Posts in category: Press Release

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.”

The 2024 Inavation Awards Technology Finalists have been revealed, with more than 90 finalists competing for 12 awards, and the team at Optimal Audio is delighted to have been shortlisted in the Audio (non-loudspeaker) category for its Zone & WebApp zonal audio controller. The winners are decided, as usual, by votes cast with the voting process going live on November 1 and closing on January 12.

Last year Optimal Audio was also shortlisted for the ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ award, so the company is hoping that the Zone Controller with intuitive, customisable and powerful WebApp will go one stage further this year and pick up the illustrious award.

Zone is a series of simple yet powerful zonal audio controllers. With onboard DSP, highly flexible signal routing and HDMI connectivity, Zone provides everything required in a single compact. WebApp unlocks the technology and capability behind Optimal Audio’s Zone series, providing the foundation to deliver efficient, high-quality multi-zoned commercial sound systems. Compatible with any device, WebApp makes system set-up straightforward and once completed, the venue staff can then be presented with a simple user interface which allows them to easily operate the system.

In the latest release (1.2), WebApp provides a number of additions designed to make system configuration even more powerful, including the ability to add system settings or preferences to a timed routine, allowing end-users in busy settings to remain focused on their work, rather than making adjustments to their audio system. An example of this might be the introduction of a subwoofer setting in the evening to help increase the party mood.

System management is also made easier through the ability to upload and download system files, so they could easily be transported to another site as necessary. Finally, WebApp 1.2 introduces a system diagram generator with DRAW.IO compatibility, enabling system integrators to easily share an overview of the planned system.

Matt Rowe, Optimal Audio Engineering Manager comments:

“We were delighted to be nominated last year and as a brand in relative infancy, it does this fantastic team great credit to be nominated again alongside an array of established industry players. It’s also a strong indication that our mission to simplify commercial audio for the benefit of integrators and end-users is having a real impact on the market’s thinking, and both Zone and WebApp are at the heart of that. We hope all of our partners, brand enthusiasts and end users will vote for us in the coming months, and we look forward to the big night in Barcelona come January.”

As part of its quest to simplify the world of commercial audio for integrators and end-users alike, UK commercial audio manufacturer Optimal Audio continues to evolve its ecosystem, and the very latest developments see updates to its WebApp and SmartAmp firmware.

WebApp unlocks the technology and capability behind Optimal Audio’s Zone series, providing the foundation to deliver efficient, high-quality multi-zoned commercial sound systems. Compatible with any device, WebApp makes system set-up straightforward and once completed, the venue staff can then be presented with a simple user interface which allows them to easily operate the system.

WebApp 1.2 sees a number of additions designed to make system configuration more powerful, including the ability to add system settings or preferences to a timed routine, allowing end-users in busy settings to remain focused on their work, rather than making adjustments to their audio system. An example of this might be the introduction of a subwoofer setting in the evening to help increase the party mood.

System management is also made easier through the ability to upload and download system files, so they could easily be transported to another site as necessary. Finally, WebApp 1.2 introduces a system diagram generator with DRAW.IO compatibility, enabling system integrators to easily share an overview of the planned system.

All the features of WebApp 1.2 are also available in the offline WebApp Desktop Demo which is compatible with Mac and PC. This allows installers and system integrators to get familiar with all the features of WebApp, without needing to be connected to a Zone, but also enables their ability to start designing systems, setting up routines and customising controls to use at a later stage.

Firmware for Optimal Audio’s SmartAmp series is also released, including settings for its latest loudspeaker addition, Cuboid 6. Cuboid 6, a two-way, full range, passive, 6.5″ loudspeaker which also has a transformer variant, starts to ship from the middle of October and SmartAmp firmware V1.10 is released in anticipation.

Matt Rowe, Engineering Manager, stated:

“As users are quickly recognising, WebApp is the secret sauce of Optimal Audio’s eco-system, and with this latest release we continue to extend the possibilities for the system integrator while improving the simplicity that can be presented to the end-user. It underlines our commitment to ensure WebApp is the definitive set up and control platform for small to medium multi-zone venues.”

Explore WebApp 1.2: https://optimal-audio.co.uk/products/controllers/webapp/

The function room of the Community Centre in Assentoft in Denmark is used for a wide variety of events, with meetings, formal dinners, parties and screenings of sports events all taking place in the venue. The facility’s management team recently decided to invest in a new audio system as they felt an upgrade of their facilities was necessary to improve the experience of the different groups using the facility.

The system in place was more than 25 years old and site manager Steffen Larsen engaged installer Simon Voigt Laursen of AVDEO to supply a solution. The project’s aim was to deliver superb audio quality from an easy to operate, zoned system.

Simon designed a complete Optimal Audio solution based on the Zone 4P 4-zone audio controller with DSP, amplification and WebApp. He comments:

“It is an absolute pleasure to work with this product. The Zone 4P DSP is the easiest I have ever installed! With this quality of technology and ease of setup, you’d also normally expect a much higher price point. It’s extremely intuitive to setup and configure, with the result that the whole configuration for the Community Centre was done within an hour.

“I like the fact that there are two Mic inputs on the back of the Zone 4P, with easy to configure basic EQ. It seems like everything is designed to make the installation/configuration process easy for the installer.”

Site Manager Steffen Larsen was effusive in praise:

“Just as we have a very wide range of applications to cover with the system, so we have a wide range of users who have varying levels of technical skill. The ease of use of the Zone 4P and WebApp removes any complications – everyone can use the system with confidence, and it sounds fantastic!”

Two Optimal Audio Cuboid 8 loudspeakers and a SmartAmp 30 amplifier were supplemented by five ADORN loudspeakers from sister company Martin Audio. The presets for both Cuboid and ADORN units are contained within the Optimal Audio WebApp, once again making for easy installation.

Simon’s view of the Optimal Audio loudspeakers was consistent with his appreciation of the Zone4:

“The 8-inch Cuboid 8 speakers are easy to install with the U brackets and suit the room really well, while the presets in the SmartAmp 30 make the configuration of the speaker very easy. As well as being wonderfully easy to install and use, the system sounds amazing and the customer is very happy.”

As part of its quest to simplify the world of commercial audio for integrators and end-users alike, UK commercial audio manufacturer Optimal Audio continues to evolve and expand its ecosystem. The very latest developments see the introduction of its latest loudspeakers, the Cuboid 6 and 6TX.

The popularity of Optimal Audio’s Cuboid 3, 3TX, 5 and 5TX models has led directly to the release of the Cuboid 6 loudspeaker and 6TX with its powerful, high-grade 60W transformer for improved 70/100V line operation.

With an impressive 60W (AES) and 240W (peak) rating, these models deliver an audio output of 107dB (continuous) and 113dB (peak). With an IP54 rating and frequency response range of 90Hz to 20kHz, the Cuboid 6 and 6TX are an ideal solution for outdoor spaces where there is often a greater requirement for enhanced low end.

Managing Director Dom Harter comments:

“We’re delighted to complete the popular Cuboid series with the Cuboid 6 and 6TX – these new additions extend the brand’s indoor and outdoor applications and will continue to further the success of Optimal Audio in the commercial sector.”

The Optimal Audio ecosystem, complete with these new developments, can be explored at the company’s forthcoming Open Days which take place at its High Wycombe HQ on September 6^th, 7^th and 8^th. The events will provide the perfect opportunity for those passionate about commercial audio technology to learn, network and grow their knowledge while enjoying a comprehensive tour of Optimal Audio’s products in the company’s multipurpose ‘venue’, The Optimal.

For more information about Cuboid loudspeakers:
https://optimal-audio.co.uk/products/loudspeakers/cuboid/

For more information about Optimal Audio September Open Days:
https://optimal-audio.co.uk/news-events/trade-shows-events/september2023opendays/

The team at Optimal Audio is delighted to have been shortlisted as a finalist at this year’s AV Awards in the category for ‘Control and Management Technology of the Year’. The Awards celebrate excellence across the Pro AV sector and are independently judged by a panel of senior representatives from end-user organisations, consultants, and key industry players.

Last year saw Optimal Audio scoop the ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ award, so the company is hoping that the Zone Controller with intuitive, customisable and powerful WebApp will impress the judges sufficiently to deliver an AV Awards double.

Dom Harter, Optimal Audio Managing Director comments:

“We were delighted to win an award last year, and as a brand in relative infancy, it does this fantastic team great credit to be nominated again alongside an array of established industry players. It’s also a strong indication that our mission to simplify commercial audio for the benefit of integrators and end-users is having a real impact on the market’s thinking. We look forward to the big night at Evolution in London later in the year.”

Tenpin Dudley is one of 51 entertainment centres in the UK run by Tenpin Ltd. Although the popular venue’s primary focus is on its 28 bowling lanes, additional facilities include a licensed bar, arcade machines, live sports TV coverage, soft play area, pool tables, and 2 karaoke rooms which can accommodate up to ten customers each.
 
Always seeking to improve the experience of its guests, Tenpin wished to upgrade the audio system at the venue with a focus on improving control of distributed background audio across its different zones. Experienced integrator and regular Tenpin supplier Perfect Octave was engaged to deliver a high-quality, best-fit solution that would offer simple, intuitive operation for the venue’s staff.
 
Perfect Octave’s Peter Sheppard recommended an Optimal Audio solution:
 
“I discovered Optimal Audio’s products having attended one of their open days not long after the brand launched. Obviously, the connection with Martin Audio as part of the Focusrite group was a good indication that this new commercial audio brand would be of a very high standard, and I wasn’t disappointed. The Optimal Audio Zone 8 controller was the perfect choice for the Dudley site.”

Optimal Audio’s Zone 8 with DSP and WebApp presents users with a full suite of audio controls for up to 8 zones with fully flexible signal routing. With 2 mic, 4 stereo line and 2 HDMI inputs, Zone 8 has all the necessary I/O within a very competitively priced package. It enables easy configuration and everyday operation allowing the user to independently allocate sources across 8 configurable zones. Each zone can be configured for precisely what is required using the intuitive WebApp, including EQs, speaker presets, structured time of day routines and more.

As well as being designed to work seamlessly with products in the Optimal Audio range, Zone 8 can also be conveniently deployed to work with third-party products, and at Tenpin Dudley, Perfect Octave integrated the unit into the venue’s existing infrastructure using OSC. Using WebApp’s simple digital interface which hides any unnecessary information, members of staff were easily able to take control of the system. From a troubleshooting point of view, remote monitoring was important for Perfect Octave, so the Zone 8 was connected via VPN to enable easy maintenance.

Although the greater part of the system at Tenpin Dudley was already catered for in terms of loudspeakers, Perfect Octave recommended replacing the units in the karaoke rooms with Optimal Audio Cuboid 8 loudspeakers to improve the enjoyment of singers and listeners alike. Peter Sheppard comments:
 
“The Cuboid speakers are conspicuous for how great they sound and look. They’ve significantly elevated the experience in the Karaoke rooms at the venue, and we’re looking forward to using the IP54 rated Cuboid 3 and 5 units on future ventures.

The team at Tenpin Dudley is happy with its upgraded system, finding it to be reliable and easy to use. Underlining the success of the install is the fact that Optimal Audio solutions are currently destined for another 8 Tenpin sites in the hands of Perfect Octave, with more planned. In general, the smaller and medium Tenpin sites will be catered for using just the Zone 8 unit – on larger sites where the control requirements include lights and other elements, Zone and WebApp can be integrated with third party control solutions for seamless application.
 
Matt Rowe, Engineering Manager at Optimal Audio reflects on a successful installation:
 
“At Optimal Audio, our aim from the outset was to de-mystify much of the complexity faced by end-users in commercial audio settings. The market was crying out for easy to use, intuitive solutions that could be operated by busy members of staff in retail, hospitality and entertainment settings, such as Tenpin, without the need for extensive technical knowledge or training. Perfect Octave’s deployment of Zone 8 at the Dudley venue amply illustrates just how effective it can be as a control system in this type of environment. We were really pleased to see the Cuboid 8 speakers chosen for the karaoke rooms – Perfect Octave has already expressed an interest in using the full range of Optimal Audio loudspeakers on a number of future installs.”

Optimal Audio, is pleased to announce that its celebrated Open Days will be returning in September. Part of the Focusrite Group, Optimal Audio manufactures a one-stop solution of controllers, amplifiers and loudspeakers for small to medium sized commercial installations, with a focus on supporting multi-zoned venues.
 
The Open Days, on September 6th, 7th and 8th will provide the perfect opportunity for those passionate about commercial audio technology to learn, network and grow their knowledge in a mini trade show environment where they will enjoy a comprehensive tour of the Optimal Audio ecosystem. Those who attended the April Open Day events will see an evolution of the previous  demonstration format, with exciting WebApp features and new products on show in the company’s multipurpose ‘venue’, The Optimal.
 
Experts will be on hand to answer questions and guide visitors through the latest innovations, including the chance to test drive the latest version of WebApp and see first-hand why it was a major contributing factor in Optimal Audio winning Manufacturer of the Year at last year’s AV Awards.

Optimal Audio Marketing Manager, Jamie Gomez, looks forward to welcoming visitors:
 
“Using a different format for our April Open Days proved to be very popular. We believed that presenting the ecosystem in a venue-based context rather than simply one product at a time, would definitely be more engaging, and the response from our visitors confirmed as much.
 
“There’s no doubt that more and more installers are getting to grips with how our approach can help them achieve things for their customers that they may not have thought possible in the past. As well as allowing us a platform to demonstrate products, the Open Days, especially in this more dynamic format, provide us with a forum in which to listen to and discuss the needs of the market – something fundamental to our continuing mission to deliver simplified, high quality commercial audio.”
 
As well as the exclusive opportunity to discover the cutting-edge commercial audio solutions that are shaping the future of the industry, the Open Days will also feature two of Optimal Audio’s sister brands from the Focusrite Group. Visitors will have the opportunity to see demonstrations from Martin Audio, and enjoy the chance to meet representatives and review product from Linea Research.

For the full daily itinerary and details of how to register for the event which takes place at Century Point, Halifax Road, Cressex Business Park, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP12 3SL, please visit https://bit.ly/46F7JKl.

In multi-purpose venues, such as hotels or event spaces, good sound system design plays a crucial role. It not only enhances the ambiance but also facilitates clear communication, whether it’s music, speeches, or announcements. At Optimal Audio, we recognise the significance of designing products that provide installers the flexibility to meet the unique needs of any venue, ensuring that every sound is delivered with precision and clarity.

Keep it simple

When designing a sound system for a multi-purpose venue, ease of use is paramount. Optimal Audio’s WebApp, hosted on a webserver within Zone, provides a user-friendly interface that allow anyone, regardless of technical expertise, to operate the sound system effortlessly. It can be accessed from any device with a web browser and empowers users to control music playback, adjust volume levels, and manage different audio zones with simplicity. By mirroring the familiarity of smartphones and tablets, our web-based control solution provides an intuitive experience for users, reducing the learning curve and giving venue staff a sound system that is easy to use.

Keep your staff focused on the job in hand

One of the standout features of Zone’s WebApp is its powerful routines functionality. Routines serve as a convenient way to store and recall specific settings for regularly occurring events. Whether it’s source selection or volume level, routines play a vital role in ensuring a multi-purpose venue can adapt quickly.

Matt Rowe, Optimal Audio Head Engineer comments:

“We’ve witnessed venues and installers leveraging routines to cater to different event types. For instance, in a multi-purpose venue that offers space rentals for various functions, there may be occasional requests for sports events. By creating a dedicated routine that automatically selects the HDMI source and plays the sound from the TV, staff members can effortlessly fulfil such requests. All they need to do is navigate to the routines section and simply click on a configured routine”.

Great sound quality without breaking the bank

The design of a commercial audio sound system is often accompanied by budget considerations. Optimal Audio’s product offering is cost-effective without compromising audio quality. Our IP54 rated products, such as the Cuboid 3 and 5, demonstrate how smaller speakers can produce remarkable sound, while larger speakers in the Cuboid range offer exceptional performance at competitive prices. Our simplified offering of carefully selected products helps venues achieve outstanding results without breaking the bank.

Let’s summarise

Designing sound systems for multi-purpose venues is a complex task that goes beyond selecting amplifiers and speakers. Optimal Audio specialises in creating products that are flexible and excel in variety of multi-purpose applications. With a focus on cost-effectiveness and user-friendliness, our commercial audio eco-system helps create seamless experiences for any multi-purpose venue, without the control headaches of conventional commercial audio systems.

Take WebApp for a spin

For the first time, our WebApp is available as an offline tool for you to get more familiar with its power and functionality. Download our Desktop Demo for PC and Mac and see for yourself how WebApp is revolutionising commercial audio.