ROSSCO EXTENDS FLEET WITH MINI LINE ARRAYS AND DOW

Hitchin-based sound rental company, Rossco Ltd have extended their relationship with Martin Audio by embracing line array technology for the first time.

The company, run by former musicians Ross Sharples and Mark Donovan, have purchased ten W8LM Mini Line Array enclosures from dealers, LMC Audio, along with two of the new W8LMD Downfill boxes. Ross Sharples confidently predicts that a further six W8LX matched subs will provide the final piece in the jigsaw.

The new Line Array joins an inventory that already includes multiples of Martin Audio W8C/W8S, W2, EM15, W0.5 and WM0.5 (which doubles as a miniature stage monitor) as well as LE400 conventional band monitors.

This is designed to service a broad, and at times quirky work roster, which aside to the local annual Rhythms of the World Festival, recently included the Public Enquiry for relatives of the victims of the Tsunami (when the Olympia Auditorium was transformed into the West London Coroner's Court). This month sees an appearance by United States former Secretary of State, Colin Powell at the Hilton Metropole, while Cape Verde diva Cesaria Evora (of Buena Vista Social Club fame) will shortly perform at Blenheim Palace - the first time the new W8LM hangs will have been fired up in anger. More conventionally, a Martin Audio PA also supported a recent performance by Charlotte Church.

Says Ross, who set up the company in 1997, 'We have been with Martin Audio and LMC Audio from day one. Having reinvested the profits from the sale of a previous company to set up the business we asked LMC Audio to arrange a shoot-out of all the proprietary brands. I immediately selected Martin Audio and purchased four stacks of W8C/W8S.

'As musicians-turned-engineers we tend to make our buying decisions with our ears. And it seems to us that every product Martin Audio bring out has a warmth and quality about it - particularly in the low-mids.'

Ross rationalised that with an upsurge in what he describes as the 'man and van' rental market, Rossco needed to rise above the morass - and he knew that line array technology would set him apart. 'Fortunately we were able to audition the W8LM in a live situation,' he says - and after that the purchase became axiomatic. The Crown-driven boxes are optimised using ViewPoint, Martin's predictive software, while the system is set-up via XTA processing and SMAART technology is used for time alignment.

The new line array boxes represented the lion's share of a total audio package (which included a digital mixing desk) - and for Ross Sharples and Mark Donovan the picture is almost complete. 'We now have boxes for all occasions allowing plenty of flexibility and reconfigurability - from flown PA's conference-style to a full concert rig,' they say.

Further information from:

Maureen Hayes, Martin Audio
Tel: +44 (0)1494 535312
Fax: +44 (0)1494 438669

Jerry Gilbert, JGP Public Relations
Tel: +44 (0)1707 258525
Fax: +44 (0)1707 267140