KV2 Audio delivers world-class sound to three major musicals across Madrid and Barcelona

With over thirty years of sound design and engineering expertise specialising in musical theatre, Poti Martin’s credits range from We Will Rock You and School of Rockto Anastasia or Kinky Boots. “Having worked in this industry many years, certain brands have left their mark on my approach to system design,” says Martin. “Due to their impressive coverage and unmatched clarity, I always work with KV2 Audio whenever possible.” Throughout his career, Poti Martin has worked with numerous theatre companies and crews, with these connections leading him to work on three of 2025’s biggest musicals.  

Stage Entertainment, who produced Cinderella, wanted Poti Martin to do the sound design for the show. “I’ve worked with them on many projects in the past, so I was more than happy to do this one,” he explains. The new production of Cinderella, based on the Rodgers and Hammerstein version, was staged at the Coliseum Theatre in Madrid. With a capacity of 1,400, the theatre is one of Madrid’s premier musical theatre venues. “The key to theatres of this size is ensuring maximum coverage and clarity so the audience is immersed in every moment. For this, I designed a comprehensive KV2 system utilising the ESR, ESD, EX, SL, and ES series.”  

The main PA comprised ESR215 loudspeakers positioned on the left and right of the stage, with SL412s deployed centre fills. ESD5s were used as front fills to ensure excellent speech intelligibility, supported by EX26s and EX10s for delay and foldback coverage. Compact EX6 loudspeakers provided overhead reinforcement to maximise coverage across audience zones, while EX1.8 subwoofers delivered low-end power in the stalls, supported by EX2.5 and ES2.6 subs in the upper levels.  

In addition to Cinderella, Poti Martin was also approached by director Federico Bellone – with whom he had worked previously – to design the sound for his production of Cabaret at Teatro Albéniz. “Once again, KV2 was my go-to solution,” Martin continues. “The staging for Cabaret is very distinctive as the actors and band perform in the centre, surrounded by the audience. In many scenes, actors are performing on table tops with the audience sitting around them.” To tackle any potential issues of speech intelligibility or uneven coverage, loudspeakers were discreetly hung above the audience. “I had to convince the director and set designer to hang a few lamps above the tables, roughly four metres from the floor, so that we could hide loudspeakers. 

“For this production, I once again made use of KV2’s ESR and EX series,” he explains. “EX26 loudspeaker units were used for this hidden upper-level PA and for the band’s onstage foldback. In the centre of the stage, a combination of two ESR212 units and one EX15 made up a central cluster for clarity and full-range sound.” As well as KV2 Audio, loudspeakers from other manufacturers were also deployed under the balcony and as front fills to complete the system.  

“Sometimes, due to budgetary reasons, we have to combine the KV2 loudspeakers with those of other brands,” Martin continues. “This was especially true for Tootsie.” Poti Martin was approached by the musical supervisor, Julio Awad, to do the sound design for TALYCUAL Producciones’ version of Tootsie, which took place at the Apolo Theatrein Barcelona. “For Tootsie, we did have to work with a combination of brands, but I was able to incorporate two of KV2’s ESR215 loudspeakers as the left and right PA. Despite not using a complete KV2 system, the loudspeakers stood out for their power and clarity.” This year, Tootsie will be touring Spain with plans to utilise more KV2 loudspeakers as a result of the excellent quality they displayed in Barcelona.  

Each production proved to be a huge success, garnering high praise from audiences and press alike. “I have received an innumerable number of compliments regarding the quality of audio from everyone who attended these shows – including reviews from the press which highlight the outstanding sound,” Martin reveals. “KV2 Audio always delivers incredibly clear sound, which is crucial for theatre performances. Their loudspeakers are among my favourites in the world – so if I have the option to work with KV2, it will always be my first choice.” 

Related links:

• Poti Martin Sound Design
• Cinderella - The Musical
• Cabaret - The Musical
• Tootsie - The Musical