The complement of 24 fully-integrated MLA top boxes and 12 MLX subs, with six dedicated amplifier and DSP channels per enclosure, will make their debut on a series of high-profile shows at the end of April and beginning of May.
Championing the cause for RG Jones had been the company's experienced sound engineer Simon Honywill, who had put MLA through its paces on Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of War of the Worlds tour, Raymond Gubbay's Classical Spectacular and on shows with Katherine Jenkins in Ireland to evaluate its full dynamic range and consistent delivery.
RG Jones' joint managing director, John Carroll, said the company had been looking for a large format system and MLA came along at the right time. "We felt committed to buying when we could see a demand for it over the first year. We're thrilled to be the first UK sound company to invest in the system and we're quite sure that we won't be the last."
Added RG Jones project manager, Steve Carr, "We have been involved with Martin Audio for many years. MLA is one of the most exciting developments that has happened for a long time so it's a great opportunity to broaden our client base With the systems that have already been sold to the US, it was inevitable that it would start to appear on riders."
Joint managing director Andrew Williamson stated that the high degree of controllability had been a major factor in the decision making. "It's the first self-powered system we've owned and provides a major truck-space solution as it is not necessary to employ amp racks. That's a major advantage."
Summarised Martin Audio's director of sales, Simon Bull, "RG Jones has been one of our most loyal customers over the years, and our presence on the Pyramid stage at the Glastonbury Festival has been entirely due to them. We are delighted that they have decided to make this investment and we will be looking to support them every step of the way."
(Jim Evans)
