Sammy Hagar Upgrades Cabo Wabo Cantina Sound with Martin Audio

Just in time to help celebrate his 70th birthday, Sammy Hagar installed Martin Audio’s Wavefront Precision Compact system into his Cabo Wabo Cantina.

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Sammy Hagar Upgrades Cabo Wabo Cantina Sound with Martin Audio

Sammy Hagar knows there’s only One Way to Rock. In order to fully rock in his Cabo Wabo Cantina, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member installed Martin Audio’s Wavefront Precision Compact System.

Celebrating his 70th birthday, Hagar filmed his annual birthday party at Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas for a simulcast, which was shown in 100 U.S. theaters.

Performing at this year’s show were guests such as Toby Keith, James Hetfield, Dave Grohl, Jimmy Chesney, Eddie Money, Chad Kroger, Bob Weir and more.

Wavefront Precision Compact System Picked for Upgradability

Designed and commissioned by Jim Risgin of OSA International, Inc., Martin Audio’s Wavefront Precision Compact System line array provides a scalable solution to control coverage with future upgrade potential.

Founded 27 years ago, the club was in need of a new sound system, says Risgin. He says the goal was to complete the installation before the impending birthday show.

“Martin Audio Wavefront Precision Compact System was chosen because it was the proper form factor, right size and [it] had a good aesthetic look for the club,” states Risgin.

“They needed a substantial PA, so we flew six WPC boxes a side with four SX218 subs mounted in the front face of the stage. The monitor complement includes four Martin Audio XE500s and four XE300s.”

The XE Series monitors incorporate Martin Audio’s Coaxial Differential Dispersion technology. Martin Audio says it designed the XE Series as a complete system solution that maximizes the capabilities of the product line.

Wavefront Precision Compact System, Martin Audio, Cabo Wabo Cantina

According to Risgin, the system will be used everyday, and to ensure consistent performance, a total of nine Martin Audio iKON iK42 amplifiers were installed to provide power and DSP control.

“There’s a grand total of nine iKON iK42 amps installed for system control and DSP tuning, [which] is all done inside the amps,”  explains Risgin.

“We used two-box per channel resolution, which worked out well. The coverage is spot on. All-in-all, the system did what we wanted it to do and more.”

Affirming his satisfaction with the design and performance of the Cabo Wabo Cantina’s new Martin Audio system, Risgin adds that Hagar gave the system his seal of approval.

“Everyone is really happy with it. The club manager and Sammy’s partner Jorge Viana were ecstatic about the way it sounded and how well it worked for the venue. The house sound guys were very impressed by [the] WPC’s performance capabilities, and they are looking forward to mixing on it every day,” says Risgin.

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“Sammy walked up to the wedges, sang a phrase, looked over at Jim Jorgensen, his monitor engineer, and said, ‘I’ve never heard myself like that before.’

Then he looked at me and asked, ‘are you the guy who’s responsible for this PA?’ before thanking me and saying, ‘ [this is the] first time I’ve ever heard myself in here.'”

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