Keen to emphasise that its business interests also lie outside of the theatre world, London-based Orbital Sound recently specified audio systems for not only Motorola's outstanding showcase at Hanover's CeBIT Expo, but also Ford's exibit at the Geneva Motor Show.

Both sytems were designed and specified around the LCS Matrix 3 - a unique, fully automated modular control system which is set to dramatically enhance the potential of sound design, particularly within the exhibition industry.

Recognised for its innovative approach and commitment to new technology, Orbital worked closely with Californian equipment manufacturer Level Control Systems, talented freelance sound designers and production companies to successfully deliver ground breaking sound solutions for its clients.

As Orbital MD Chris Headlam commented: "It is Orbital's aim to drive the creative use of sound in the exhibition environment forwards to achieve more interesting atmospheres for exhibitors. To achieve this a wide variety of automated processing tools are required and uniquely all these are found within this third generation LCS package. The LCS Matrix 3 has removed the need for large space-hugging sound desks and that alone makes it highly attractive to exhibitors who pay a premium price for stand space."

Where space is at a premium, the LCS Matrix 3 replaces a traditional FOH desk, system EQ, delay and other digital matrices into a compact single modular system. It instantly eliminates ancillary equipment by handling all the audio matrixing requirements that are characteristics of a multi-channel system. At capacity, the LCS Matrix 3 can handle and extraordinary 400 audio inputs and 512 outputs, outperforming similar products. In addition, it offers unparalleled flexibility as designs can be configured on an individual basis, in relation to the available space.

"The LCS Matrix 3 further advances the scope of all sound design and certainly increases the feasibility of using sound creatively in an exhibition environment," said Sound Designer Alan 'Whiz' Mathieson. "What previously took hours to program as an effect can now be done in a matter of minutes. Using the SpaceMap feature we created a multi-speaker pan at any timecode point almost instantly. The speed at which I could work as a designer enables us to realistically build the value of quality sound into every event.

Working closely with MICE International for Motorola, Mathieson incorporated the Matrix 3 to great effect. His detailed integrated system design not only complemented Motorola's stand design, but also worked unobstusively to create a stunning 'soundscape' which themed and enhanced Motorola's exhibit.

John Young of MICE International appeared suitably impressed: "The system Orbital supplied totally achieved our aims to seamlessly integrate audio as a valuable feature into our stand design without compromising on premium space. Constant adjustments were required on-site to handle the ever-changing volumes at CeBIT; the system handled this successfully. In addition, the technical support offered by the company right from the initial planning meetings, through to on-site maintenance, was consistently thorough making the show run very smoothly."

Orbital is currently incorporating the LCS Matrix 3 into further challenging installations, expanding the potential of exhibition sound design both in the UK and internationally.