Stairway Productions Boosts Inventory With Martin Audio WPC Purchase

Stairway Productions, a long-established Dutch events specialist, has expanded its audio capabilities with the acquisition of Martin Audio's WPC (Wavefront Precision Compact) line array, supplied by national distributor Ampco Flashlight Sales.

Founded in 2007 by Menno Smit in Delft—between Rotterdam and The Hague—the company progressed from servicing small local shows to larger, more complex productions.

A strategic shift in 2014 towards rider-friendly systems led to the adoption of a Martin Audio Blackline setup, followed by the addition of a W8LM rig, placing the brand at the heart of the firm’s toolkit.

Menno Smit, Stairway Productions, said: "I was incredibly impressed by the WPC’s performance and control."

The latest purchase comprises 24 WPC cabinets, which integrate with Stairway’s existing SX218 subwoofers, marking a significant upgrade in both inventory and technical headroom.

Smit said the decision followed a hands-on demo. "I heard the systems during a Martin Audio Experience Day at the Gebr. De Nobel venue in Leiden," Smit recalled. "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."

According to Ampco Flashlight Sales' Martijn de Jong: "With the Martin Audio WPC system now spearheading its inventory, Stairway Productions is primed for the next generation of productions," and "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 outings for the new rig was UIT Week Utrecht, the city’s student introduction week, where Stairway delivered full technical production across multiple sites—covering live bands, background music, presentations and livestreams.

The closing day tested the setup with around 4,000 attendees and strict urban noise limits. By deploying smart cardioid subwoofer arrays and continuous monitoring via the MeTrao measuring system, the team achieved impactful sound while remaining within permit conditions.

Smit emphasised that success also rests on strong partnerships, highlighting the relationship with Ampco Flashlight Sales: "The service and support we receive is exceptional," and “It’s a relationship defined by short communication lines, proactive problem-solving, and support that goes far beyond the initial delivery of equipment."

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