Funktion-One recently invited the professional audio community to Millennium Studios, Bedfordshire, for Funktion-One Live, a two-day showcase of the company’s latest live sound technology and design philosophy. The event brought together press, distributors, promoters, production managers, engineers, and other industry decision-makers for an immersive experience of the company’s latest live sound solutions.
Founder and industry legend, Tony Andrews, who has been pioneering live audio for half a century, reflected on the journey that has defined Funktion-One. “I’ve been in this business for around 50 years now. I was there at the beginning of so many things, including Glastonbury, and we’ve toured with everyone from Santana to Oasis and the Pope. We did Pink Floyd’s Division Bell Tour and we’re still doing it on our terms,” Andrews proudly stated.
Andrews is no fan of compromise in sound. “When line arrays took over, we couldn’t bear the sound of them. Everybody copied each other and it all became commonplace. Eventually it dawned on me why they were successful: they’re easy to use. There’s no real audio progression behind it. So, in the end, we explored how to do a vertical array that doesn’t compromise on sonic performance. We learned a lot introducing the Vero system, which we subsequently applied to the development of Vero VX. With the big Vero, we can comfortably do 100m without delays,” he explained.
The event gave attendees the opportunity to experience Funktion-One’s newest innovations in action, including the world debut of the PSM15, the company’s new stage monitor, utilising some of the newest driver developments, and Vero VX, Funktion-One’s medium-size touring system.
“A lot of things have come together for us,” Andrews commented. “We’ve arrived at a new sonic horizon. Our team has put a huge amount into the presets, controllers, and prediction software… it’s now ahead of anything else out there. We’re a small company, yet we’re innovating beyond our size.”
This commitment to meaningful progress was echoed by international distributors throughout the event. Joaquín Baeza of Funktion-One Chile highlighted the strength of the new workflow tools on show: “Funktion-One Live was a sophisticated and inclusive event. It was very nice to see the Funktion-One engineering team in action, teaching us about the new technology and equipment that the company has been working on in recent years. The new prediction and design software, Projection, is a very powerful tool for live venue design and the integration of Globcon for the DSP amps will make system configuration even quicker and easier.”
The philosophy behind Funktion-One, Andrews underlined, is about fidelity and connection, not spectacle. “I’ve never been concerned with frills; it’s always been about the sonic result. Too often, the industry hides flaws with hidden EQ. That’s a massive con. Having to use that much EQ steals all the headroom and attempts to correct problems that can only be fixed at source in the drivers. We have nothing to hide because we don’t need to use corrective EQ.”
Hands-on sessions allowed engineers and system operators to explore Vero VX and its patented flying system, Projection, Globcon/presets, and monitoring, while networking over food and drinks. Attendees were encouraged to explore timing subs to main hangs, the effect of room acoustics, and the subtleties of speaker alignment – an area Andrews has spent decades perfecting.
“I enjoy timing the subs to the main hangs and getting it spot on. It takes many years to get tuned in. After 50 years, I feel like I’m only just getting on top of it,” he said, laughing.
For many, the highlight was the opportunity to hear the systems pushed in a live environment. Andrés Zaina of Funktion-One Argentina noted the musicality of the listening sessions. He said: “Listening to a live band through the Vero VX system was a very comfortable, engaging and velvety experience. With Vero VX, it feels as if you are hearing the direct sound from the stage, especially in the vocal range – the singers sounded warm and clear. The new 15-inch wedge delivers excellent monitoring performance for bands. The sound Funktion-One has achieved with the PSM15 is powerful and clear at the same time. It’s very impressive.”
Beyond the technical, Andrews highlighted the social and emotional power of live sound. “What I love is people coming together. When we all gather for musical enjoyment, the vibe is good. There’s no pretence. People want consistency and predictability, repetition, but the awkward man doesn’t try to fit into the world, he tries to get the world to fit him. That’s how we progress,” Andrews said earnestly. That spirit of individuality and human connection resonated strongly with long-time partners.
Enzo Chiodini of Funktion-One Brazil reflected on the culture behind the brand: “It is very important to mention that everyone involved at Funktion-One, especially the UK factory team, always gave us a family-like and friendly treatment. You always feel comfortable speaking with them, and they are always available to respond and support us when we need it.”
The live event included a showstopping performance by Big City Beats, demonstrating the full sonic potential of Funktion-One’s systems. “The Glade at Glastonbury this year was amazing. The bass drops during Goldie’s performance were so deep and impactful, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. It was fantastic,” Andrews said, reflecting on other recent stage successes.
Funktion-One Live was more than a demonstration; it was a statement of intent. Fifty years of innovation have culminated in a portfolio built not just for power or convenience, but for the way humans perceive and connect with sound.
“If you try to break a man’s chains, he’ll fight you,” Andrews said, a fitting motto for a company that has long refused to compromise its vision for live audio.
Words: Jacob Waite
Photos: Patrick Rooney/Dear Friend Films and TPi
