All posts by : Optimal Audio Group Ltd

The ‘Città dei Bambinie dei Ragazzi’ is an educational experience centre for children aged 2 to 12 years in the Porto Antico area of Genoa. Opened in December 2022 and set across 2000 sqm, the centre is dedicated to the discovery of science and technology through play, and presents 50 interactive colourful and contemporary multimedia exhibits which invite young visitors to explore all the senses through touching, observing and experimenting.

Music, spoken words and a variety of other sounds entertain visitors to the ‘Hearing Room’ as they learn all about sonic principles, so it was important to the centre’s creators that the audio provision in the room could deliver the necessary coverage and clarity to meet the demands of the concept.

Experienced multimedia integrator Acuson of Torino was confident that Optimal Audio could meet the brief. Acuson installed four Cuboid 8 loudspeakers powered by two SmartAmp 20 amplifiers. 

Cuboid 8 is a full range, two-way, passive loudspeaker designed to outperform its compact size. For short to medium throw distances, it effortlessly delivers rich and detailed sound with punch and precision. SmartAmp 20 is a 4 x 125W amplifier with integral DSP which contains signal processing presets for Optimal Audio loudspeakers.

Alessandro Castellaneta, ACUSON Project Manager comments:

“Optimal Audio Cuboid series loudspeakers and SmartAmp series amplifiers turned out to be efficient products matching exactly expected intended use; furthermore, the SmartAmp’s Power Sharing and Energy Star ratings have made it possible to optimize the system to the fullest”

Optimise the configuration of your Zone installation by opening multiple WebApp instances on your device.

WebApp allows for simultaneous access on up to eight separate devices or within up to eight distinct windows on your desktop or laptop computer. This enables installers to visualise the end-user experience in real-time whilst configuring the deployment in the installer settings section of WebApp.

With lightning-fast updates across all open instances, there is no need to wait to observe changes. This great feature simplifies the installer’s experience when configuring commercial audio systems, making Zone and WebApp quick and easy to install.

Matt Rowe, Head of Engineering for Optimal Audio comments:

“When testing, I have one window open showing the routine config and another showing the zones that the routine is affecting. I also use it to get a real-time visual of the zone view when configuring visibility settings. It’s a great feature that enables installers to speed up their workflow.”

Get faster access to Optimal Audio’s powerful browser-based commercial audio controller, accessible from any iOS or Android device. Installers can create a dedicated icon on the home screen that provides one-tap access to WebApp which avoids any risk of venue staff accidently closing the browser and losing control of the Zone processor. Installers can pin our WebApp’s mDNS (optimalaudio.local) to the venue’s home screen making access simple and fast. We’ve set out a step-by-step guide for both iOS and Android below.

To pin the WebApp to the home screen on an iOS device, follow these steps:

1. Open Safari and navigate to optimalaudio.local whilst connected to the same network as your Zone controller.
2. Tap the “Share” button, which looks like a square with an upward arrow.
3. Scroll through the options and select “Add to Home Screen.”
4. Give your shortcut a name and tap “Add.”

WebApp will now be added to your home screen as an app icon, which you can tap to open.

To pin the WebApp to the home screen on an Android device, follow these steps:

1. Open Chrome and navigate to optimalaudio.local whilst connected to the same network as your Zone controller.
2. Tap the three dots in the top right corner of the screen.
3. Select “Add to Home Screen.”
4. Give your shortcut a name and tap “Add.”

WebApp will now be added to your home screen as an app icon, which you can tap to open the website directly. WebApp will now be added to your home screen as an app icon, which you can tap to open.

Note: The process may be slightly different depending on the browser you are using on an Android device, but the general process should be similar.

David Morbey has been appointed to the position of Product Manager for Optimal Audio. A data-driven, resourceful and accomplished product marketing manager with over 25 years’ experience in the professional audio industry, he has combined finely-honed analytical skills with extensive product knowledge to identify opportunities for business growth at a number of industry-leading manufacturers, including DENON, Martin Audio, InMusic, Allen & Heath and Neutrik. With wide experience of global sales and distribution networks, David has, at various stages, specialised in the area of installed sound for the leisure and hospitality sector – experience which aligns perfectly with his new role.

David Morbey comments:

“I’ve maintained a close relationship with Dom Harter and James King since my Martin Audio days and very much admired the Optimal Audio launch in 2021. The disruptive marketing and clear messaging around the ecosystem isn’t let down by the product, which proved to be as simple and intuitive as it promised, so when the opportunity arose to get involved, I didn’t hesitate. It’s an exciting brand with clear objectives that’s just starting out on its journey, and as part of the Focusrite group, will have the space to grow in the right way.

“The Optimal Audio team is already an award-winning one and I’m hoping to enhance it with my experience across commercial AV, developing a route for greater customer feedback in shaping new product and feature design, as well as working with R & D and management to develop a strategy and identify priorities for the medium and long term.”

James King, Marketing Director for Optimal Audio and Martin Audio adds:

“We’re very pleased to have secured David’s services. He is well known in the industry as a consummate professional and excellent communicator, whose knowledge of the industry is as broad as it is deep. He possesses all the necessary qualities to drive forward an emerging brand like ours, having worked internationally managing a wide variety of installed audio products.“

Optimal Audio has released a WebApp firmware update for Zone products, version 1.0.2, which brings several new features and bug fixes, making our Zone series even more appealing and stable for commercial audio applications.

One of the most notable new features is the ability to rename Zone mic, which allows end users and installers to easily identify and manage microphones in each zone. Additionally, the firmware update includes a milliseconds / meters / feet units selector on delays, which allows installers to choose the unit of measurement that is most convenient.

The firmware update also includes several bug fixes and remedial work and is therefore recommended to be used on all existing and new installations.

• Download WebApp 1.0.2

We are delighted to welcome Sonnox to the Focusrite Group.

Sonnox is a well-established and acclaimed brand in the audio industry. Its range of innovative and award-winning plugins are used in a wide range of audio applications including mixing, mastering, live sound, broadcast, TV and film, and even scientific and forensics projects.

The Sonnox team traces its heritage back to the development of the legendary Oxford OXF-R3 digital mixing console which was installed in major recording studios worldwide, and became widely accepted as the first ‘musical’ sounding digital console.

Combining the same no-compromise attitude to audio performance and a desire to push the boundaries with intuitive and novel user interfaces, the Sonnoxteam ported the revered DSP algorithms from the console to develop Oxford EQ and Dynamics plugins. Since then, Sonnox have continued to build on the Sony Oxford heritage as well as adding a range of Toolbox plugins designed for speed and simplicity.
With the addition of Sonnox, Focusrite Group now offers the customer even more ways to make music and achieve their goals.

Tim Carroll, Chief Executive Officer of the Focusrite Group, said: “It is an absolute pleasure to welcome Rod and his entire team to the Focusrite Group. Sonnox products are globally recognized as best in class, making them a natural fit in our stable, and we are all excited about the opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead.”

Rod Densham, Founder and Managing Director of Sonnox added: “We believe that by joining Focusrite with their scale, industry expertise, and range of premium brands, we can continue to grow, and deliver innovation and excellence to audio hobbyists and professionals alike. Focusrite have a proven track record of achieving this in our industry, and we are very excited to become part of their Group.”

Sonnox is the leading designer of innovative, high quality, award-winning audio processing plug-ins for professional audio engineers. Oxford Plug-Ins are used in an extraordinary range of audio applications including mixing for music production, live sound, broadcast, TV & Film, and even scientific and forensics projects. 

The Sonnox design team traces its heritage back to the 1980’s, to the development of the legendary Oxford OXF-R3 digital mixing console. With a base price of $1 million, the OXF-R3 was installed in major recording studios worldwide, and became widely accepted as the first ‘musical’ sounding digital console.

As music production began shifting towards digital workstations, the console inspired a series of unique software developments starting with the Oxford EQ and Dynamics plug-ins.

The expanding family of Oxford Plug-Ins quickly acquired a reputation for excellence among leading engineers worldwide; a reputation that was earned through a no-compromise attitude to audio performance and a desire to push the boundaries with intuitive and novel user interfaces.

Sonnox continues to develop unique, high-quality plug-ins for audio production, embracing new technology and formats with partners such as Avid, Universal Audio and Fraunhofer.

Optimal Audio is delighted to announce it has received its second nomination for Manufacturer of the Year Award, courtesy of Inavate Magazine.

Recognising companies that design and build AV technologies, Inavate has announced the 2023 finalists with the award evening planned to take place in Barcelona during ISE 2023.

Reece Webb, editorial assistant, Inavate Magazine, commented: “This year’s high number and high calibre of entries reflects the strength and resilience of the AV industry’s recovery in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and product/part shortages. Every finalist has demonstrated a track record of success, perseverance and ethical decision making that stands out as a gold standard example in this industry. “

Commenting on the nomination, Optimal Audio’s Marketing Director, James King, said, “Following Optimal Audio’s resounding success at the recent AV magazine awards, winning Manufacturer of the Year, this second nomination underlines the rapid growth of this fledgling brand and the strides it has taken to approach commercial audio, differently. We are humbled that once again we are alongside such established names of the AV industry and we are looking forward to the awards dinner in Barcelona.”
 
The finalists are:  
Manufacturer of the Year 
Avocor
Ctouch 
Epson 
Genelec 
L-Acoustics 
Optimal Audio 
Powersoft 
Riedel Communications

Zone 8P audio controller reduces staff stress and saves energy.

Hotel & Wirtshaus Hansen in Bergisch Gladbach, near Cologne, recently invested in an update on its sound system. Owner Andrea Hansen was happy with his existing ten-year-old Martin Audio loudspeakers but felt that the control system had become out of date:
“Our staff regularly struggled with which button was responsible for which level in which room – consequently the sound system needed a reset once or twice a week.”

The daily pressures upon hospitality staff are always challenging and the last thing anyone wants to worry about is a complicated sound system. That’s where Optimal Audio comes to the rescue. The requirements for better control aligned with the benefits of Optimal Audio’s Zone processor and ZonePad.

Zone 8P is a zonal audio controller with DSP providing everything required in a single compact unit to become the beating heart of an efficient, high-quality multi-zoned commercial sound system and features 4 line and 2 mic inputs plus 2 HDMI inputs for TV and video sound.

It has integrated amplification making installation straightforward and cost-effective and allows the user to independently allocate sources across eight configurable zones, such as a lobby, bar or restaurant. Each zone can be configured to do precisely what is required using the intuitive WebApp including EQs, speaker presets, structured time of day routines and so much more.

The integrated eight-channel amplifier in Zone 8P provide 100 watts per channel and eliminate the need for separate amplifiers for most small to medium applications.

Once configured the sound system can be controlled by staff using any device such as a smartphone, but in this case the system was also supplemented by ZonePad 4. ZonePad 4 is an elegant wall mounted controller, providing users clear and simple access to the essential controls of up to four zones. It gives all users the confidence and access they need to operate the system and features a clean, slick intuitive touch interface, enabling selection, volume control of playback sources and microphones to be easily controlled across the zones of audio from one position.

The solution retained existing Martin Audio speakers in several rooms and added a number of Martin Audio ADORN series speakers to some outdoor areas to create a pleasant background music atmosphere.

Andreas Hansen continues:
“We can now control everything with either mobile devices or the ZonePad. If a customer is uncomfortable with the sound level in any given area, a member of staff can directly change it from his or her mobile device. The system is then able to reset itself so it’s always in the right configuration when doors open in the morning for the first breakfast guests.”

Both new and existing Martin Audio speakers were easily added to the loudspeaker presets, and an obvious advantage of the Optimal Audio solution was the significant reduction of power consumption by the removal of two amplifiers, separate analogue zone mixers, converter, all of which were replaced by the single Zone 8P unit.

Definition Audio Visual chose Optimal Audio for an installation at LIVIN’Italy in the heart of Leeds city centre. The popular bar, Italian restaurant and deli located at Granary Wharf benefited from eight Cuboid 8 on-wall loudspeakers across two floors.

The impact of a quality audio system in creating the perfect atmosphere for bars and restaurants is well established and has time and again proven to be a critical ingredient to the ongoing viability of such venues.

Cuboid 8 is a full range, two-way, passive, 8” loudspeaker designed to outperform its compact size. For short to medium throw distances, it effortlessly delivers rich and detailed sound with punch and precision.

With its wooden cabinet, steel grille and optional mounting hardware the professionally presented Cuboid 8 can be fixed in either portrait or landscape mode for a flexible, simple installation.

Cuboid 8 features an 8” low frequency driver for impressive punch and midband with a 1″ exit high frequency compression driver for clarity of vocal and high frequency projection. The HF section delivers consistent coverage in either plane from a user-rotatable horn.

Mark Blackwell, Definition Audio Visual commented:
“Rich and detailed sound quality at a very competitive price point makes the Cuboid series a highly attractive option for venues like LIVIN’Italy.”

Definition Audio Visual recently installed a sound system at The Cove, a new cocktail bar in Brighouse, West Yorkshire. They chose six Optimal Audio Cuboid 8 loudspeakers and two Sub 10 low-profile subwoofers for the main bar and seating area.

The impact of a quality audio system in creating the perfect atmosphere for hospitality, and in this case a cocktail bar, is well established and has time and again proven to be a critical ingredient to the ongoing viability of such venues.

Cuboid 8 is a full range, two-way, passive, 8” loudspeaker designed to outperform its compact size. For short to medium throw distances, it effortlessly delivers rich and detailed sound with punch and precision.

With its wooden cabinet, steel grille and optional mounting hardware the professionally presented Cuboid 8 can be fixed in either portrait or landscape mode for a flexible, simple installation.

Cuboid 8 features an 8” low frequency driver for impressive punch and midband with a 1″ exit high frequency compression driver for clarity of vocal and high frequency projection. The HF section delivers consistent coverage in either plane from a user-rotatable horn.

In the case of The Cove, Cuboid 8 was also teamed with Sub 10 for added base. Sub 10 is a slimline, passive 10” subwoofer designed for applications that call for increased impact and low frequency performance. This visually unobtrusive enclosure makes it perfectly suited where space is limited such as under banquette seating. 

It features a 10” driver with a generously sized low frequency port for reduced air noise. With a peak SPL of 127dB this is a truly punchy little sub and can be used on the ground, fixed to a wall or ceiling or flown using integral M8 inserts.

The sleek design and ease of installation offered by the Cuboid and Sub ranges made them the perfect choice for this stylish new venue.

Mark Blackwell, Definition Audio Visual commented:
“Optimal Audio very much delivers on style and substance, making the products an ideal fit for this carefully designed space.”