India - Martin Audio’s versatile loudspeakers have been tasked with reproducing many musical genres to optimum effect over the generations. But one of the most demanding must be the spirituality of Indian Sufi music, as performed by one of the leading exponents, Bismil ki Mehfil (Mohd Asif).
His recent concert outdoors at Delhi Technological University (DTU) was a spectacular showcase of Sufi fusion music. Having been studying since the age of five under the tutelage of maestros from the Moradabad and Delhi gharanas, he captivated an audience of between 8,000 people with soulful renditions, including his hit single Tere Bina and his popular cover of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s Kali Kali Zulfon Ke Phande. To capture the concert’s deep emotion and electrifying energy, leaving the audience spellbound, required all the powers of Martin Audio’s flagship WPL line array.
The PA design comprised eight WPL per side (left and right) with a further centre-fill of eight WPC enclosures, ensuring consistent coverage right across the audience area.
The two 12in biamp three-way system, provided by ShowTech, ensured both impeccable sound clarity and reach. Precision and projection combined to allow Bismil’s dynamic vocals and intricate ensemble arrangements to resonate throughout the vast open-air venue.
Complementing this were 12 SXH218 subwoofers in a front-firing configuration, and a further eight SX218 in a reverse cardioid setup for centre-fill. The SXH218s provided powerful, direct low-end energy for the audience, enveloping them in an immersive, truly captivating audio experience, while the SX218s, arranged in reverse cardioid, minimised rear-stage rumble and maintained a clean acoustic environment on stage.
Further optimising the sound, the Hard Avoid feature was applied to the stage area in the dedicated Display software, preventing unwanted low-frequency spill.
The system was powered by iKON iK42 DSP four-channel amplifiers, delivering 20,000W of Class D power. This setup provided consistent sound quality, wherever attendees were located.
ShowTech’s engineers, alongside dedicated technical support from Martin Audio’s territory distributions, VMT Enterprise, supervised the system, ensuring that Bismil’s soulful melodies were heard in perfect clarity. The event also showcased the evident superior capabilities of Martin Audio’s technology and the strong partnership that exists between VMT and ShowTech, dedicated to delivering world-class live sound experiences.
“The audio system truly made the difference for Bismil ki Mehfil,” said Tarvinder Singh, ShowTech’s system engineer. “The clarity, depth and precision it provided brought his powerful vocals and the richness of Sufi music to life, and the audience was fully engaged throughout.”
“Working on the sound system for this event was an absolute pleasure,” added Dharam Koli, pre-design and sales engineer, VMT Enterprise. “The setup ensured crystal-clear sound, which played a key role in creating a deeply engaging atmosphere. Seeing the audience connect so profoundly with the performance was incredibly rewarding.
“At VMT we pride ourselves on delivering solutions that exceed expectations, and this event was a testament to that commitment.”
