KV2 Audio

UK dealer Clockwork Audio Systems have recently completed an installation of 75 Multiple ESD series speakers from KV2 Audio on a high profile installation project in the South West of England. 

Having conducted a shoot out of several competing brands, Nick Western and Dave Monk of Clockwork Audio settled on the ESD series for its superior sound quality and ease of set up. Nick Western explained, "The KV2 Audio ESD products not only sounded great, but didn't require any external DSP or processing. We also were able to use third party amplification without any issue and as the only passive pro audio speaker on the market utilising an internal analogue delay line, the phase response and overall performance was just brilliant".

Already keen exponents of the Active and Active driven ranges of KV2 Audio products, Clockwork were very aware of the high benchmark for quality set by the ES, EX and VHD ranges. It was still however surprising and refreshing that a passive speaker could perform so well.

Tasked with specifying a superior high quality PA system for the 23 date Alfie Boe, Bring him Home tour, Paul Hatt of CS Audio began searching for the ultimate loudspeaker solution late in 2011.

Due to the huge trucking space requirement of a thirty one piece orchestra, PA size was of upmost consideration as well as set up time with no opportunity to get it wrong in an awkward venue or allow several hours for a system engineer to re-calibrate and optimize the system each day.

Having worked extensively with many of the Worlds leading loudspeaker manufacturers Paul was perfectly placed to understand what was out there and soon realized that a high quality point source solution was the best possible fit, not only for this tour, but for the type of venues he was visiting on a weekly basis.

His engineering of Haley Westenra had introduced him to the active EX series of KV2 Audio some years earlier and VHD had been the talk of many of his industry friends, including Geoff Clennell, the Alfie Boe Tour Accountant / Assistant Production Manager and Tristan Mallett, Front of House engineer for the tour.

Upon specifying VHD, there was an initial apprehension that it would cope with the larger venue sizes, predominantly running one mid high box per side for the main auditoriums. Worries were allayed as Jonathan Reece-Farren of KV2 Audio demonstrated and explained the technologies behind KV2 Audio’s super live audio approach of delivering superior sound and transferring the atmosphere and emotion from a performance to the audience. Having also attended the first set up day in Bristol Jonathan ensured that within 40 minutes the PA was unloaded, set up and effortlessly filling the 2100 capacity venue.

As the tour progressed even larger and more challenging buildings presented themselves, each time with a result that made both Alfie Boe and the audience smile. A visiting sound engineer at the Bournemouth venue emailing after the event to say it was the best sound he had ever heard in what is a notoriously difficult venue acoustically. A wake up call came three quarters of the way through the show when it was requested by a venue to instead use their newly installed flagship line array system. Tristan Mallett commenting that “it had done a reasonable job, but there was certainly a very big difference in sound quality when we got the VHD back”.

Since investing in VHD the system has also been out with world famous Soprano Hayley Westenra on her 2012 Tour, a new experience for FOH engineer Dave Preece adding “This is the first time I've used these speakers and I was blown away with the clarity and coverage in some huge venues around the UK”

Commenting on his recent purchase Paul Hatt added “Having had great results with KV2's EX series products across a wide spectrum of projects, this led us to audition VHD when looking for a system to cover larger areas. We were pleased to find that same excellent sound quality, wide dispersion and even coverage is inherent in the VHD system, but we also had a requirement for a system that flies easily, throws a good distance and covers large events with fewer boxes, taking up less truck space - all of which VHD excels at. It also requires minimal set-up and is a great 'plug & play'solution. VHD has proven itself repeatedly as a useful and incredibly effective tool in our inventory and we are very pleased with our purchase”.

Wrexham based Business AV have become one of the latest companies to rely on KV2 Audio's loudspeakers to enhance their events. Initially investing in an ES System - offering unrivaled performance from a compact footprint - Business AV have been able to cover large events and conferences without needing multiple stacks of unsightly cabinets.

Business AV chose to further enhance their hire stock with a compact system comprising of two EX6 2-way 6" active loudspeakers and one EX1.2 single 12" subwoofer.

The annual Chester based festival - Chestival - features an outdoor cinema in the unique setting of Chester's Amphitheater and Business AV were on hand to make this happen. The event was a great opportunity to get the ES System outside and in front of a large audience.

David Lee, Business AV Managing Director, praised the performance of the system saying "Our KV2 systems allow us to successfully fulfill our clients demands with an incredible level of performance. The simplicity of the set-up is great, allowing us to focus on the aesthetics of our events safe in the knowledge that the audio will always perform."

Jonathan Reece-Farren of KV2 Audio Europe Ltd. commented "Having seen the quality of the presentations that Business AV are undertaking  we are very pleased to have Dave Lee on board and representing the KV2 Audio Brand."

During a recent event promoting the organisation The People’s Lion Queen legend Brian May, CBE and Kelly Ellis, West End actress / singer performed duets using KV2 Audio's new ESM 26 monitors. Chosen by Ross Sharples of Rossco for their exceptional audio performance in a compact package, a quick sound check with very little Eq or adjustment earned an immediate thumbs up from the celebrity performers and smiles all round from the audience enjoying a KV2 EX system front of house .

Having invested in other KV2 Audio products and heavily researched the philosophies of KV2 Audio's Chief designer George Krampera, Ross was very keen to get his hands on the latest compact monitoring solution.  Delivered by Jonathan Reece-Farren of KV2 Audio in the UK the end result more than met with Ross's expectations.

An exciting opportunity for everybody the world over to participate in the Pride of Cape Town and the conservation of these magnificent creatures,  Summing up the evening Brian May CBE, added "Help us save the lions, every little contribution will help"  

An excellent cause with brilliant performers and a great sounding PA system system, courtesy of KV2 Audio in the UK and Rossco.

KV2 Audio recently exhibited at the Plasa Focus Show which took place at The Royal Armouries, Leeds on the 17th-18th of April. Plasa Focus is the Northern sister show to the prestigious London Plasa Show and saw some of the biggest brands in the audio and lighting industry exhibit over two halls to record numbers of attendees.

KV2 used the opportunity to showcase some exciting new products alongside established products from the ever-popular ES and EX ranges. Amongst the new products on display were products from the new ESM monitoring range and the ESD passive series.

The show saw the UK launch of the brand new ESM26 following its successful worldwide launch at the recent Prolight and Sound Show, Frankfurt. Affectionately named the NANO wedge due to its compact size, the ESM26 features two 6” drivers and a wide dispersion 100°x100° horn perfectly time aligned by the same passive crossover anddelay network featured in the ESD series. The ESM26 was shown alongside its larger ESM12, 12” stage monitor currently touring the UK on various high profile tours.

As well as fielding many quality enquiries on the stand KV2 Audio UK's Jonathan Reece delivered a well attended seminar on the companies Super Live Audio (SLA) philosophy covering the three main aspects of SLA – Super Digital, Super Acoustic and Super Analog – and explained the technology behind why KV2 Audio believe in a True Point Source approach to system design. Those in attendance were also able to listen to a sample of KV2 Audio's active EX Series.

Jonathan commented, “the Plasa Focus Show has been a great success with some exciting leads which are showing great potential. We are delighted with the response to our new products as well as being pleased with the many existing users who visited us to compliment us on our systems high level of performance and continued reliability.”

Welcome to KV2 Audio's UK website. This will be the best place to get the latest product, install and event news from all corners of the UK.

Plymouth based KV2 Audio specialist Clockwork Audio recently had the opportunity to fly their complete double ES system at Exeter's Westpoint Arena. Clockwork Audio stated on their website:

"We don't get often get the opportunity to do this so it was a good chance to put our four ES1.0's about seven meters in the air and turn them up to show that Line Array isn't necessarily the only option flown applications."

The event was primarily speech orientated with a few ES1.8's and ES2.6's thrown in for impact during playback interludes. Clockwork Audio also stated:

"With the increasingly great results we have had with KV2 systems in our hire stock we continue to look forward to putting them into as many scenarios as possible."

Saturday April 21st 2012 saw the 4th annual Analogue to Digital Expo take place at the Exeter Phoenix Arts Centre.

KV2 were offered the opportunity to exhibit at the event courtesy of Plymouth based KV2 Audio specialists Clockwork Audio Systems. Dave Monk and Nick Western, Clockwork Audio's Company Directors, were joined at the event by Tom Weldon of KV2 and spent the day discussing and demonstrating a selection of KV2 products, alongside the many other brands represented by Clockwork.

The show offered the perfect opportunity to display the new ESM26. The ESM26 is compact double 6" monitor which continues to astonish with it's impressive low end response and overall clarity all achieved within a discreet cabinet.

The ESD36, 3-way triple 6" full range loudspeaker, also gained high levels of interest alongside stacks of the more established ES System and the ever-popular EX12's.

Dave, Nick and Tom all shared the opinion that the show was a success with all parties looking forward to working through the leads generated at the show and to returning next year.

Clockwork Audio Systems have just taken delivery of a new KV2 Audio ES System comprising two ES1.0's, four ES2.6's double 15" subs with two rack mounted EPAK 2500R amplifier and controllers. This system compliments Clockwork Audio's existing ES System which has four ES1.8 subs and will now have four of the fat sounding ES2.6's as companions. Roll on festival season...

KV2 Audio Europe Ltd are delighted to announce that Bolton based audio installation specialists AVM Solutions UK have recently been appointed as an official North West provider of KV2 Audio loudspeaker systems. AVM Solutions UK signaled their intent to help push the brand by making a significant initial investment in KV2 Audio products.

The initial interest from AVM began 12 months ago at the Prolight and Sound Show -Frankfurt, where they attended a number of KV2 Audio’s hourly demonstrations in the Portable Sound Arena. Scott Dacey of AVM speaks of his experience: 

“Until the Prolight and Sound 2011 Show we were relatively unaware of the outstanding quality offered by KV2 Audio products. The Portable Sound Arena allowed us to hear one of KV2 Audio’s flagship VHD (Very High Definition) Systems alongside systems from several other established manufacturers and we were blown away by how transparent, dynamic and crystal clear the KV2 Audio system sounded.” 

Following the show KV2 Audio’s UK Sales representative Tom Weldon paid several visits to AVM Solutions UK to demonstrate the other products in KV2 Audio’s range. This led to AVM commenting the following 

“In addition to our experiences in Frankfurt, Tom demonstrated products from the EX, ESD and ES ranges. Across the ranges we were astounded with how accurate and powerful the products were, especially considering the size. We immediately recognised the potential they offered for install and live music especially. 

“We discussed the background of KV2 Audio and were told how they began life in a small Czech Republic town and have grown to be held in high esteem with audio professionals who strive for the best possible sound. We also discussed the exceptional build quality as well as the care and attention paid throughout the R&D process. 

“We bought into KV2 Audio’s “SuperLive Audio” philosophy and the Super Digital, Super Analog and Super Acoustic components that combine to 

create it and suggest to anyone that you really have to listen to the products to truly appreciate what you are getting for your money.”

Krishan Mistry, Operations Director of AVM Solutions UK, also added “these are not the cheapest systems available but certainly their sound has surpassed all of our expectations and references when comparing KV2 to many other leading brands considered to be in a similar league.” and speaking of his investment “We are pleased to further our relationship with KV2 Audio and keen to show off their amazing sound”

Of the appointment Tom comments. “AVM have, throughout all of our meetings, shown the drive and desire to help promote the KV2 brand that we expect from our dealers. Their initial investment is a great statement of intent and we look forward to moving forward throughout 2012 and beyond.”

The L2 Nightclub in Truro, Cornwall became the proud owner of the first ever exciting new club music system from internationally renowned KV2 Audio.

L2 underwent a full revamp of its sound systems last winter which was completed in time to allow Christmas clubbers the opportunity to experience the extreme clarity and definition of KV2 Audio systems on both main dance floors and the smaller Bud Bar. The main dance floor also benefits from the worlds first ever installation of the revolutionary VHD2.21, double 21” subwoofer system.

  Jonathan Reece-Farren, KV2 Audio’s CEO said the following regarding the brand new VHD2.21.

  “In the past we have created some huge clubbing experiences all over the world with our highly acclaimed systems. This latest development comes from almost three years of research and I am delighted that we are able to implement it for the first time in the UK.

  “Dance music is all about the atmosphere, creating the mood, the euphoria and the clubbing sensation. Our newVHD2.21 subwoofer system really adds a new dimension to the clubbing experience, transporting the atmosphere of a DJ to any individual on the dance floor.

  “Clubbers can not only hear and feel the music but almost reach out and touch it. It is a very unique system and I’m delighted that L2, a venue priding itself on state of the art sound and visual presentation, are raising the bar even further by implementing our Very High Definition technology in the shape of the latest KV2 Audio clubbing solution.”  

UK – Andy Austin-Brown, KV2 Audio’s Director of Technical Projects, accompanied representatives from UK dealers Essex Sound & Light and CoNi Ltd on a visit to KV2 Audio’s main warehouse and R&D lab in the Czech Republic. The visit served to enhance both companies knowledge of current products and philosophies as well as offering exciting previews of future products.

Essex Sound & Light’s Mike Glover had explained to Andy towards the end of 2010 that two very specific and technically challenging projects were on the horizon and Mike felt that some of KV2 Audio’s newer products could provide a perfect fit.

  Having been shown and demonstrated various models by George Krampera, KV2 Audio’s Chief of Engineering, Mike declared that KV2 Audio products will indeed be incorporated in both projects and also expressed his continued surprise at the exceptional performance and quality that all products provide.

  For James O’Leary of CoNi Ltd, the opportunity to visit the “nerve-centre” of KV2 Audio was important. James had been increasingly aware of KV2 Audio products being requested, discussed and firmly accepted as a high quality competitor to more established companies throughout 2010 and had the following to say.

  “Having experienced the outstanding performance and sheer levels of quality from KV2 Audio speakers many times, and always from such compact and portable cabinets, I feel confident about KV2 Audio’s future and their ability to present easy-to-use systems with innovative technology and impact. I look forward to the release and opportunity to implement some of the prototypes that we have had the pleasure of seeing on this trip.”

In a recent evaluation of KV2 Audio Products – Dave Freeth sound engineer of the touring show “Vampires Rock” got his teeth into a single VHD system at the Sands Centre in Carlisle, courtesy of John Saunders Productions.

Comprising of the incredible talents of Steve Steinman with his brilliant side kick Mike Taylor and top female vocalist Emily Clark the action on stage is set to music provided by Steve’s phenomenal live band “the lost boys”.    Generally carrying sixteen boxes of D&B for a show of this size Dave Freeth was initially intrigued by the utilisation of just one VHD 2.0 mid high box per side for the 1800 capacity venue.    During a walk around the heavily tiered seating area Dave was surprised to find just a 2 dB difference in level between the front and the back of the room, with 50 metres of throw he commented “That’s impressive”.   Further smiles came later on in the evening as he enjoyed the power of the VHD driving the system enthusiastically without finding a limit.    Accompanied by Jonathan Reece-Farren of KV2 Audio the system was quickly in place and few adjustments were needed from the standard EQ used for the show. Dave added that lots of friends had told him good things about KV2 Audio but he had never had the opportunity to mix a full show on it.   

Having tested various other systems in evaluating an upgrade for the coming year, KV2 products got a very serious and positive thumbs up from the Vampires team.

Kaleidoscope Sound & Lighting continue to invest in KV2.

  Bournemouth based Kaleidoscope Sound & Lighting have continued their loyal partnership with KV2 Audio with the purchase of an ES system.

Kaleidoscope’s Company Director Chris Joy had the following to say regarding the purchase.

  On investing in an ES System: “In recent times we have found that the hire aspect of our business could benefit from a larger and more powerful system. Having been a proud supporter of KV2 Audio and KX Audio, and also having previously installed ES Systems, it was felt by all concerned that an ES System would be the right choice to fit this requirement. We plan to use the system for both wet and dry hires and as a premium option for dance and live music events.”

  On the ES System’s performance:

“The system had its first outing at Mixmag’s top 10 UK club night which boasted a great line-up of up-and-coming DJ’s as well as established names such as Redlight and DJ Fresh. The system far exceeded our expectations and the common opinion from promoters and DJ’s was that the ES System was the best system throughout the whole event that spanned six venues and used a total of ten different sound systems.

  “We look forward to purchasing more KV2 Audio products for our hire and install services in the not so distant future.”

  Kaleidoscope Sound & Lighting has been supplying and servicing the entertainment and leisure industry since 1975. Since then we have been supplying, hiring and installing, sound, lighting, audio-visual and effects equipment to a variety of clients. Ranging from domestic users for home parties to corporate clients in public buildings and nightclubs. As a company we pride ourselves in offering a high standard of customer care. Our clients receive personal service with integrity.

The PLASA SHOW 2010 took place between September 12th and September 15th seeing KV2 Audio continue their occupancy of The Thames Suite and build on the success of last years show.

KV2 Audio boasted a new stand design that featured the re-branded logo in pride of place, situated adjacent to The Thames Suite entrance. With the main focus of the show being the demonstrations taking place in The Thames Suite the stand proved an excellent tool in directing attendees to experience a wide range of KV2 products in the upstairs demonstration facility.

  A number of newly released products were available for customers and visitors to hear. From the active EX range two of the recently released EX1.8, active 18” subwoofers were demoed with the ever-popular EX12’s. A pair of EX26, active double 6” high-intelligibility loudspeakers specifically designed for high quality speech applications and AV conference applications were also running to a great response.

  The new ESD passive range was represented by the impressive and compact ESD6’srunning full range as well as two of KV2 Audio’s very first stage monitors, the ESD12M. Both systems were running from the ESP4000 4x1000watt power amplifier. Visitors were offered the opportunity to take a microphone as close to the monitors as they dared to experience the ESD12M’s impressive feedback rejection, a feature common across the entire KV2 range due to the excellent phase response on all our products.

  Sister company KX Audio were also represented in The Thames Suite with a corner dedicated to the soon to be available KX1.8, active 18” subwoofer and KX30, active 3-way 800 Watt full range loudspeaker systems. Both loudspeakers are due to join the existingKX1.2, KX1.5, KX12 and KX15 on the market at the beginning of October.

  The talking point of KV2’s show however was the first public showing of the VHD2.21 large format subwoofer system. Designed in response to calls for a larger-scaled subwoofer solution from KV2, the VHD2.21 is a double 21” subwoofer with input power capability exceeding 3000watts and output levels over 150dB peak for two cabinets. Whilst larger and heavier than KV2 Audio’s existing subwoofers it still fits in with the company’s philosophy of providing incredible performance from within a compact footprint. Initially designed for use as part of a VHD system, it also works very well alongside the smaller ES products or as an incredible stand-alone subwoofer that can complement other existing 3rd party systems, operating from 29Hz up to 190Hz +/-3dB.

  Reports reached The Thames Suite during the show that the VHD2.21 could be heard and felt on the main show floor and beyond, just one indication of the phenomenal power generated by the latest KV2 Audio product.

  In summary, another successful Plasa with an impressive number of leads generated during the show and good quality enquiries with subsequent sales now coming through as a result.