Winners of the Awards were announced in a special presentation during the PLASA Show, and after a hotly contested nomination process MLA headed the list of 62 products entered.
For the first time, the Awards were judged 'live' at the Innovation Gallery by an independent panel of 16 expert judges, in front of show visitors and a camera team on Sunday 12 September. Show visitors were able to watch the judging process replayed on large screens in the interactive Innovation Gallery for the rest of the show.
Seven Awards for Innovation were presented by PLASA CEO Matthew Griffiths - but there was only one Gold winner. This award is only given out when a product is worthy of particular commendation and it has not been awarded for the last three years. This year was also the first time in the history of the award that it has been given to an audio product.
The technology involved in the MLA considerably raises the bar in tour sound. Using numerical optimisation based on accurate acoustic modelling, this active, computer-controlled, multi-cellular system ensures the same powerful, automatically optimised mix is delivered to every seat in the house, every time.
The multi-cellular approach enables every driver in each and every array element to be individually controlled by its own DSP (and Class D amplification); thus with six cells in each enclosure a 24-box system provides 144 uniquely tuned elements.
The judges commented, "This, coupled with the calculation software and the built-in networking, are features that allow Martin Audio to take array tuning and deployment to new levels previously unobtainable using the human ear." They also felt that this level of integration to be revolutionary as it potentially allows the MLA to create optimal summation of the sound field throughout the audience listening plane, rather than just at the front of the cabinet.
Martin Audio R&D director, Jason Baird said: "This Award recognises three years' dedication to the development of this system by the design team. Rather than simply introduce another iteration of line array we were determined to create an intelligent system that would completely change the game. We are gratified that the judges recognised that the Multicellular Loudspeaker Array principle has now set a new benchmark."
PLASA CEO Matthew Griffiths commented: "The recipients of these awards showed once again how the most innovative thinkers in our industry continue to push the boundaries of what can be achieved by combining technological insight with exciting creativity."
(Jim Evans)
