Martin Audio SXH218

Martin Audio has announced a comprehensive evolution of its acclaimed Wavefront Precision line array series and SXH218 subwoofer, introducing significant enclosure upgrades. The launch is further supported by the next-generation DISPLAY 3 optimisation platform, with all new product and software updates arriving in-market during Q2 of this year. Wavefront Precision is already the most successful line array family in the Martin Audio history, but as Managing Director Dom Harter explains, these updates mark a pivotal step forward. “The series will be an integral part of our live sound future, and with these upgrades and enhancements alongside new features in DISPLAY 3, it’s destined to be stronger, smarter, faster, and with higher precision.”
‘Stronger’ comes in the form of a refreshed fit and finish, with every aspect of the enclosure achieving an IP54 rating for protection against dust and splashes. New corrosion-resistant coatings, enhanced resilience to high and low temperatures, improved humidity protection, and UV stability ensure the systems excel in all-weather touring and installation environments. 'Smarter’ denotes the ability to identify each enclosure on the circuit through the addition of an LED indicator within the grille that can be illuminated via VU-NET control software. “This has been a popular feature of our TORUS constant curvature systems,” says Harter, “and it made complete sense to bring it into Wavefront Precision.”
‘Faster’ manifests with the upcoming release of DISPLAY 3, delivering fast optimisation, dramatically accelerating the system design process. “The engine of DISPLAY 3 will be 27,000 times faster than its predecessor” Harter notes. “Even complex systems can be optimised quickly - we’ve run a 20-hang system on an M4 MacBook in under 10 seconds.” This speed gives engineers more time to refine system architecture and deliver consistently superior results in every venue.
Finally, ‘Higher Precision’ is also delivered via DISPLAY3 with enhanced control of low frequency and the accuracy of its prediction modelling. “Martin Audio has been working longer in line array optimisation than any other manufacturer,” says Harter. “It’s the accuracy of our model and patented optimisation process that ensures Wavefront Precision arrays meet user-defined SPL and frequency response targets with supreme fidelity. “Our algorithms are about precision, not homogenisation. We preserve the signature Martin Audio musicality for every audience member - without over-processing.”

To accompany these changes, Martin Audio has also announced a similar evolvement of its popular Hybrid horn/reflex double 18” subwoofer, SXH218, featuring weatherisation protection, and an LED circuit indicator and connector panel front and rear to support both cardioid and standard configuration. Furthermore, two new subwoofers have been announced, a single and double 18” subwoofer, SX118+ and SX218+ respectively, featuring significantly improved low-end extension performance, weatherisation and an LED indicator and connector panel front and rear. Harter emphasises that protecting existing rental partners’ investment has been central to the strategy. “All existing Wavefront Precision inventory is forward-compatible with new systems. For those who want them, we offer upgrade kits that add the enhanced weatherisation to grille and include the LED. The same applies to existing SXH218 owners.”
“Existing Wavefront Precision owners can upgrade at their own pace - or not at all - and still benefit from lightning-fast optimisation, enhanced LF control, and improved voicing, through the new DISPLAY software. Summing up, Harter says, “For both our existing and future partners, this raft of announcements ensures Wavefront Precision systems will remain torchbearers for those who believe in the power and celebration of audio excellence. We look forward to showcasing this at ISE in Barcelona.”
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