The Story of M7 Audio
Collaboration brings midas touch to UK audio rentals
M7 Audio Limited was formed early in 2006 by seven of the top audio rental companies in the UK to bring the Midas XL8 to the rentals market on a viable basis.
In the months leading up to the launch of the XL8, the individual rental companies each looked at how they could add the new console to their hire stocks.
Each concluded that the XL8 represents a step-change in the technology of live performance systems, but while this could bring enormous benefits and opportunities, it requires an unprecedented financial investment and substantial operational and technical training.
Each of the rental companies explored models for offering the XL8 that would ensure an acceptable return on investment. They concluded that the solution was for the competing companies to collaborate. The result was M7 Audio.
Creating a Hire Pool of XL8 Systems
For the XL8 to be successul in the UK rental market from its introduction, there has to be enough consoles available to meet the anticipated demand in terms of hire, backup and training. A sufficiently large product pool can only be achieved through collaboration.
Universal Packaging
In additon, each system must be interchangable. Until now, each of the major rental companies has its own line system and packaging, which limits the interconnection of equipment from different sources. The M7 Audio companies are commited to designing a universal interface standard so the XL8 systems and associated equipment can be swapped out with ease in any live environment. This means that all stage remotes, housing racks and interconnection cables will conform to an agreed standard.
The XL8 and associated equipment can be interchanged with 100% compatibility regardless of supplier. Hirers can rent from their preferred supplier confident that they are using a universally supported system. This uniform approach has also had the benefit of reducing packaging costs through economies of scale.
Training
M7 Audio want to train as many end users to use the XL8 system in the shortest possible time. This is a revolutionary digital product with many features to deliver reliability and sonic performance. Operator training is therefore a priority.
Systems will be made available for training purposes at centres in northern England, the Midlands and London. Training Programmes are currently in development in association with Midas.
Rental Structures
The XL8 will be available for hire as soon as M7 Audio take delivery of the first production systems from Midas. It will be available from any of the seven inividual M7 partners. A rental structure is currently in development to enable any rental company that sub hires the system to make a realistic margin without the need for substantial initial investment and operational costs.
This website will provide a major resource for coordinating the activities of M7 Audio, providing information and online booking facilities.
Rental Companies and end users are invited to >>Register your interest with M7 Audio, so you can be kept up to date with developments, can arrange training or can view the XL8 at any of the M7 member companies.