Dutch event company Stairway Productions has bolstered its inventory with the acquisition of a Martin Audio WPC (Wavefront Precision Compact) line array system from distributor Ampco Flashlight Sales.
The journey for Stairway Productions began in 2007, with founder Menno Smit servicing small-scale gigs from his base in Delft, located between Rotterdam and The Hague. In 2014, the company expanded its original inventory into a more rider-friendly shape, acquiring Martin Audio’s Blackline system as a versatile, multipurpose workhorse. From that initial investment through the subsequent acquisition of a W8LM system, Martin Audio has played a central role in the Stairway Productions story.
Smit and his team have now taken a major leap in both inventory and technical capability with the purchase of 24 Martin Audio WPC line array cabinets to complement the existing stock of SX218 subwoofers.
The decision to move to Wavefront Precision was cemented during a hands-on demonstration. ‘I heard the systems during a Martin Audio Experience Day at the Gebr. De Nobel venue in Leiden,’ Smit recalls. ‘I was incredibly impressed by the WPC’s performance and control; I knew instantly that this was the right direction for our next phase of growth.’
‘With the Martin Audio WPC system now spearheading its inventory, Stairway Productions is primed for the next generation of productions,’ adds Martijn de Jong at Ampco Flashlight Sales. ‘The system offers the scalability and flexibility required for larger festivals and complex indoor events, ensuring the same uncompromising reliability that clients have come to expect.’
One of the first high-profile deployments for Stairway’s new WPC system was UIT Week Utrecht – the city’s introduction week for new students. Throughout the week-long event, Stairway Productions provided full technical production across multiple locations, handling everything from live bands and BGM, to complex presentations and high-quality livestreams.
The festival’s closing day presented a significant challenge, with approximately 4,000 visitors and stringent urban noise regulations. The combination of Wavefront Precision technology and meticulous preparation was essential for the demanding environment. By using smart cardioid subwoofer configurations and continuous monitoring via the MeTrao measuring system, Stairway was able to deliver high-impact audio while adhering to the event’s permit controls.
For Smit, the success of Stairway Productions is also about the people and the partnerships behind the scenes. The collaboration with Ampco Flashlight Sales has been a cornerstone of this expansion. ‘The service and support we receive is exceptional,’ he says. ‘It’s a relationship defined by short communication lines, proactive problem-solving, and support that goes far beyond the initial delivery of equipment.’
More: https://martin-audio.com