Martin Audio Overhauls Wavefront Precision With Rugged Upgrades

Martin Audio has unveiled a wide-ranging upgrade to its Wavefront Precision line array family and the SXH218 subwoofer, alongside the next-generation DISPLAY 3 optimisation platform.

The refreshed hardware and software are scheduled to land in Q2 this year.

Managing Director Dom Harter said: "The series will be an integral part of our live sound future, and with these upgrades and enhancements alongside new features in DISPLAY 3, it's destined to be stronger, smarter, faster, and with higher precision."

The 'Stronger' element centres on a new fit and finish, with every enclosure now achieving an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance. Added corrosion-resistant coatings, improved tolerance to high and low temperatures, better humidity protection and UV stability are aimed at robust performance for touring and installation in all weather conditions.

'Smarter' refers to the inclusion of an enclosure identification feature: an LED set behind the grille that can be activated via VU-NET control software. "This has been a popular feature of our TORUS constant curvature systems," said Harter, "and it made complete sense to bring it into Wavefront Precision."

Speed gains arrive with the forthcoming DISPLAY 3 release, designed to greatly accelerate system design and optimisation. "The engine of DISPLAY 3 will be 27,000 times faster than its predecessor," Harter noted. "Even complex systems can be optimised quickly - we’ve run a 20-hang system on an M4 MacBook in under 10 seconds."

'Higher Precision' comes from DISPLAY 3's enhanced low-frequency control and improved prediction accuracy. "Martin Audio has been working longer in line array optimisation than any other manufacturer," said Harter. "It's the accuracy of our model and patented optimisation process that ensures Wavefront Precision arrays meet user-defined SPL and frequency response targets with supreme fidelity.

"Our algorithms are about precision, not homogenisation. We preserve the signature Martin Audio musicality for every audience member - without over-processing."

Supporting the updates, the Hybrid® horn/reflex double 18” SXH218 subwoofer also gains weatherisation, an LED circuit indicator, and connector panels on both front and rear to accommodate cardioid and standard deployments. Martin Audio has additionally introduced two new subs—the single 18” SX118+ and double 18” SX218+—offering markedly extended low-end performance, weatherisation, and the same front/rear LED and connector provision.

Protecting customers’ investments is a key part of the plan. "All existing Wavefront Precision inventory is forward-compatible with new systems. For those who want them, we offer upgrade kits that add the enhanced weatherisation to grille and include the LED. The same applies to existing SXH218 owners.

"Existing Wavefront Precision owners can upgrade at their own pace - or not at all - and still benefit from lightning-fast optimisation, enhanced LF control, and improved voicing, through the new DISPLAY software."

Summing up, Harter added: "For both our existing and future partners, this raft of announcements ensures Wavefront Precision systems will remain torchbearers for those who believe in the power and celebration of audio excellence. We look forward to showcasing this at ISE in Barcelona."

martin-audio.com