AUSTRALIA: The Domain in Sydney provided the setting for Oktoberfest in the Gardens 2026, where Crystal Productions teamed up with TAG, official Australian distributor of Martin Audio, to deliver the main-stage sound reinforcement. The deployment centred on Martin Audio’s Wavefront Precision WPC line arrays, supported by SXH218 subwoofers, Torus T12 loudspeakers and iKON amplification.

The front-of-house system comprised 16 Martin Audio WPC line array elements, configured in left and right hangs of eight units each. Low-frequency reinforcement came from eight SXH218 subwoofers positioned beneath the performance stage, providing the foundation for the system’s full-range output. Four Martin Audio Torus T12 loudspeakers, positioned atop the SXH218 subwoofers, served as front fills, extending the main system’s coverage to audience members closest to the stage. The complete loudspeaker system was powered and processed by Martin Audio iKON amplifiers.

However, delivering the required impact at a large outdoor festival in the heart of Sydney also called for careful control of sound beyond the audience area. With the crowd expecting an immersive musical experience and neighbouring areas requiring consideration, the system incorporated a cardioid subwoofer configuration to reduce low-frequency spill behind the PA. Martin Audio’s Hard Avoid optimisation further helped direct the array’s output towards the audience while limiting unwanted coverage in surrounding areas.

For TAG, the deployment offered a practical demonstration of how system design and optimisation can address the demands of a real-world festival environment. Working alongside Crystal Productions, the team put the Martin Audio system through its paces at a live event, showcasing the combination of coverage, low-frequency control and system performance required to keep the music where it belongs.