09/09/2025
Decided to drop into Elettromedia (Hertz/Audison) while in Italy and was absolutely blown away.
The site I visited was mostly their Engineering firm but also had their development boat, which is a 20ft center console sporting some of their soon to be released equipment.
When I say it sounded GREAT, I can't really begin to quantify it in words. It was a SIMPLE (4) 8s (2 in each gunnel) and (2) 10s (one in the bow, one in the transom) powered by a Venezia v8 dsp/amp. Nothing more, nothing less. And ho-lee-cow did it get down.
While I didn't expect much, once the music started playing, it was apparent something was much different than a standard setup could reproduce. The LOW extension was unbelievable. My first reaction was to pop the bow and transom benches to see what trickery was afoot, nothing, standard IB configurations found. Ok, let's watch cone movement and really focus on possible mechanical over-extension, nope... Ok, let's walk around and find the dead spot like most set-ups would have, nodda. Sound was 100% symmetrical throughout the boat, mind blown, but how...
TL;DR Start here
The new Hertz Venezia V8 amp/dsp combo has a few tricks up it's sleeve it seems.
1- DUAL processors
2- 8 powered channels "150x8@4ohm" & "250x8@2ohm"
3- 6 extra DSP outputs
4- Integrated a2b network
5- Multiple v8s linkable, no RCAs if so
6- Input de-eq
7- 31 band Output eq
8- Time alignment ms or distance
9- AP filters
10- The "trickery" is in the proprietary open environment bass reproduction algorithm that the V8 dsp can implement, on a per user desire/basis. I believe it is going to be called "EVOCA".
This was developed in-house by their own engineers. They took their knowledge from their pro-audio history and their development of the Las Vegas Sphere audio system (from scratch). Don't ask me how it works, because I sat at lunch with these guys and I literally can't wrap my head around it all, especially the SPHERE audio system.
To say I'm excited to see these V8s hit the streets is an understatement! You can see it in person at the upcoming IBEX in Florida.
https://ibex25.mapyourshow.com/8_0/exhibitor/exhibitor-details.cfm?exhid=14676
Hertz VENEZIA V8 DSPx². Redefining Marine DSP Amplifiers
Some other marine specific things I saw while I was there is their new oem discreet in-wall/flush mount series of marine speakers. They look phenomenal! SLEEK, oem esque and very classy. The powder coated metal grills are completely decoupled so no chance for rattles or falling apart. I think they were called "Portofino" (SP.) Anyone who works on more yacht style installs, this is right up your alley.
For the non marine specific stuff;
After driving for 2hrs to the east coast of Italy, we entered a gated area and were presented with a rather normal industrial building.
Upon entering the front doors, the first thing you notice is a spiraled glass staircase. The next thing is the fact that everything is OUT OF THIS WORLD clean. I didn't know if we needed to jump in hazmat suits to proceed, to be honest.
First up on the tour was a basic run-down of day to day ops. One thing I noticed is a smile or happiness to every team member, rarely seen tbh.
Then we headed to the "history hall-way" where they've proudly displayed their history and accolades along the way. To say they started small is an understatement in itself.
Then we jumped straight into the fire, marine development. This is where they conjure up the next idea(s), debate market necessity and then poll the viability of said product(s)
Surprisingly they openly asked for my input here to which we further discussed over lunch.
We then discussed DSPs in boats and how "we (read; I)" did it. I gave them a quick run down of why, how and specific scenarios. They smiled and said, good, then you'll really love what's hiding in the new Venezia V8s. Curiosity peaked….
Then we headed to the engineering quad and met the team(s) designing, developing and testing all the electronics and speakers. Yes, it's ALL IN HOUSE! Mind blown.
We got to watch a gentleman designing a pcb board while a partner was on the solder station building it, seriously, is this real life?!
Next station had a Venezia V8 being QC probed by a 48u server rack full of stuff I have no idea what is what exactly but I can 100% assure you I saw multiple Audio Precision (AP) branded devices with 100s of wire leads, no pics allowed :( .
Once I looked around, it became obvious EVERY station had a MASSIVE rack of AP equipment, and every person in here was truly an Engineer of sorts, mind blown.
I curiously asked for confirmation and was informed that EM has over 80 engineers in house, with just over 500 total employees, that in and of itself is a huge GREEN FLAG in my mind!
Next we cruised to and through a couple listening rooms, just $100k+ worth of audio gear, no big deal :D !
Then we went to the audio testing rooms, klippel here, fully decoupled rooms here and there, half anechoic chamber(s), very casual for them I guess, WOW is what I kept mumbling to myself!
Shoot, we're multiple hours into this "quick tour", off to lunch we head, but wait, let's grab the engineers and marketing guys too.
Did I mention that Italy's pasta game is legit? SHEEEEEEESH.
Ok, let's get down to business, I want some questions answered and they want some market insight.
What does the market see missing in the EM marine market: Wireless remotes, even just basic functionality, ala ARX remotes. Ease of installation trumps ability in 90% of boats. - Added to development.
What use case do you see the V8 being for: Honestly, from a one and done solution to an almost infinitely expandable system. With the power specs expected, you can do 4 cabin 8s, 2 tower 8s and 2 10s or 12s on one fricken amp, what's not to love?
Do you see a real market for "party bus" feature: eh… yes and no. seems more of a novelty 99% of the time but it's definitely praised when it works.
Will the new V8 include an auto-tuning feature like Forza/Accordo: It's in development for multi location tuning like boats ;)
Will the V8 have integrated "presets" like a normal dsp: Yes, and it has the "Evoca" algorithm ready to enhance E-On, E-off, Underway, Surfing, etc… tell me more; off the record sure. :(
Are there bigger tower speakers coming, because `Meric: Mayyyyybe. :(
Is there better IP ratings for the Venezias coming: Yes.
Surely the V8 heart and soul isn't just limited to marine is it: No, it's also going to be the new H&S for some incoming Hertz car audio gear. :) !
What else can you tell me: Be more specific… I ran out of questions :)
Back to the office we went and into the presentation lab, where we got some pics and I got to see where Ken Ward does all his informational videos for new gear and software.
Then we stepped into the legit Theater Room to see the new informational videos and power-points of the upcoming release for the V8 and other gear. Further detailed information was discussed and hashed out with the Euro vp in room as well. :)
Then, we got to sit down with the Elettromedia President one on one !!!! His pure devotion to the further development across their entire line-up of offerings is evident, with passion and love. 80+ engineers on payroll should say enough but he went into further detail about his vision(s) and direction into the future. I probably seemed like a geek to him but his willingness to sit down with a no-body like myself says he's open minded and ready to explore every option to make EM the best it can be!
Sorry for the long winded review, enjoy the pictures that I'm allowed to share :) Happy boating and see y'all on the water!!!
