Posts in category: Press Release

Flipside AV recently installed an Optimal Audio Zone 4 and ZonePad to control three audio zones at a modern café, bar and hotel called Bang in Wells.

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 provides the perfect solution.

Zone 4 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 allows the installer to independently allocate sources across four configurable zones, such as a lobby, bar or restaurant, and each zone can be configured to do precisely what is required using the intuitive WebApp. This includes EQs, speaker presets, structured time of day routines and so much more.

In the case of Bang, Zone 4 was installed to control audio for three zones and once configured a ZonePad 4 was added to make end usability effortless. 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. Controlling the sound system on the move is no problem for the venue staff either. The manager of the venue has WebApp pinned to home screen on the venue iPad, ensuring that changes can be made quickly and easily if needed.

Optimal Audio was the perfect fit according to James Heath Cooper, MD at Flipside AV:

“The unit was super-fast and easy to set up with just the right amount of control for the team to get the best out of the sound system. In terms of price, it’s spot on really and has some lovely value-added functionality like the HDMI audio inputs. The customer is very happy and finds the system effortless to use. It’s added a lovely vibe to the establishment.”

Optimal Audio, the award-winning manufacturer of commercial audio equipment, has announced the release of an all access WebApp Desktop Demo mode.

WebApp is the digital backbone of Optimal Audio’s ecosystem of controllers, amplifiers and loudspeakers providing a system integrator with the ability to configure an entire system of multiples zones in a venue, while presenting the end user with an intuitive and simple interface to control the sound system. Now, for the first time, anyone can experience both the simplicity and power of WebApp without the need for a Zone hardware unit.

The Desktop Demo, available on PC and Mac, offers a fully interactive experience of the intuitive nature of WebApp, and allows users to build confidence and familiarise themselves with this powerful tool. True to the Optimal Audio brand ethos, the team has delivered a concept that offers a simple and easy onboarding experience that enables integrators, installers, and venue owners to experience the beating heart of the Optimal Audio eco-system.

Jamie Gomez, Marketing Manager commented:

“One of the first things I recognised on joining was that if we could get the WebApp out to as many people as we could, it would be the quickest and most powerful way for system integrators and installers to see the true nature of Optimal Audio and how it is changing commercial audio for the better. Thankfully, Matt Rowe agreed and we were able to develop this relatively quickly.”

Matt Rowe, Head of Engineering responded:

“Similar to test driving a new car, gaining hands-on experience and familiarity with the features of a car builds confidence in making the right purchase decision. In the same vein, the introduction of the WebApp Desktop Demo enables individuals with a PC or Mac to take it for a spin by setting up various zones and sources, adjusting faders and creating routines, without requiring a Zone hardware unit.”

The WebApp Desktop Demo incorporates all of the of the latest features from the most recent release of WebApp 1.1 and the Demo app will also get updated with any future release of WebApp.

Test drive today: https://optimal-audio.co.uk/products/controllers/webapp-desktop-demo/

Optimal Audio is proud to announce the release of WebApp 1.1, featuring a BluOS Control API integration to control Bluesound Professional audio devices that feature built-in network-connected streaming and music management controls for use in commercial audio spaces.

Optimal Audio’s WebApp is the backbone of its ecosystem of controllers, amplifiers and loudspeakers providing a system integrator with the ability a to configure an entire system of multiples zones in a venue, while presenting the end user with an intuitive and simple interface to control the sound system. 

With this latest release, WebApp and Zone firmware enable API controls for Bluesound Professional devices via BluOS from Optimal Audio Zone controllers. This simple and powerful solution supports playback from almost 20 streaming platforms and internet radio stations, including services specifically designed for commercial use.

The integration of Bluesound Professional streaming music devices such as the B100S and B400S provides a scalable solution for venues requiring up to four playback streams. Integrators and end-users can configure powerful routines within WebApp to automate streaming preset recall and volume control for a specified time, day, and zone, enabling venue staff to focus on their primary responsibilities.

The API integration also allows WebApp to play, pause or skip a track and displays song artwork for an improved end-user experience.

In addition to the seamless integration with Bluesound Professional streamers, the latest update to WebApp includes several useful new features. A Client Configuration Tool has been added to enhance security and simplify the operation of client connections such as mobiles or tablets. A global setting for ‘delay units’ in system settings and an auto Time Zone/DST adjustment have also been added.

Matt Rowe, Head of Engineering for Optimal Audio commented:

“I’m thrilled to deliver WebApp 1.1 and introduce streaming capabilities into our commercial audio eco-system. I believe that being able to recall presets from Bluesound Professional devices combined with WebApp’s powerful routine functionality provides a versatile solution that will be welcomed by installers and venue owners.”

The Optimal Audio Open Days, scheduled for April 18th and 19th in High Wycombe, will feature WebApp 1.1 showcasing its ability to manage a well-known four-zone commercial audio deployment.

For more information visit: https://optimal-audio.co.uk/products/controllers/webapp/

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