Following a two-year participation in its design and specification, Capital Sound Hire is first UK company to take delivery of a Nexo STM Series loudspeaker system.
The London-based company’s collaboration with Nexo began with hypothetical discussions about a new high-spec system. Chosen in 2010 as one of three international Development Team Members, Capital has had influential input into the system’s design, and will be instrumental in the next phase of its evolution, applying its technical expertise and experience of the highest levels of touring.
‘Originally, it was an opportunity to influence the design of a loudspeaker system so that the final product was more in line with our ideals,’ explains Capital’s Ian Colville. ‘As the STM concept emerged, this was replaced with a desire to be involved in the development of a genuinely groundbreaking and unique product. Nothing was used as starting point, nor was it based on an existing product. All of the STM components, materials and manufacturing techniques have been optimised for one product and one purpose.’
Now Nexo’s new flagship PA system, th STM is intended to boost hire companies’ profitability by combining flexibility and modularity with high sound quality, throw and ease of rigging. ‘With profit margins being squeezed, it’s crucial for the success of rental companies to get the maximum flexibility from their inventories,’ says Capital’s Paul Timmins. ‘As digital consoles become inflexible due to personal choice, it’s more important that the loudspeaker system, which is the element that generally ‘gets you the show’, is working constantly. Prep costs money and this system just requires configuration between projects, with no rebuilds necessary.’
STM draws on Nexo’s Alpha Series of point source cabinets, sharing its basic principles of scale through modularity. The initial touring range incorporates three elements; the M46 Main cabinet, B112 Bass cabinet and S118 Sub-bass cabinet, which allow users to build systems for audiences from 200 to 100,000.
The scalability of STM holds great appeal for Capital, whose projects range from ten people at small corporate events to stadium and outdoor shows for 60,000 plus.
‘What has become evident is that most current loudspeaker systems require you to stock up to four sizes of line array boxes to cover the variation in room sizes,’ says Timmins. ‘Often, during the winter months, an entire inventory of large format loudspeakers can sit idle while there is a shortage of small- and mid-sized cabinets. The concept of STM is amazing, with true multi-use options for all components including the amplifier racks. System designs can take into consideration not only room limitations but also musical content. It’s a fantastic addition to the tool box.’
STM is the first Nexo acquisition for Capital: ‘We hope new clients that have experienced Nexo in the past will want to work with us as we make the system available,’ Timmins says . ‘This, in turn, will give us a greater market share of clients wanting to embrace true second generation system technology. The relationship with Nexo is a great thing as they are a strong manufacturer who will make this product globally available from premier league rental suppliers – crucial in modern day touring. Why ship a loudspeaker system when you can consistently rent from a choice of worldwide suppliers? We will be forging relationships with new partners to offer STM.’
Capital will eventually own a 48-box system – 48 M46 Mains, 48 B112 Bass and 48x S118 Subs – is planning to introduce the components on small-scale events and ramping up during summer 2013 to larger projects that will allow engineers to get to grips with its full capabilities.
‘Nexo has been a great company to work with,’ Timmins concludes. ‘They have a fantastic R&D team and they also know where all the best restaurants are.’
