MLA arrives in Singapore with EAI purchase
Published: ASIA
SINGAPORE: Expo AV-Insync (EAI) has become the first rental company in Singapore to own Martin Audio’s MLA system following its purchase of an MLA System 36 rig. The sale was made through the UK-based manufacturer’s local distributor, Swee Lee, and sees the rental company add to its existing Martin inventory, which already includes a W8LM mini line array.
According to EAI managing director, Gerard Rodrigues, the purchase was partly made in reaction to a growing number of MLA rider requests. ‘We wanted a larger format, steerable array system to add on to our inventory and it needed to represent a significant upgrade. The other main reason is that the next four upcoming gigs are all rider specific,’ he explained.
However, the purchase continues a long-standing relationship between the two companies that first began with the Wavefront W3/WS2 range. ‘We wanted to be the first company to own MLA,’ Mr Rodrigues conceded, ‘but in any case, after a year’s worth of research for a new line array, this came out top in terms of sound quality/output, ease of use and what engineers most wanted’.
According to Martin Audio, EAI is already in talks with Swee Lee regarding the additional purchase of an MLA Compact system.
He continued: ‘Our sound engineers are just very excited about this acquisition. From a sales point of view, the MLA speaks for itself. Aside from its output, the other big advantage is also its weight — here in Singapore, we needed a system which could deliver huge sound output, whilst maintaining a certain weight load restriction in many venues. Looking at how the system is selling in Japan alone, it is a choice of all concert organisers and technical directors for large scale events’.
Since the purchase was completed, EAI has undergone intensive training, hosted by its venue partner, Singapore Expo & Max Atria, and conducted by Martin’s Audio’s Chris Pyne. At the time of writing, the MLA system was set to make its debut on August 5th at the Singapore Expo Hall 1 in front of 6,000 people for a talent show.