logical one: ‘We are not a rental company and have no intention of competing with rental partners. But having done research, and noted the extent to which production companies are cross hiring from each other on peak weekends, it is sensible to make more enclosures available on a dry hire basis. Along with the flying frames and cabling we can provide an eight-element a side solution.’

Clark adds that he and partner Neil Kavanagh are also mindful of the frequency with which the MLA (Multi-cellular Loudspeaker Array) is now appearing on riders – and this helped drive the decision: ‘MLA Compact is a problem-solving PA with a reputation that’s spreading through the industry,’ Clark says. ‘The purchase represents a major step forward for us, and while we hope it also enhances Old Barn Audio’s reputation, we want the major rental companies to look at us as partners, not competitors, and as a resource for offering trouble-free hire. The sub-hire market does not have to cover just the UK either – we are in direct contact with many of our European MLA partners to also be able to offer this cross-hire to them as well.’

Old Barn Audio already enjoys Sub-Distributor status with Martin Audio, and is a Main UK Distributor for MLA Mini – a system it also holds in its rental and cross-hire stock. The company has also supplied an MLA Compact system to Doug Hunt Sound & Light while, as installers, it has specified many Martin Audio systems over the years within their British and international portfolios.

‘For the past three years, Martin Audio’s share of the UK festival market has grown exponentially, and we already know that this year will be stronger again,’ says Martin Audio UK National Sales Manager, Al Brown. ‘Old Barn Audio’s vision to take advantage of this makes perfect sense and we are happy to support the company in this opportunity.’

More: www.oldbarnaudio.co.uk