Void Acoustics Latest News

5-Star Install in Luxury Lisbon Hotel

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:15:34 UT

Top Lisbon hotel, the 5-star Altis Belem Spa, is the latest high profile venue to install a state-of-the-art Void loudspeaker system, involving Void’s Airten and Arcline X cabinets. Local company A8 Sound was responsible for the sale and installation, working to a highly specific brief in terms of blending the system with the hotel’s eye-catching contemporary design.

Void’s unique combination of sound quality and visual aesthetics proved to be a perfect solution for the Altis Belem’s new bar - 38º41º. The system is designed to provide coverage across three small but separate zones, delivering a crisp, top quality sound, with full control over the SPL. A8 Sound deployed five AirTens and one Arcline X enclosure, colour-matched to blend in precisely with the bar’s striking décor, powered by Void’s Infinite X5 switch-mode amplifiers. A8 Sound have configured the three amplifiers to make the most of the Infinite X’s flexibility – with one operating in bridge mode, a second in stereo mode, and the third in dual mode, with one channel set at 4 Ohms and the other at 8 Ohms. System management is via the Digidrive Plus.

Just one Arcline X was sufficient to do the job, as A8 Sound’s Raul Ribeiro explains: “It’s amazing how much power and spectrum coverage Arcline X delivers, giving us the perfect solution for this prestigious installation. The Altis Belem was looking for a ground-breaking combination of looks and sound – making Void the ideal system choice, with its attention to audio detail and fantastic looks. Hotels are facing a real challenge to provide customers with a better, more tightly controlled sound and this system delivers on all counts.”

Dirt Soundsystem Shakes Red Bull

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:29:31 UT

One of the better things to come out of major-brand globalisation is the support spin-off for the music industry. A case in point was the Red Bull Music Academy’s recent Culture Clash, hosted at the Roundhouse in Camden. Part of the Academy’s London 2010 series of events, running from early February until mid-March, the Culture Clash featured a four-way soundclash between Digital Mystikz (DMZ), Metalheadz, Jazzie B’s Soul II Soul Soundsystem and Trojan Sound System.

The event was a tremendous success, with Digital Mystikz using Bryan McLean’s Dirt Soundsystem to stunning effect. The general consensus was that the Dirt system was the night’s most powerful, by several degrees, with a bass weight reportedly of life-changing proportions. That’ll be the Psyco subs then!

Stacked six per side, the Psycos were accompanied by just three-a-side Stasys Primes, and powered by our Infinite and Infinite X amplifiers.

Bryan also deployed our Stasys 4 cabinets as DJ monitors, and Impulse 4t enclosures as floor wedges for the MC.

Dirt Soundsystem’s Bryan McLean, who has been running sound systems with business partners Rupert Neal and Dan Deeks for some ten years, told us:
“We had around two hours to set up before the sound check, during which we were asked to turn our system down a bit, as there were health and safety fears about the risk to the roof’s integrity! The event got under way very swiftly, and the format for the soundclash comprised four rounds, of fifteen minutes each, with the four stages set up at 90 degrees to each other. Everything got gradually louder as the rounds progressed, the tunes got better, the levels kept on increasing further, but the roof didn’t fall in! Credit is definitely due to Red Bull – they were brilliant - for putting so much effort and budget into sponsoring events like this, and supporting music in so many ways.

“We’ve used Void-based systems for around six years now, and rate their designs very highly. They’re excellent for both performance and value, and we really don’t need to spend anything more to get exactly what we need. The soundclash audience seemed to agree, and we’ve been bowled over by the many thank-you messages, phone calls and emails we’ve received! We couldn’t have asked for a better response. DMZ were absolutely ecstatic and are keen to work with us again. We’re still walking on cloud nine!”

But don’t take our word for what happened on the night, check out these links to read the reactions first-hand:
Red Bull Music Academy

Kmag Editorial

Lo-La Review

High-Profile Turkish Clubs Install Void

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:46:15 UT

Our presence in the Turkish club scene is growing steadily, thanks to the efforts of our regional distributor – audio-visual specialist Akhan SES Isik Ve Gorsel Sistemler Tic. Two of Istanbul’s highest profile clubs – 11:11, and the Supperclub – are featuring Void systems, along with the open-air Aura Moonlight in Kusadasi, the lively resort area renowned as Turkey’s Ibiza.

Rapidly established as one of Istanbul’s most important clubs, 11:11 is visually stunning, with a unique interior designed by Uras+Dilekci Architects, and based on a custom space-frame comprising some 1200 interlocking triangles and taking several months to install. Akhan SES designed and installed sound and lighting systems to match, using four of Void’s Air Motion triple-horn loudspeakers for the dance floor, plus eight Airten systems to distribute sound throughout the lounge and interconnecting areas. The lower octaves are reinforced by Void’s Stasys X, Waveform S and Viper subs, with all systems powered by Void’s Infinite amplifiers, and controlled by three Void Digidrive Plus loudspeaker management systems.

Haluk Akgun, managing director of Akhan SES, commented:
“Void’s loudspeaker systems were a ideal match for this club, in terms of both impressive visual design and high-level, high-quality sound – perfectly complementing the clean and precise detailing of the interior. The systems are configured so a different music feed can be delivered to each area for the first part of the night, and then at around 2:00 a.m., when the headline DJ starts their set, the same programme can be heard throughout the venue, with the SPL increasing to a consistent club level in all areas.

“11:11 is owned by Mithat Can Özer – the son of Sezen Aksu, one of Turkey’s most famous singers – together with two of the country’s top-line DJs, thus ensuring its leading status within Istanbul’s club scene. The project’s brief therefore called for the most innovative, up-to-the-minute sound and lighting technology to meet the owners’ objective of creating a world-class club, capable of generating an international reputation in its own right. Void’s systems have certainly helped us achieve the right result!”

Live & Don’t Let Die: Void Supports fresh2o

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:41:10 UT

Water is something we all take too much for granted. We tend to presume that we have right-of-access to a free-flowing supply of clean, drinkable water - for many though, that’s still a distant but increasingly urgent dream. UK-based charity, fresh2o, has defined its mission to reduce poverty, improve health and prevent death, by enabling the provision of clean water for drinking and sanitation around the world. fresh2o is a dramatic initiative, designed to raise awareness of this massive challenge to humanity, and help stop four children dying every minute from dirty water.

- Live and Don’t Let Die

The charity recently co-hosted a fund-raising event in London, at One Marylebone, with Edirisa UK – the Ugandan education and community-project charity. Entitled “Live and Don’t Let Die”, the evening’s Bond-themed entertainment featured Norwegian singer Aasa, plus Scarlett Fever, together with Mazz Murray and Peter Eldridge from musical “We Will Rock You”. With a band assembled by Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain, “Live and Don’t Let Die” raised much-needed funds for water projects in Uganda.

We contributed the event’s sound system requirements, taking along a pair of Air Motions and a Basys system, together with Infinite X amplifiers. Alex Skan set up the systems, and helped with DJ duties between sets by Marky Marc and Judge Jules. Live and Don’t Let Die was a huge success for fresh2o and Edirisa UK, making a significant contribution to their work. For more information, please see:
www.fresh2o.org

New Distributor for India – Most Technical

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:17:55 UT

We’ve appointed Dave Parry’s new venture – Most Technical India – as our sole distributor for India. Based in New Delhi, Dave has formed the company with two new business partners: ex-Avolites and event organiser Isa Sapin, together with Arjun Bahl, an entrepreneur and promoter.

Pictured below, left to right, are Alex Skan and Rog Mogale from Void, with Dave Parry, Arjun Bahl and Isa Sapin.

Twisted Pepper Gets Hotter with Void

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:02:28 UT

Our distributor for Ireland, Decibel Audio, has achieved another installation coup, installing our loudspeakers and amplifiers throughout Twisted Pepper, Dublin’s premier night venue.

After hearing the performance of our systems at Matter, Twisted Pepper contracted Decibel to re-equip the club's four spaces as part of a major upgrade programme. The final installation involves around 30 Void loudspeakers, including Air Motion and Airten systems, plus models from Void’s Impulse, Stasys and Viper series, together with Infinite and V Amp power amplifiers.

Visitors to evenTech Ireland 2009 (Royal Dublin Society Halls, 17-18 November) will get a chance to hear the new systems, as Twisted Pepper is hosting the show’s Networking Night on Tuesday 17th November, with a “Touching the Void” loudspeaker listening session earlier the same evening. We’re also exhibiting our new products at the show, in conjunction with Decibel Audio.

Trevor O’Shea, head of Twisted Pepper's parent company Bodytonic Music, visited Matter in London’s O2, where Void’s loudspeakers are installed on the VIP level. He commented:

“We visited Matter in London last year, and the Void speakers and spec really caught our attention – how they sounded, and how different they looked – so we took mental notes there and then. After 6 months of opening the Twisted Pepper, we decided we wanted to take a leap with the sound system. What we had was good, but we wanted something better, more unique, the best we could get. Void was the answer. The guys have a total focus on quality, and on aiming to give us exactly what we wanted and, bottom line, they care as much as we do about sound. It was a gamble, but one that in hindsight was well worth it, and we'll never go back. People come to the Twisted Pepper, and wanna play here because of our attention to detail on sound – that, for me, is why Void are here too!”

Derek Dunphy, of Decibel Audio, added:
“Once Trevor had heard the Void systems at Matter, we worked on translating those products into appropriate designs for Twisted Pepper. We designed new systems for the venue’s basement area, café and main room, which features four Air Motions, and installed these over a 6-week period. All the systems are generously specified, with The Stage needing the capacity and flexibility to cater for cutting-edge DJ sets as well as live bands. The venue couldn’t close down for the re-fit, so we had to work around their schedule to ensure the minimum impact on their business, gradually replacing Twisted Pepper’s existing sound systems with the new Void-based designs. They’re extremely powerful, deliver excellent clarity, and we have heard nothing but praise for the new systems. ”

Decibel Audio equipped Twisted Pepper’s 350-capacity Stage room with 4 x Air Motion triple-horns and 4 x Stasys X subs for front-of-house duties, along with Infinite amplifiers and an Allen & Heath iLive T-112 digital console, plus Viper 15s and Viper 18 subs as the stage monitoring system, powered by Void’s V-Amp. The Basement, which has space for around 175 people, features 2 x Stasys 3s and 2 x Stasys X subs for the main system, with 2 x Airtens as in-fills and Impulse 4i systems as monitors. The Café is equipped with a pair of Air Motion triple-horns and Viper 18 subs.

See us at evenTech Ireland 2009, Dublin

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:53:31 UT

We’re exhibiting alongside Decibel Audio, our distributor for Ireland, at evenTech Ireland 2009 (Royal Dublin Society Halls, 17-18 November). All our new products will be on display, including the Arcline 12 line-array and Arcline X subs, Stasys Prime and Stasys 5 Mk2, plus our Infinite X amplifiers. Visitors will get a chance to hear many of our systems installed at Twisted Pepper, Dublin’s premier night venue, which is hosting the show’s Networking Night on Tuesday 17th November. We look forward to seeing you there!

Extravaganza Showcase at Matter

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:40:58 UT

In mid October, we took over the high-profile Matter venue in London’s O2 Arena to host a one-day Extravaganza. Taking advantage of Matter’s impressive space and ambience, we demonstrated our latest loudspeaker and amplifiers, launched last month at PLASA 09, enabling some 65 venue owners, hire companies, installers and DJs to audition the new systems under real-world conditions.

The systems ranged from touring line-array to club install, and included the Arcline 12 medium-format line-array and Arcline X multiple resonant-chamber sub. We also demonstrated the Stasys range, across the Stasys Prime ultra-efficient wide-band arrayable point-source, the Stasys X horn-loaded sub, the Stasys 5 Mk2 1 x 18” low-frequency and the Stasys 3 mk2 arrayable mid-hi. Our Infinite X series of power amps completed the new-product line-up, including the Infinite X7 and X8 two-channel designs.

Terry Lewis explained:

“We were overwhelmed by the positive response from PLASA 09, resulting in the excellent attendance at our Extravaganza – proof of the continuing success of our growth strategy. The combination of using PLASA09 as our new-product launch platform, and Matter as our preferred demonstration venue just a few weeks later, proved an ideal strategy. Staging viable product demonstrations at trade shows is inevitably compromised by considerations such as acoustics and acceptable sound pressure levels, hence our decision to showcase the new products at Matter. This gave our customers an opportunity to trial the products under realistic conditions. Customers need to be able to hear the systems properly, in order to appreciate their benefits and applications – this is especially important for the larger-scale touring and install systems.

“The event proved really popular, with the majority of visitors staying well into the evening! We were impressed both by the numbers attending and by their calibre, with our guests including Cosmic Electronics, who have installed Void into a growing number of prestigious London venues, DJs from HouseProud, plus representatives from SEDA. Choosing Matter also enabled us to run in-situ demonstrations of our systems installed on the venue’s renowned VIP floor – our Air Series’ Air Ten twin-chamber systems and Air Motion triple-horns, plus the Mycro X and Axsys X subs, which were designed specifically for Matter.

“Matter accommodated our Extravaganza very well indeed, car parking and load-in was easy, and we had excellent support from the staff, particularly from Sanj Bhardwaj, Head Technician of Fabric, Jai Chi Hau, from Matter’s technical department, Moz Lotter, Head of Security, and Roberto Pieroni, the venue’s Head of Sound – thanks guys, it was a great day!”

PLASA’s Prime Launches Now in Production

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:28:17 UT

The loudspeakers we launched at PLASA09 are now in production. These include the Stasys Prime wide-band arrayable point-source system, which offers ground-breaking efficiency; the Stasys 5 Mk2 low-frequency system that uses a pressure plate to enhance its transient response, plus the Arcline 12 medium-format line-array enclosure. We also launched two further models in the Infinite X amplifier range.

Stasys Prime – power saving efficiency

A wide-band loudspeaker design for large-scale touring, arena and stadium sound, our new Stasys Prime uses 2 x 15” LF drivers and a 1 x 1.5” neodymium HF driver to deliver a continuous output of up to 142dB. This raises point-source arrayable enclosures to a new level of performance, with ground-breaking efficiency, and an extended low-end down to 90Hz negating the need for separate upper-bass enclosures. Achieving lossless summation between adjacent enclosures, the design offers a seamless transition within an array, greatly improving intelligibility and phase coherence, as well as efficiency, as adjacent outputs are free from destructive interference. Stasys Prime’s super-high efficiency and 2-way active operation makes it an environmentally-conscious system, needing fewer amplifiers, with lower output power, to deliver a given result, while easing handling and transport.

Stasys 5 Mk2 – passive plate serves faster transients

The Stasys 5 Mk2 low-frequency 1 x 18” enclosure is designed for demanding live performance applications – on the largest tours or in the biggest arenas. This innovative design harnesses some of the energy that would normally be dissipated in its rear chamber, by firing the transducer onto a passive aluminium pressure plate – the plate’s restoring force is reflected back onto the transducer to provide a substantial increase in transient response and efficiency, and a continuous output of 135dB. As with all our premium enclosures, the use of resonance mapping has resulted in an extremely ridged structure, with very low colouration. The Stasys 5 Mk2 also uses 'coolwave' technology to reduce thermal compression to a minimum and ensure consistently high output levels – used in combination with our recently-developed 5” double-coil neodymium drive unit to give the enclosure an output-to-weight ratio near the theoretical maximum, and making it one of the lightest enclosures of its type available.

Arcline 12 – medium-format line array with extended low-end

Our new medium-format Arcline 12 line array enclosure solves the challenge of generating a coherent cylindrical wavefront – from a typical hang – that exhibits the same decay-per-distance in lower octaves as the mid and HF frequencies. To achieve this, the Arcline 12 incorporates a high-efficiency horn-loaded low-mid section, which delivers the necessary low-frequency projection down to 90Hz. Using the same principle as the Arcline 6, the new Arcline 12 has its physical components positioned on an arc to form a common virtual feed-point, with this approach, in conjunction with the design’s 120-degree horizontal dispersion, enabling the system’s wide and uniform coverage pattern, free from phase and response anomalies.

Infinite X – UK-made switch-mode power

Manufactured in the UK, using our dedicated production facility, the Infinite X range includes two- and four-channel amplifiers, featuring high-efficiency, high-current switch-mode power supplies. Launched at PLASA were the Infinite X7 and X8 two-channel designs, delivering 2 x 2000W and 2 x 2600W into 4 Ohms respectively. All models deliver increased power output into a 2 Ohm load.

Infinite X range is now into full production.

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:36:52 UT

Void are pleased to announce that Infinite X 4, 5 and 6 are now in full production and shipping. The infinite X range of amplifiers marks a significant progression in Void’s electronics product range.

We would also like to welcome our new production manager Del Prior (Pictured). Del joins the Void team from the defence industry and is highly experienced and qualified in electronic assembly and manufacture. Del will be heading up our new production facility in Poole and will be working closely with our electronics designer Andy Hunt.

Full details on the new range http://www.voidaudio.com/product_detail.asp?id=65