London-based
Capital Sound Hire has become the first UK company to take delivery of a NEXO
STM Series system, following a two-year participation in its design and
specification process.
Capital’s
collaboration with NEXO stems from the very first hypothetical discussions
about a new high-spec loudspeaker system. Chosen in 2010 as one of three
international Development Team Members, Capital has had influential input into
the system’s design, and will be instrumental.in the next phase of its
evolution, applying its technical expertise and experience at the highest
levels of touring to ensure the STM Series meets its full potential.
“Originally, it was an opportunity to influence the design of a loudspeaker
system so that the final product was more in line with our ideals,” explains
Capital’s Ian Colville. “As the STM concept emerged, this was replaced with a
desire to be involved in the development of a genuinely groundbreaking and
unique product. Nothing was used as starting point, nor was it based on an
existing product. All of the STM components, materials and manufacturing
techniques have been optimised for one product and one purpose.”
The result of this process is NEXO’s new flagship
PA system; designed to boost profitability by combining flexibility and
modularity with exceptional sound quality, throw and ease of rigging, STM draws
on NEXO’s classic Alpha Series of point source cabinets, sharing the basic
principles of scale through modularity. The initial touring range incorporates
three elements; the M46 Main cabinet, B112 Bass cabinet and S118 Sub-bass
cabinet, which allow users to build systems for audiences from 200 to 100,000.
“With profit margins being squeezed, it’s crucial for the success of rental
companies to get the maximum flexibility from their inventories,” continues
Capital’s Paul Timmins. “As digital consoles become inflexible due to personal
choice, it’s more important that the loudspeaker system, which is the element
that generally ‘gets you the show’, is working constantly. Prep costs money and
this system just requires configuration between projects, with no rebuilds
necessary.”
The
scalability of STM also held great appeal for Capital, whose projects range
from 10 people at small corporate events to stadium and outdoor shows for
60,000 plus. “What has become evident is that most current loudspeaker systems
require you to stock up to four sizes of line array boxes to cover the
variation in room sizes,” says Timmins. “Often, during the winter months, an
entire inventory of large format loudspeakers can sit idle while there is a
shortage of small and mid-sized cabinets. The concept of STM is amazing, with
true multi-use options for all components including the amplifier racks. System
designs can take into consideration not only room limitations but also musical
content. It’s a fantastic addition to the tool box.”
STM is the first NEXO acquisition for Capital. “We hope new clients that have
experienced NEXO in the past will want to work with us as we make the system
available,” says Timmins. “This in turn will give us a greater market share of
clients wanting to embrace true second generation system technology. The
relationship with NEXO is a great thing as they are a strong manufacturer who
will make this product globally available from premier league rental suppliers
– crucial in modern day touring. Why ship a loudspeaker system when you can
consistently rent from a choice of worldwide suppliers? We will be forging
relationships with new partners to offer STM.”
Capital,
which will ultimately own a 48-box system an inventory of 48x M46 Mains, 48x
B112 Bass and 48x S118 Subs, is initially planning to introduce the components
on small-scale events. This will ramp up during summer 2013 to larger projects that will allow engineers to
get to grips with its full capabilities.
“NEXO has been a great company to work with,” concludes Timmins of the STM
project. “They have a fantastic R&D team and they also know where all the
best restaurants are!”
www.nexo.fr
