Hibino Sound Division purchases Martin Audio MLA
Published: ASIA
JAPAN: Hibino Corporation, arguably the largest enterprise for the entertainment industry in Japan, has purchased an MLA system from Martin Audio, citing a growing movement in the country to avoid using delay towers for stadium-level productions. The purchase was authorised by the company’s rental-focused Sound Division, one of four such divisions that comprise the corporation, including Hibino Pro Audio Sales, which exclusively represents a number of leading pro audio brands within the country.
The total investment amounts to four System 36 rigs, four MLA and four MLX subwoofers, giving the company a combined inventory of 92 MLA, eight MLD down-fill, and 52 MLX units.
The decision to invest was reportedly brought about by demand for consistent stadium coverage up to 200m without delay towers. ‘We decided on the MLA investment because the promoters of summer outdoor festivals are increasingly demanding the absence of delay towers from festival sites and need to solve off-site noise issues,’ explained Ryoichi Hashimoto, managing director of Hibino Sound.
‘We also like the fact that its calculation ability is extremely accurate,’ he continued. ‘The benefit of this is that we can get a result that corresponds with what we have planned in the simulation. Also, in Japan, the weight of the rigging is strictly regulated, but MLA’s weight is similar to systems we have used in the past – even though it is powered. So, it is good for us to be able to plan as we did before.’
Hibino Sound can report that its new MLA system will be deployed for a number of festivals. ‘This is the most unique loudspeaker system we have ever had,’ concluded Mr Hashimoto. ‘It will become the new choice for customers since it has the ability to meet all their demands.’
Martin Audio has already completed training for most of Hibino Sound’s system technicians on site, which was carried out by Chris Pyne, Martin Audio’s technical support specialist in APAC.
‘We are delighted that MLA continues to prove its technical advantage over the competition and more importantly solving sound issues that face the industry,’ commented Anthony Taylor, managing director for Martin Audio. ‘For the number one rental company in Japan to recognise this is a great honour, and we look forward to supporting Hibino in their success moving forward.’