Martin Audio drives eco-friendly Unplugged Bug
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Since 2013, The Bug Club has delivered hundreds of events, from private parties, festivals, brand activations to product launches, carnivals, exhibitions and street parties but their latest creation, the Unplugged Bug, is ‘an intersection of sonic experience and environmental responsibility’.
The fibreglass-built vehicle itself is 30% larger than a standard VW Camper and is designed to be a ‘festival friendly’ DJ booth. The custom-built Martin Audio sound system runs entirely on renewables thanks to Belair’s rack mounted Power Tower. The Power Tower is a clean and modern rechargeable battery-powered replacement for noisy and polluting generators and with its easy-to-use operation, combined with silent running and zero emissions, delivers the perfect ‘off-grid’ solution.
Belair Technology was founded in 2019 with the goal of electrifying events previously powered by diesel generators. Its founder John Baillie grew up with a love of music and a passion for science, having for a time worked at CERN, the world’s largest particle accelerator.
Says Baillie: “As an avid festival-goer, I noted how off-grid events are desperate for sustainable solutions, yet often have little option but to use polluting diesel generators. Working with Martin Audio and the Bug Club to deliver the Unplugged Bug is a great step forward and I’m excited about what we can learn from its operation over the summer.”
The custom-built sound system, capable of entertaining crowds of up to 500 people, comprises two 15” 3-way high performance loudspeakers, each pole-mounted to a double 15in direct radiating subwoofer, and controlled by a DX4.0.
Martin Audio managing director, Dom Harter, commented: “My personal love for both VW campervans and DJ culture led inevitably to the door of the great people at The Bug Club. At the same time I had been introduced to John and his work on renewables, and it just all fitted into place. At Martin Audio, environmental sustainability is an important initiative, and this latest development will help explore new possibilities for us in the future.”
To complete the sustainability equation The Unplugged Bug is designed as a trailer (no engines!) and as a policy all their carbon footprint is offset by planting trees. The Unplugged Bug can also be supplied with top quality DJs and equipment, pro lighting, disco balls, sound technicians and branding options. The Bug Club fleet can even offer bar services, with experienced mixologists.
