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Ongoing Innovation: An Overview Of The Compact Loudspeaker Landscape

Taking a look at the capabilities, feature sets and options in the most recent portable 2-way loudspeakers to see what’s available.

The dBTechnologies VIO X Series is available in 10-, 12- and 15-inch models, all powered by an onboard Digipro G3 900-watt (RMS) amplifier and DSP with linear phase FIR filters for added coherence. Presets let users adapt high-pass filters to the chosen application, and there are also dedicated EQ presets for wedge and full-range modes. In addition, VIO X is equipped with an RDNet port allowing monitoring and remote control via Aurora Net software (Windows and Mac).

The wooden enclosure includes a monitoring angle, a pole mount, and rigging points that facilitate fixed installation with dedicated vertical and horizontal brackets. Accompanying subs include the VIO S118 and VIO 118R.

The NEXO ID24 offers a user-rotatable horn that lets users quickly select between 120- x 40-degree or 40- x 120-degree coverage whether positioned horizontally or vertically. It uses twin 4-inch drivers in a V formation. Three distinct specifications are available, including the ID24t for touring and ID24i for installation. The ID24t is outfitted with Neutrik Speakon connectors and quick release rigging points, and it’s compatible with a range of NEXO and third-party accessories that include NEXO’s QRV quick release truss mounting hook and QRF quick release adjustable floor stand. There are also pole and mic stand mounts.

Bose Professional F1 Model 812

The self-powered Martin Audio CDD-LIVE Series (8-, 12- and 15-inch versions) has a proprietary HF Coaxial Differential Dispersion section designed to deliver more consistent coverage, with 110-degree horizontal coverage close up. CDD technology is also engineered to produce “point source” summation of the LF and HF sections to eliminate off-axis variations in frequency response.

Each model is outfitted with a 2-channel class D amplifier (2,000 watts LF and 500 watts HF, both peak), DSP, and Dante networking. DSP functions, including parametric EQ, delay, muting, gain and preset selection, can be controlled over Ethernet from a PC or Windows tablet with proprietary VU-NET software.

The KV2 Audio EX12 (12-inch) builds on the smaller EX6 and EX10 by implementing the 3-inch large-format compression driver with Nitride Titanium diaphragm that’s also found in the company’s flagship VHD range of products. (A 15-inch model is also available.) Crossovers, phase alignment, equalization and driver protection are all integrated into the power module that has a current enhancing, switching low-frequency amplifier joined by a class AB high-frequency amplifier with transformer-balanced output.

There are also LED indicators for signal present, limiter, thermal condition and power on status. The asymmetrical trapezoidal cabinet design allows for use in stage monitor or under-balcony applications, with high-pass filter to adjust equalization and phase response. The cabinet integrates one M10 hang point, an OmniMount bracket point, and four M6 bracket points, while additional M10 suspension points provide additional rigging and installation options. There’s also a pole-mount socket.

RCF NX 45-A

The Coda Audio G500 Series includes the G512-Pro (12-inch) G515-Pro (15-inch), as well as 15- and 18-inch subwoofers.

Both full-range models incorporate an annular 1-inch compression driver with patented CuCup technology designed to reduce intermodulation distortion, which in turn enhances sonic performance.

This driver feeds a 90- x 60-degree rotatable elliptical waveguide. Meanwhile, the neodymium woofers have a 3-inch voice coil and triple demodulation rings. Stated power handling for the G512-Pro is 600 watts.

Performance can be further optimized via the company’s LINUS DSP/amplification package that offers frequency response optimization in full-range and stage monitor applications as well as in combination with subwoofers. M6 flying points are provided for optional U-brackets, with several custom hardware kits also available.

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Celebrating over 50 years of audio excellence worldwide, Audio-Technica is a leading innovator in transducer technology, renowned for the design and manufacture of microphones, wireless microphones, headphones, mixers, and electronics for the audio industry.