A multi-zone Martin Audio sound reinforcement system has been installed at Satan’s Hollow, a long-established rock, metal and punk venue located in Manchester, England.
Integrated by pro AV specialist Neuron AV, the project replaced an ageing, inwards-facing loudspeaker configuration within the venue’s distinctive circular auditorium. The previous layout required the venue to manually rig and strike a secondary, dedicated PA system whenever hosting touring bands, creating significant operational bottlenecks for same-day club and live transitions.
To provide unified coverage across both club and live-gig formats, Neuron AV deployed a distributed system of Martin Audio BlacklineQ point-source enclosures featuring Differential Dispersion horns. The main flown inventory comprises two 15in Q15, eight 12in Q12 and six 10in Q10 passive two-way loudspeakers, sourced through Martin Audio distributor Penguin Media Solutions.
Low-frequency output is handled by four dual-18in Martin Audio Q218 subwoofers ground-stacked in pairs on custom wheeled dollies, allowing staff to reposition the subs between the central dance floor and the live stage. The complete loudspeaker system is driven by Martin Audio iKON multichannel power amplifiers running dedicated manufacturer DSP presets.
Neuron AV configured three distinct operational profiles: a Club mode utilising the Q10s to focus high-SPL energy onto the central floor; a standard Live mode functioning as a conventional front-facing stereo PA with front fill; and a Large Live profile that engages every perimeter enclosure to radiate 360-degree sound outwards from the circular centre stage. System coverage was mapped prior to load-in using Martin Audio’s DISPLAY acoustic modelling software.
Alex Morgan, audio specialist at Neuron AV, said: “The question was: could we make live events easier to deliver, while creating a better club system at the same time? You’d need more speakers to cover the different areas, but presets could turn speaker zones on or off, removing that rigging headache every time. BlacklineQ was absolutely the right choice for this.”
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