ResonantLive Sound Archive

Equipment file · Horn-loaded midrange loudspeaker (MH212)

Philishave system

Martin Audio · Mid-1970s

Evidence status · documented

Identity and core specifications are documented; some historical fields remain unavailable.

Dave Martin founded Martin Audio in 1971 after seeing RCA W-bin cinema cabinets on Iron Butterfly's tour. His MH212 midrange horn, nicknamed 'Philishave' after the electric shaver it resembled, is credited by Martin Audio with starting the shift to dedicated horn-loaded midrange sections.

Introduced
Mid-1970s
Category
Horn-loaded midrange loudspeaker (MH212)
Intended use
Midrange in modular touring stacks
Production
Martin Audio, London

Equipment photographs · 1

Martin Audio MH212 Philishave midrange horn, period catalogue

1 / 1 · Martin Audio MH212 Philishave midrange horn, period catalogue

Martin Audio MH212 Philishave midrange horn, period catalogue·Martin Audio·© Martin Audio; used for identification and historical commentary

Why it mattered

  1. 01

    Martin Audio credits it with starting 'the midrange revolution' in touring PA.

  2. 02

    With Martin's bass bins it became part of the [[martin-modular-2|modular touring format]].

Engineering record

Function
MH212 midrange horn, a modular component of Martin's touring system[3]

Original pricing

No reliable period price located

2026 equivalent

Not calculated without a reliable original price.

Public price evidence was not sufficient to publish a defensible original figure.

Use in the field

No named deployment could be tied to this exact item by a checked source yet. Know of one? Suggest it on the contribute page.

Professional reactions

Later field experience · 2021

Czechowski valued the power and clarity of restored MH212 Philishaves paired with Martin 215 Mk3 bass bins. His all-analogue system for The Misery Portal demonstrated why a vintage modular rig could still carry a demanding theatre production.

Alex Czechowski, Founder, Ace Vintage SystemsICA, London; vintage equipment in contemporary use, not release-period testimony. · Manufacturer-published case study · Paraphrased account[4]Martin Audio (company news) · Classic Martin Audio Modular Rig Supports The Misery Portal at the ICA

Manuals & original documents

Sources

  1. 1Martin Audio's First 40 YearsMartin Audio · brochure · 2011-09
  2. 2Uniting Your Audience For 50 YearsMartin Audio · brochure
  3. 3Martin Audio Philishave MH212Audio-Digital.net · reference
  4. 4Classic Martin Audio Modular Rig Supports The Misery Portal at the ICAMartin Audio (company news) · case study · 2021

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