Posts in category: Press Release

Award-winning UK manufacturer Optimal Audio is pleased to announce the immediate appointment of Audiosales as its distributor in Italy.

Part of the Focusrite Group, Optimal Audio manufactures a multi-award winning one-stop solution of controllers, amplifiers and loudspeakers for small to medium sized commercial installations, with a focus on supporting multi-zoned venues.

Based near Parma, Audiosales has been in business for more than twenty-five years, distributing world-leading brands to the live and install markets in Italy, and providing system design and consultancy for the widest possible range of applications. With a mission to distribute products and technologies which ensure best-value and best-fit for every individual project, Audiosales places great emphasis on advice, training, and support across its portfolio of international brands.

Optimal Audio’s emphasis on simplifying commercial audio systems without compromising on quality immediately attracted the attention of Stefano Rocchi, CEO/Managing Director at Audiosales:

“From the outset, it was clear to us that the Optimal Audio ecosystem offered a fresh approach to commercial audio. Although technologically advanced and delivering high quality audio, the products are very competitively-priced and, crucially, the systems are easy to install and operate. This is precisely what our customers require, so we’re confident that Optimal Audio will make a very strong impact on the Italian commercial audio sector.”

Dom Harter,  Managing Director at Optimal Audio adds:

“We are delighted to have Audiosales on board in Italy. Their proven history and progressive approach mark them out as an excellent fit for Optimal Audio. The advantages that our solutions bring to the sector are becoming more and more apparent across international markets, with the result that we receive a high volume of enquiries from distributors keen to partner with us. This allows us the luxury of selecting stand-out partners like Audiosales who are invested in our approach and demonstrably committed to delivering the Optimal Audio message.”

British manufacturer Optimal Audio has announced the launch of new accessories for its Up ceiling loudspeakers with the addition of bezel-less grilles and pendant housings. 

Grille 1 and Grille 2, available in black or white finishes, have been designed to enable all Up ceiling loudspeakers to achieve a bezel-less appearance. The inclusion of an installation ring with an intuitive twist-to-fit steel grille design, enclosing the original Up loudspeaker, provides installers with complete flexibility and allows for easy adaptation to any design brief.

Pendant 1 and Pendant 2 are cleverly designed custom housings which accommodate selected Up ceiling speakers, enabling them to be suspended as stylish pendants. Manufactured from UL94 V-0 rated materials and finished in UV-resistant black or white paint, the Pendants feature the same twist-to-fit grille bezel-less finish as the Grille accessories.

Both accessories perfectly complement the widest possible range of interior design across commercial spaces. In addition, these accessories remove the need for distributors and dealers to stock separate ranges of ceiling and pendant loudspeakers by taking care of all requirements with just one low-cost accessory.

David Morbey, Product Manager at Optimal Audio comments:

“Meeting the aesthetic requirements of interior designers is an important part of audio solutions in commercial spaces. As well as delivering high-quality sound, loudspeakers from our Up range now have the capacity to blend as discreetly as possible into their surroundings using the bezel-less Grille, as well as providing attractive Pendants, ideal for venues with open architecture and high ceilings.

“The availability of these inexpensive accessories is sure to be attractive to distributors from a stock holding efficiency perspective, while installers will enjoy the flexibility to accommodate more applications, and as is the case across our whole ecosystem, these accessories are consistent with our easy-to-install philosophy, removing stress and saving time.”

Grille 1: https://optimal-audio.co.uk/products/loudspeakers/up/grille-1/

Grille 2: https://optimal-audio.co.uk/products/loudspeakers/up/grille-2

Pendant 1: https://optimal-audio.co.uk/products/loudspeakers/up/pendant-1/

Pendant 2: https://optimal-audio.co.uk/products/loudspeakers/up/pendant-2/

Distributed audio systems have become indispensable tools in commercial applications, offering businesses unparalleled flexibility, scalability, and performance. These systems allow audio to be distributed across multiple zones or areas within a facility, providing seamless coverage and control over sound reinforcement. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of distributed audio systems in commercial applications, along with key design considerations, installation tips, and best practices for achieving seamless integration and optimal performance.

Benefits of Distributed Audio Systems:

Distributed audio systems offer a myriad of benefits for commercial applications:

1. Flexibility: Distributed audio systems allow businesses to customise audio experiences for different zones or areas within a facility. Whether it’s background music in retail spaces, paging announcements in office buildings, or immersive soundscapes in hospitality venues, distributed audio systems offer the flexibility to tailor audio content to specific requirements.
2. Scalability: Distributed audio systems can easily scale to accommodate the evolving needs of a business. Whether expanding to additional zones or integrating with other audiovisual systems, distributed audio systems offer scalability without compromising performance or reliability.
3. Centralised Control: Distributed audio systems centralise control and management, allowing businesses to adjust volume levels, audio sources, and schedule playlists from a single interface for the whole venue or per each individual zone. This centralised approach simplifies operation and provides the opportunity to deliver a personalised experience, especially in multi-zone environments.

Design Considerations:

When designing a distributed audio system for commercial applications, several key considerations should be taken into account:

1. Zone Layout and Coverage: Carefully assess the layout and usage patterns of the facility to determine the optimal placement of audio zones and speakers. Consider factors such as room dimensions, acoustics, and ambient noise levels when defining zone boundaries and speaker placements to ensure uniform coverage and optimal sound quality.
2. Audio Source Selection: Identify the audio sources that will be distributed throughout the facility, such as background music, paging systems, or audiovisual content. Choose audio sources that align with the intended use of each zone and ensure compatibility with the distributed audio system’s input options.
3. Speaker Selection and Placement: Select speakers that are suitable for the intended application and environment. Consider factors such as speaker type (ceiling, wall-mounted, pendant), power handling, dispersion pattern, and aesthetics when choosing speakers for each zone. Ensure proper speaker placement to achieve balanced coverage and minimize sound overlap or interference between adjacent zones.
4. Amplification and Signal Distribution: Choose amplifiers and signal distribution equipment that can accommodate the needs of a distributed audio system. Consider factors such as power output, impedance matching, and signal routing capabilities when selecting amplifiers and distribution equipment to ensure reliable performance and seamless integration with audio sources and speakers.

Installation Tips and Best Practices:

When installing a distributed audio system in a commercial environment, adhere to the following tips and best practices:

1. Professional Installation: Hire experienced audio professionals or integrators to design and install the distributed audio system. Professional installers have the expertise and resources to ensure proper system design, equipment selection, and installation, resulting in optimal performance and reliability.
2. Proper Wiring and Cable Management: Use high-quality cables and connectors for audio signal transmission and power distribution. Properly route and label cables to minimise interference, signal loss, and potential hazards. Implement cable management solutions to organize and protect cables for easy maintenance and troubleshooting.
3. System Calibration and Tuning: After installation, calibrate and tune the distributed audio system to optimise sound quality and performance. Adjust volume levels, equalisation settings, and speaker configurations to achieve balanced sound reproduction and consistent coverage across all zones. Regularly monitor and fine-tune the system as needed to maintain optimal performance over time.
4. Testing and Commissioning: Thoroughly test and commission the distributed audio system before finalising installation. Verify proper operation of all audio sources, amplifiers, speakers, and control interfaces. Conduct comprehensive system testing and performance verification to identify and resolve any issues or discrepancies before handing over the system to the end-user.

In conclusion, distributed audio systems offer numerous benefits for commercial applications, including flexibility, scalability, enhanced coverage, and centralised control. By carefully considering design considerations, installation tips, and best practices, businesses can harness the power of distributed audio systems to achieve seamless integration and optimal performance in their facilities. Whether designing a distributed audio system for retail stores, corporate offices, hospitality venues, or educational institutions, prioritising proper planning, professional installation, and thorough testing is essential to ensure a successful outcome and a superior audio experience for all stakeholders involved.

Optimal Audio offers a one stop shop solution of controllers, amplifiers and loudspeakers, all working seamlessly together and operated easily thanks to the multi-award winning WebApp, and designed specifically for small to medium sized multi-zoned commercial installations.

How do you feel about winning the award for WebApp and Zone?

It’s amazing that this Optimal Audio’s third major award, as it shows that people have started to understand what our eco-system approach is and recognise its power and versatility. The award confirms that we had the right idea about decluttering and simplifying the commercial audio world, and that the hard work is really starting to pay off. Critically, it also gives our sales channels and system integrators added confidence in the brand and makes it an easier proposition to sell to their customers.

From your earliest vision of WebApp to where it is now – could you have foreseen this progress?

Not really, no! We’ve added so much more to it than we’d originally dreamt up at the start and it’s still building and gathering momentum. All the extra integration like streamers and third party control – they’re the sort of ‘real-world’ uses that people want and ask for. What must come with that, though, is trying to strike the right balance by keeping it clean, uncluttered and easy to use. It was always the intention that you should be able to configure it and use it without a user guide, just by playing around with it! 

I’m really pleased with the way the app ‘grows’ when people start to use it in more depth. We can provide those extra things but still maintain the basic principle of keeping it simple and easy to use. We’re saying – ‘if you want more, it’s there – just unpack it and use it’.

It’s clear that you’re very close to the product, and that the speed at which you’re developing things is very quick – are you enjoying the workflow in what appears to be a very agile team?

It’s great, yes. We have a small, nimble team with some real talent in what is a very fast-moving area of technology. We can try ideas, prototype stuff and bounce it around the team without taking months of development time, then show it to a few close partners and get their immediate feedback. It’s then about adapting and responding – it’s great because I think what you get with a smaller team is the opportunity to do little bits of everything, not just be a specialist in one area. You can be involved in all the aspects of software, electronics, styling and design – it’s very satisfying.

What’s next for Zone and WebApp?

We’ll certainly continue to make software releases as we identify other areas to enhance, but we’re also looking at ‘next generation’. What are the areas we can really take a leap forward in as technology moves on? So, things like HDMI – going to the next standards and opening up more markets where people are putting in lots of audio-visual solutions. I also think that deeper integration with other technology partners is something to pursue. We’ve also got more ideas about how to make the system easier to set up, building towards the possibility, for example, of completing a small or medium sized bar setup in literally an hour.

Finally, I think giving installers tools to showcase potential value-add services is important – like monitoring and maintenance packages. Ultimately, it’s about making WebApp ‘sticky’, so we want system integrators and installers to fall in love with the product and to keep using and specifying it.

Located in Northampton, Old House bar and restaurant, a popular destination pub in the town for more than a decade, recently underwent a complete refurbishment. The venue comprises a ground-floor bar and spacious courtyard garden, where patrons can enjoy resident DJs, live performers and televised sport, whilst upstairs, its restaurant offers gastro-pub favourites in beautifully designed surroundings. To complement his investment in the Old House’s Timothy Oulton-designed interior, owner Sunny Kooner opted to upgrade its audio system to better meet the requirements of this multi-faceted venue.
 
Sunny contacted experienced AV specialist Cosmic Electronics of Harlow with a brief to design and supply a competitively-priced system that could deliver premium audio throughout the venue, whilst blending in with its carefully designed aesthetic. Cosmic recommended an Optimal Audio solution, as CEO Mark Damon explains:
 
“We were familiar with the venue as we’d installed its existing system more than ten years ago. There are some large spaces to cover, as well as a variety of uses. From background music in the dining areas to DJ sets and live sport in the downstairs areas, the venue was looking for warm, present, high quality audio throughout. We’ve carried out a number of recent installs with Optimal Audio products and been very impressed – this job was another very good fit for the brand.”

In the bar area, Cosmic installed twelve on-wall Cuboid 8 two-way, full-range, passive loudspeakers in combination with five discreetly positioned Sub 15 high-power, sub-bass loudspeakers. Twelve Cuboid 5 and three Sub 10 low-profile sub-bass loudspeakers took care of the orangery and private dining room, whilst the restaurant benefited from six Up 6 two-way, passive, full range ceiling speakers. A further six Up 6 units were installed in the WC areas.
 
Mark concludes:
 
“As well as sounding great, it was important that the loudspeakers were as stylish and discreet as possible so as not to intrude on the interior decor. The owner has a very keen eye for detail and was very impressed with the overall Optimal Audio package.”

The King’s Head is popular pub in the village of Bwlchgwyn, not far from Wrexham in North Wales. As well as serving high-quality food and drink, the pub stages a variety of events, ranging through karaoke, live performance, bingo, televised sport and quiz nights. Providing a valuable focus for the community, owners Eddie and Abbie always strive to deliver the best customer experience possible, and recently took the decision to upgrade the pub’s sound system, which they no longer considered fit for purpose.

Specialists Pivotal Sound & Lighting of Wrexham were engaged to design and supply a solution for The King’s Head. Pivotal cover every facet of audio for live events, hire and installation, and their vastly experienced team has a reputation for excellence across the region. Pivotal recommended an Optimal Audio system to meet the pub’s varied programme.

Darren Hughes, Director at Pivotal Sound & Lighting describes the brief:

“The existing system comprised a number of loudspeakers driven by a home cinema amplifier which was running as a single zone, including in the outside area. Given the range of events that the pub hosts, a zoned system was essential. This would allow for example, a ‘loud zone’ around the bar area, a ‘quieter zone’ in the snug, or perhaps keep the outside area audio-free during karaoke or DJ sets. They also wanted the facility to input audio from their TV screens.  Ultimately, it was about having better quality audio and better control.”

Pivotal have worked on many projects supplied by distributor Audio-Technica, and were aware of the Optimal Audio ecosystem. Darren immediately settled on the Zone 8 controller for the new system because of its flexibility, internal DSP, HDMI in/through (for the local TV input) and WebApp for easy operation on staff members’ phones. He continues:
 
“I chose the Optimal Audio Zone 8 controller straight away, but to be honest I’d looked at using another speaker brand we regularly use for this kind of job. As it turned out, there was an availability problem with those, so I went back to Audio-Technica and they suggested Optimal Audio speakers which came in right on budget. Now I’ve used them, they will definitely be my commercial install speaker of choice moving forward.”
 
For complete coverage of the pub, including its outside covered area, Pivotal installed two Cuboid 3, four Cuboid 5 and three Cuboid 8, two-way, full range loudspeakers (3”, 5” and 8” respectively) as well as a single Sub 10 low-profile sub-bass unit. A Zone 8 8-zone audio controller completed the picture, with the pub’s staff confident in its operation via smartphone and tablet.
 
Co-owner Eddie is pleased with the new system:
 
“The Optimal Audio system that we’ve had installed has been fantastic. It was really noticeable during the Christmas period when we had lots of different events going on. We’re extremely happy – the sound quality is unbelievable, and the install does Pivotal great credit.”
 
Darren concludes:
 
“The system sounds great and actually surpassed my expectations. Optimal Audio will definitely be my first thought when it comes to installations of this kind!”

Optimal Audio, the award-winning British manufacturer, is expanding its footprint in the commercial audio sector with the launch of the Amp series, featuring three high-power class A/B amplifiers.

This strategic move underscores Optimal Audio’s commitment to providing a comprehensive solution for the diverse needs of the commercial audio industry, seamlessly complementing its existing loudspeaker and control offerings.

The Amp series comprises three two-channel amplifiers: Amp 100 (2 x 350W @ 4Ω), Amp 200 (2 x 700W @ 4Ω), and Amp 300 (2 x 1350W @ 4Ω), and they are available in both 120v 60Hz and 230v 50/60Hz models to accommodate various international power standards. They are designed to effortlessly and reliably power the complete suite of Optimal Audio’s Cuboid point source loudspeaker series and their subwoofer partners from the Sub series. Furthermore, when used with Zone controllers, the complete system reaches its full potential by providing a full suite of Optimal Audio loudspeaker presets, limiters, and time of day routines, all easily and quickly configurable via Zone’s onboard WebApp.

The compact 2U amplifiers feature Optimal Audios trademark intuitively designed front panel, featuring indicator LEDs for status monitoring of each amplifier channel. The user-friendly interface ensures that even in complex audio setups, users can easily monitor and control the performance of the Amp series.

The flexible input connectors of the Amp series are designed with versatility in mind. Featuring two balanced XLR/¼” Jack ‘Combi’ line input connectors, the amplifiers cater to a wide range of audio sources. The output options include speakON® or binding posts, offering installers the flexibility to choose the most suitable connection method for their specific setup. Additionally, the amplifiers can be effortlessly configured for various applications, thanks to the Stereo, Bridge, or Parallel mode, selectable via a switch on the rear panel.

David Morbey, Product Manager at Optimal Audio, highlights impact of the Amp series, stating, “The introduction of these performance power amps is very significant, enabling us to be a true one-stop shop for installers and distributors. We are now able to offer a complete ecosystem for multi-zoned commercial audio applications that wish to combine audio quality with ease of deployment and use by venue staff.”

For those eager to experience the Amp series first hand, Optimal Audio invites visitors to explore the new range in Hall 7, booth A300 during the upcoming Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) event. Furthermore, The Amp series is available for shipping no later than February 1^st, ensuring interest and demand can be quickly fulfilled.

For more information about Amp series:

https://optimal-audio.co.uk/products/amplifiers/amp/

Opened in September 2022, and located in the village of Mijnsheerenland to the south of Rotterdam, Brasserie de Greup is a beautifully designed hospitality venue offering high-quality food, drink, and entertainment. Whether it’s just for a visit to the bar, a delicious meal for two, or a party for hundreds, Brasserie de Greup, with its restaurant, recently renovated cafe and sun-drenched outdoor terrace, is a magnet for the discerning customer. Instrumental in the creation of its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere is an Optimal Audio system, installed by AVgek of Rotterdam.
 
Vastly experienced installers AVgek specialise in commercial and domestic audio-visual projects, and consulted with the team at Brasserie de Greup over their requirements. The Brasserie wanted to provide background and foreground music reinforcement for the bar and restaurant areas, from a system that was as easy as possible for its staff to operate.

Bob Sol of AVgek comments:
 
“We have a great relationship with Audio Technica Benelux (Optimal Audio’s distributor in the region) and were aware that this new brand had attracted a very positive reaction. Having made an assessment of the venue’s needs, we felt that they aligned perfectly with what Optimal Audio could offer, so advised the Brasserie team accordingly. This was our first install with Optimal Audio, and we were blown away by the simplicity and ease of use for the installer and the user!”
 
Bob designed a system comprising four on-wall, landscape-mounted Optimal Audio Cuboid 8 two-way, full range, passive 8” loudspeakers and a single Sub 15 subwoofer, controlled by a Zone 4 controller via WebApp. WebApp makes system set-up straightforward – once completed, venue staff are presented with a simple user interface which allows for easy operation via mobile phone. At Brasserie de Greup, the system is configured with presets for background and foreground music choices. The former sees the system preset without the Sub 15 and with the Cuboid 8s acting as full-range units, while the latter deploys the subwoofer with the low frequency removed from the Cuboid 8.
 
The system lives up to every expectation according to Bob:
 
“The client is really happy with the sound and the simplicity of WebApp, and has indicated that they will soon be looking to replace old systems in the four other areas of the venue with Optimal Audio. The system in the Brasserie sounds really great with both presets – since this first outing with Optimal Audio, we’ve offered it to a number of clients and already seen a big uptake. It’s proving very popular indeed.”

Richer Sounds Custom Install team designs and supplies Optimal Audio system for install by Hi-Tech AV Ltd at Greater Manchester venue.
 
Georgia Browns in the town of Hindley, Greater Manchester is a destination sports and entertainment venue. Recently re-furbished and re-launched, and featuring a large media wall, the venue also hosts multiple additional screens showing a wide range of sports, as well as staging live bands, DJ sets and karaoke. The team at Georgia Brown gave careful consideration to its technical needs, and having invested in its media wall through Richer Sounds, consulted with the company’s Custom Installation design team over the best way forward for its audio requirements.
 
Richer Sounds recommended an Optimal Audio system to deliver the venue’s requirement for background and party level music. Custom Installation Manager Tim Smith and his team designed the system in conjunction with the venue, and engaged experienced subcontractor James Mahon of Hi-Tech AV Ltd to install the system. Tim felt that for a large space like Georgia Browns, an Optimal Audio solution would reliably provide the necessary quality at high SPL to meet the all-round challenge. The install was James Mahon’s first experience of the brand:
 
“Right out of the box, you could tell they were going to be good. The build quality looked superb and the speakers duly delivered sound to match.”
 
Two Cuboid 15 and two Cuboid 10 passive on-wall loudspeakers were installed in the demanding areas of the room close to the stage, with a further eight Cuboid 8 units taking care of the rest of the space. A single Sub 15 and a pair of Sub 10 units were discreetly located beneath seating areas to deliver the low end. The system is driven by three SmartAmp 30 amplifiers with integral DSP. 

Speaking on behalf of the Richer Sounds Custom Installation design team, Tim Smith comments:
 
“The system performs wonderfully, providing a balanced audio performance for different volume levels. There’s no doubt that the quality and performance of Optimal Audio’s product range is excellent –  the client is very happy with the outcome, which was achieved for a very competitive outlay.”
 
James Mahon concludes:
 
“I’ve had a great deal of experience installing AV solutions for large pub chains and having heard the results here, I’ll definitely be recommending and installing Optimal Audio again. I’ve already recommended them to a previous employer who handles a large volume of commercial audio installs across a wide spectrum of applications. As soon as the system was up and running at Georgia Browns, the customer was blown away!”

The Pirate Kindergarten in the German city of Bergisch Gladbach places a strong emphasis on the part played by music in children’s development. Music is a constant theme during activities at the day care centre and when the Kindergarten’s team agreed that its ageing sound system could no longer meet their ambitions, they engaged audio experts Starpoint to supply a replacement. As well as delivering high quality audio throughout the Kindergarten, the new system needed to be easy to install and operate.
 
Bastian Sauer of Starpoint recommended an Optimal Audio solution:
 
“We listened to all the requirements and quickly concluded that Optimal Audio offered the best solution for this application. Working with the customer we specified the system and assisted them with programming the Zone unit, leaving them to carry out the installation work themselves without any problems.”
 
The system at The Pirate Kindergarten consists of ten Optimal Audio Cuboid 5 loudspeakers and a Zone 8P controller. Cuboid 5 is a discreet high performance two-way, full range, passive 5” on-wall loudspeaker which has portrait or landscape mounting options. Zone 8P is a zonal audio controller with DSP, amplification and WebApp. This single compact unit is the beating heart of an efficient multi-zoned system, and allows users to independently allocate sources across up to 8 configurable zones within a venue. Each zone can be configured to do precisely what is required by the use of the intuitive WebApp. Installation and operation is thus straightforward and highly cost-effective. The Kindergarten system comprises 4 zones controlled from 2 different rooms.

“The Zone 8P with its integrated 8-channel amplifier delivers more than enough power for the entire system and the Cuboid loudspeakers can also be used for outdoor applications by means of optional terminal covers for the connections on the back which render them IP-54 compliant. Optimal Audio thus safely and effortlessly delivers perfect sound throughout the facility.”
 
According to Bettina Omer, head of the day care centre, the new system has proved to be a huge success for children and caregivers alike. Whether for day to day use or special events like children’s theatre, carnival, summer or Christmas parties, the system’s versatility and flexibility combined with its ease of operation makes it an outstanding solution:
 
“We like to listen to a lot of music and encourage the children to sing along and move. They’re always very happy when we sing and dance together. Unfortunately, our old system was very limiting in this respect, so we’re really happy that our support association has installed the new Optimal Audio solution, which sounds fantastic.”
 
Alex Barrand, EMEA Sales Manager at Optimal Audio adds:
 
“Whether for kindergarten, shop, house of worship, bar or restaurant, the award-winning Optimal Audio portfolio enables the delivery of flexible, high quality solutions across a wide spectrum of application. A focus on intuitive installation and operation is finding favour with customers across the world who are inspired by our commitment to challenge the traditional, often unnecessarily complex world of commercial audio, and deliver systems that can be operated by anyone – not just engineers.”