Set up in January 2010, and operating mainly in the field of fixed installation, the company represents a number of leading pro audio brands as well as control and signal management equipment through a network of 40 authorised partners and 150 resellers.
According to company director, Jacek Stanislawski, Phono Media first approached Martin Audio when they were looking for premium quality systems for club installations. "We had a gap in our portfolio for a top quality brand which offered high-powered cabinets," he said. "The major advantage with Martin Audio is that you can see their products used on the biggest of shows with top headline acts, while in the installation sector they offer a wide range - from AM series for stadiums and arenas to CDD Weatherised. This will also open new markets for us."
In particularly he quoted the prestige of world-renowned superclubs like Ministry of Sound, where Martin Audio is installed, as being a real driver "while the annual presence of Martin Audio's MLA on the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury is also highly significant."
Jacek Stanislawski notes that while Martin Audio has a strong brand profile in Poland their aim will be to provide a strong after sales service, and he emphasized their high level of technical support. "There is never any discussion about the quality of the products," he says, "but it is in service back-up that we can make a difference."
In addition to AM and CDD, they see huge potential for the new BlacklineX in the high number of music clubs that they service. "This is the perfect tool, with a great price/quality ratio. We also see MLA Mini, as a perfect door-opener for small and medium size rental companies," he adds. With the current growth in the Polish hotel and restaurant industry, as well as investment in cultural centres, theatres and concert venues they are hugely optimistic for the future of AV integration in Poland.
Phono Media have wasted no time in opening their account, having installed the new ShowCase music club in the centre of Warsaw with four Martin Audio Blackline F12+ and two S218+ subs, managed by a dedicated DX0.5 controller. At the same time, in the rental sector, Poland's oldest company, Musnicki Sound System, operates a full MLA system.
In conclusion, Jacek Stanislawski says, "To be working with a partner that carries such a broad product portfolio is a great honour. It opens up a number of opportunities in the markets in which, until now, we had less presence, such as rental and installations in theatres, cultural centres and sport arenas. At the same time, cooperation with such an experienced partner as Martin Audio will strengthens our position in established areas such as music clubs, hotels and restaurants."
Martin Audio's sales manager, EMEA, Bradley Watson adds, "Phono Media see this as the next logical step to build their brand and that of Martin Audio in Poland. They have an established network of system integrators, venues and links to rental companies, and have the expertise and drive to push and develop Martin Audio into 2017 and beyond."
(Jim Evans)
