Under the agreement Sonocom has already taken delivery of 24 cabinets of Synco W8LC line array cabinets by Martin Audio, along with a complete Synco standard set of processors, flying and rigging hardware, flightcases, cabling and wheel boards. The Synco Network is also providing comprehensive training to Soncom's technicians and sound engineers.
The deal was inspired by a fast growing audio business across the Canaries as the boom in tourism and other factors fuel a dynamic economy. "We are already very busy in the installation market," says Oliver Armas, "where we have contracts for new projects in a number of prestigious congress buildings and exhibition halls, as well as upmarket hotels and smaller venues and clubs.
"What we needed, however, was a state-of-the-art rental system to meet growing demand in the rental sector. We were discussing various options with our existing suppliers, who explained to us about the ways in which the Synco Network can benefit independent rental companies and, because we already operate, and are very happy with, Martin Audio systems, it was a very logicial step to take.
"Synco can provide us not only with world class equipment but their world class experience to go with it. And we always know that if we are offered a contract that exceeds our in-house rental stock, the Network can immediately supply us with extra, fully compatible, equipment to meet the demands of a particular project or tour." He adds that profits earned from this first system will be re-invested in 2006 in further Synco equipment and new mixing consoles.
"Traditionally," Oliver continues, "artists have not enjoyed a wide choice of high quality audio equipment in the Canary Islands. With this purchase, and our membership of the Synco Network, artists will find audio rental technology and engineering here that's a match for anything elsewhere in Europe."
Of the three brothers, Paulo is in charge of lighting operations; Eduardo - the youngest - handles purchases, electronic systems and maintenance; and the oldest, Oliver, is head of project management and customer relations.
The Synco Europe Network now includes 10 sound specialist companies, cooperating to deliver cost-effective, border-free audio rental across Europe. With identically configured compact, medium and large format versions of the Synco Line Array System by Martin Audio, plus the Renkus-Heinz Synco Touring System PA and Midas and DiGiCo consoles, the Synco Europe Network aims to "provide artists, promoters and production managers across Europe with a hassle-free, international touring experience", say the company.
(Lee Baldock)
