Orbital Sound Inc. opened its doors during the challenging aftermath of Hurricane Sandy late last year – bringing the well-established Orbital brand into play in the US market for the first time. With two big musical tours leaving the shop in December – Dreamgirls and Hair for Big League Productions – the team has been working non-stop to finalise its infrastructure and ensure all of its operational systems are in place.

And hot off the press is the exciting news that Morag MacPherson has joined Orbital Inc as Vice President – taking up the post with immediate effect. Her outstanding track record and extensive executive-level experience will be deployed to help realise Orbital's ambition to become a key supplier of theatrical touring and resident theatre sound systems in the US, complementing the company's already highly successful European operation.

The Spin asked International Managing Director Chris Headlam for an update on what's been happening in the last few months, as the new company establishes itself. "We can't quite believe how much has happened in the past few months! We hit the ground running in December with two big musical tours – Dreamgirls and Hair for Big League Productions – while we were also working hard to get the shop infrastructure and all our operational systems in place. It's been a big investment – in real estate at our New Jersey premises, where we are now fully equipped to handle a high volume of projects, as well as in getting the team balance exactly right. I can honestly say that it has been exciting, exhilarating and mildly exhausting!

"Orbital has a fantastic reputation on the international stage, and we were determined to set up our New Jersey shop as a truly modern sound company, matching the same high standards for which the brand is so well-known. That meant no compromises – just a commitment to the highest level of pro audio excellence, which runs from our investment in the latest test equipment through to our customer services support structure."

In addition to getting the touring productions out on the road, the Orbital Sound Inc. team has also been servicing a steady stream of projects – taking the company into the event and corporate market, as well as theatre. Highlights have included working closely with the fabulous Cher Lloyd, who is currently promoting her debut album around the US and topping the charts. Another project involved supporting prime time television appearances by Dido, appearing most recently on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. On the forward events agenda with client SNS Staging is a massive project involving the New York's Gay Pride Parade in June.

Above all, Orbital Sound is about the mix of people behind the company, as Chris elaborates:
"These guys eat, sleep and dream professional audio, and it really does show in their passion to get things right and deliver a perfect job. Our ambition at the outset was to create a unique NY shop experience, and after a lot of hard work, we have achieved that. There is an absolute commitment to service clients across all aspects of pro audio and show control, underpinned by a desire to change things for the better. We have an amazing team – Morag has world-class theatrical experience, Jeff Hahn is highly respected throughout the industry as a leader in RF support, and the same is true for Lorne Grabe with regards to system and concert touring. The whole team is supported by Luke Lytle in production and Ray Mancison as our general manager."

Morag joined Orbital Sound Inc. in late April, bringing a new dimension as a recognised force in the theatrical world. She has literally grown up in the business, mentored by her father, the late and highly respected theatrical manager and producer George MacPherson. As Chris commented: "Morag will be a great hands-on ambassador for Orbital going forward – she's extremely well-versed in all things audio as well as commanding immense respect within theatre production at every level."

After just a few short months, Orbital Sound Inc. has got off to a flying start – introducing its own uniquely new blend of technical and professional expertise.