Point Source Audio Delivers on More than 2,500 Musical Performances Across Europe

	"I like microphones to be totally hidden. I love when people leave the show asking where the microphones were placed because they couldn't see them," says Poti.

Point Source Audio's CO-8WL lavalier microphone has proven itself as Poti Martin's go-to choice for musical theatre. Since first adopting the Californian manufacturer's microphones as his primary solution in 2020, he has used them on more than 2,500 productions across Europe, supporting performances night after night with consistent sound and reliability.

As a veteran sound designer with more than 30 years' experience in musical theatre sound design, Poti knows that microphone choice plays a critical role in supporting the performance without drawing attention to the technology behind it. "In theatre, I hate seeing microphones," says Poti. "I like microphones to be totally hidden. I love when people leave the show asking where the microphones were placed because they couldn't see them."

Unlike many live sound applications, theatre places unique demands on microphones. Performers move constantly, costumes change quickly, and the audience often sits close enough to see every detail on stage. At the same time, dialogue and vocals must remain clear and natural, blending seamlessly with orchestras, sound effects, and ensemble performances. For Poti, maintaining the visual integrity of the performance is essential. This philosophy guides every aspect of microphone selection and placement, from capsule size to mounting techniques.

One of the defining characteristics of the CO-8WL lavalier is its small capsule size, which makes it easier to conceal on performers. Technicians often customize each microphone placement to match the performer's appearance and costume design. In some cases, the microphone cable is even color-matched to the performer's hair. The result is a system that preserves the visual illusion of the performance.

While the visual element is important, when it comes to lavalier microphone selection, sound quality is critical. Before committing to a microphone platform, Poti conducted detailed A/B comparisons between several professional lavaliers commonly used in theatre. The Point Source Audio CO-8WL quickly stood out for its tonal balance and natural sound character. Rather than emphasizing harsh high frequencies, the CO-8WL lav mic delivered a balanced response that worked well for both dialogue and singing, an important factor in musical theatre productions.

"They sound exactly the same as some of the best microphones on the market," he recalls. "It's incredible how equal they sound."

Backing up the sound quality and discreet design is the robustness and reliability of the CO-8WL. The nature of touring productions means that equipment needs to be able to withstand sweat, movement, costume changes and demanding choreography. The IP57 rating for water resistance has proved particularly valuable, while Poti also reports fewer issues with connectors and cabling compared with other lavaliers used in previous productions.

The roster of productions Poti has specified the CO-8WL lav mic for includes Mamma Mia! In Copenhagen, We Will Rock You in Helsinki, Cabaret in Madrid, Cinderella in Madrid and a touring production of Anastasia around Italy to name just a few. Across thousands of performances, the combination of natural sound, discreet design, and reliability has made the CO-8WL a core component of the designer's theatre audio system.

Reflecting on the qualities of the CO-8WL lavalier mic and the reasons he keeps using them, Poti states: "They sound amazing, they are discreet, and they are reliable."