Brad Berridge has joined the Audio Reproduction division of Focusrite Group US, which comprises among others Martin Audio and TiMax, reporting to Lee Stein.
Previously Director of Sound Operations for Feld Entertainment, Berridge takes the role of Market Development Manager for Theatre, Immersive and Education Markets, bring his experience to theatrical sound designers, venues, theatre production providers and audio engineers, while in the education space he’ll be calling on those that offer live sound as well as theatre degrees and training.
Berridge is already very familiar with Martin Audio given eight years overseeing the sound for all Feld productions, many of which used Martin Audio solutions including Disney on Ice, Marvel Universe Live, Monster Jam: Thunder Alley and Nickelodeon’s Slime City. Feld productions collectively play in 50m countries to 30m people every year.
‘I have been a very happy end-user and part of the Martin Audio family for the past eight years,’ he says. ‘I am familiar with a great deal of the Martin Audio portfolio and have extensive experience with Wavefront Precision, MLA and CDD.’
The appointment follows conversations with Martin Audio MD, Dom Harter regarding a potential career move. ‘I had been soliciting his advice since the fall of 2023, and after a few further conversations both with him and [VP Sales, North America] Lee Stein my feelings were that Martin Audio and the wider Focusrite Group was best aligned with my values.
‘Since I have had much creative focus in the immersive space for the last few years, I see a challenge with how we talk about these systems to the industry. The technology is cool, and as an industry we have focused on that. But we also need to talk about it in a way that considers how it will be used and by whom.
‘I want to show the industry, as a whole, that deploying spatialized/immersive sound systems is what our audiences deserve. I will do this through helping to redefine how we engage end users, how they are demonstrated, and ultimately getting them in the hands of more people. The combination of Martin Audio and TiMax spatial audio solution makes for a compelling proposition.’
His immediate priorities are ‘to better understand all brands that Focusrite Audio Reproduction division has to offer, which also includes Linea Research and Optimal Audio’.
‘We’re at a really exciting juncture where the combination of brands working both individually and collectively offer significant benefits to users and we now need a focus on core verticals to develop that potential,’ Stein says. ‘Knowing Brad, he will bring energy, expertise and fun to the team while helping to establish a stronger position in theatre and educational establishments for our brands.’
More: https://martin-audio.com
