Martin Audio has announced its partnership with the recently-formed 22live, described as ‘the UK’s next generation pro-audio service provider’. The move reunites the company with Hire Director, Paul Timmins – part of a hugely experienced team that also includes MD Spencer Beard and Commercial Director, Alex Penn. They are joined by Technical Director, Simon Gladstone, Operations Director, Stefan Phillips and Finance Director, Ian Bidmead.

Driven by Timmins, who has enjoyed a long relationship with Martin Audio, the company has confirmed a large investment in Martin Audio’s advanced control and array technology, and quickly put the system to work on the recent Sigur Rós global tour with the manufacturer’s Wavefront Precision system and Torus scaled for arenas, and the Australian Pink Floyd Show UK, with Wavefront Precision and Torus scaled for theatres up to small arenas. Both bands have a long relationship with Timmins, which looks set to continue under the new production company.

One of the first key considerations when 22live set out its stall early last year was the choice of loudspeaker company with which to forge a relationship. Setting out the reasons for backing Martin Audio as their front-line brand, Timmins was aware that a long relationship with a brand is not necessarily justification for future investment.

‘There is always a lot at stake when it comes to selecting a partner brand,’ he says. ‘For us, we needed to get our hands on a product that gave us more of a USP, and was supplied by a manufacturer that complemented our own ethos. This was the key to a successful launch.’

Martin Audio MD Dom Harter engendered confidence in the company itself, and 22live could also see that parent company, Focusrite plc, was reinforcing the brand’s potential by supporting its ambitions in R&D and investment. ‘As we were considering a substantial investment in the brand, it was important to hear Dom’s longer-term vision for the company, and how that could positively impact on our needs and expectations,’ Timmins comments.

This commitment to live was reinforced by Focusrite’s acquisition of Linea Research in March 2022 – which also underpinned 22live’s decision. ‘We saw bringing the amplifier manufacturer in-house as really providing Martin Audio with the tools it needed to become more successful.’

Having decided on the brand, the next decision was on which of their front line systems to invest in. The answer was all of them – 22live opted for WPL, WPC, WPS, WPM and Torus, supported by SXCF118 and SXHF218 subwoofers, all powered via the Martin Audio iK42 amplified controller, and using Dante throughout.

A demonstration of Wavefront Precision at Martin Audio HQ in High Wycombe, won everyone a resounding thumbs-up to the system output, rigging and physical characteristics. Simon Gladstone commended the control software while Stefan Phillips could see the investment in such new tech would guarantee a long life cycle and would grow alongside the company.

Gladstone also promotes the company’s reason for backing the Torus constant curvature array. ‘Torus has been an excellent product for 22live already, and it produces a great result with minimal effort. It sounds great out of the box and the dynamic horn flare makes it flexible and intuitive. My first experience of Torus was utilising a pair of T1230 as a main FOH box, paired with the SXCF118 sub, while teching a small Sam Ryder show – I was very impressed.

‘It’s a great versatile box, working well standalone, and also when supporting larger systems as fills. It’s a real workhorse and a staple for rental companies small and large, as well as ticking boxes for venues and touring acts alike. If you’re considering a move towards Martin Audio, this is a great place to start.’

22live is anticipating working with the expanding Martin Audio network of front-line rental partners through a burgeoning summer of outdoor events. ‘The more we got into the opportunity that Wavefront Precision presented, the keener we were to get onboard,’ Timmins summarises. ‘It felt like a small risk to take backing something new, but it was a considered risk, with plenty of opportunity to go with it.’

22live will act as a dealer for Martin Audio, representing the company as a boutique supplier, focused on supplying Wavefront Precision and Torus products predominantly to the touring market.