Portable PAs Technology Showcase
Feb 14, 2011 12:00 PM,
By Mark Johnson
American Audio XSP-12A
Way back when, in the olden days of audio, “portable” meant adding handles to loudspeaker cabinets initially built to be installed. However, because of the size and weight, it was like trying to move a refrigerator. As advances in technology and materials yielded smaller, lighter, and more efficient components, “high-powered” and “portable” could be said in the same sentence. Now with a whole new generation of portable PAs and a product category unto itself, manufacturers are coming out with veritable Swiss Army knives of loudspeaker products. These handy speakers can be used for practically any application that requires audio amplification: main or monitor systems; keyboard or drum monitors; fill and delay speakers; small to medium indoor or outdoor utility systems for presentations, events, houses of worship; and of course systems for DJs doing weddings, anniversaries, and other parties.
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Initially, plastics or composites were the materials of choice for the cabinets providing a lightweight yet durable enclosure that minimized resonances; however, wood cabinets are available in some designs for the traditionalists. One identifying feature is a pole pocket for tripod- or pole-mounting, though manufacturers are typically offering more rigging options such as M10 or M8 points providing even greater flexibility for application. And with line array columns coming into vogue again (Can anyone say “VocalMaster”?), the columns themselves provide the height that’s needed to get the speakers over the heads of the listeners on that particular type of configuration. Many of the systems offer companion subwoofers for extended low-frequency response.
Whether the application is utilitarian or creative, it’s always handy to have a pair or two of portable PA loudspeakers in inventory, ready to solve a specific problem or just make your job a little easier. We’ll be looking at self-powered systems for this showcase.
American Audio‘s XSP-12A is a two-way design with a 12in. woofer and a 1.75in. HF compression driver. It weighs 44lbs., and its nominal coverage is 90 degrees horizontal by 50 degrees vertical with a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz. The speaker features one mic and one line input and bass, as well as treble and volume controls.
Anchor Audio Beacon
The Anchor AudioBeacon is a portable line array with eight 4in. drivers and three 8in. woofers. The system can run off of AC or DC power and versions include integrated MP3 players and wireless receivers. The Beacon features two microphone inputs, a rolling enclosure with collapsible handle, and it weighs 51lbs.
Azden offers multiple iterations of its compact APS 25 model. The system features auto-on/off circuitry that’s triggered by any audio input. Versions include a base system, and options are various combinations of UHF, VHF, or infrared wireless modules.
The PTA1200-R from Bag End features a wood enclosure housing a 12in. LF driver and a 1in. exit compression HF driver. The 80-degrees-horizontal-by-60-degrees-vertical horn can be rotated 90 degrees. The system weighs 49lbs., and its maximum output is 127dB. Its frequency response is 75Hz to 20kHz.
Portable PAs Technology Showcase
Feb 14, 2011 12:00 PM,
By Mark Johnson
Behringer Eurolive E1220A
Behringer‘s Eurolive E1220A features a 12in. LF and a 1in. HF driver complement that provides a maximum SPL of 124dB and a frequency response of 60Hz to 20kHz. The cabinet profile allows for arraying, stacking, or use as a floor monitor.
The BoseL1 Model I incorporates 24 small drivers in a vertical enclosure and an amplified bass module. The system features a 4-channel mixer (two mic/line input channels and two line input channels). ToneMatch presets on channels 1 and 2 are optimized to match intended sound of specific instruments and microphones.
The CalifonePower Pro PA919 offers wireless transmission to an unlimited number of companion speakers. It comes equipped with two integrated wireless mic receivers, a CD player, and a cassette recorder/player. Its frequency response is 45Hz to 18kHz.
DAS Audio DR-112A
Danley Sound Labs‘ SH 100 features 110-degrees-horizontal-by-110-degrees-vertical coverage and a frequency response of 50Hz to 24kHz. The maximum output of the 8in. coaxial driver is 126dB. A self-powered option is available. The weight of the unpowered version is 45lbs.
The DAS AudioDR-112A features a frequency response of 50Hz to 20kHz and a peak SPL of 128dB. High-frequency coverage is 90 degrees horizontal by 45 degrees vertical. The system comprises a 12in. LF driver and a 1.34in. HF compression driver with a Class D amplifier for the lows and a Class A/B amp for the highs. The unit weighs 43.5lbs.
dB Technologies Cromo 12
The Cromo 12 from dB Technologies features a 90/70-degrees-horizontal-by-60-degrees-vertical asymmetric horn mounted to a 1in. exit compression driver. A 12in. driver handles the low frequencies. Its frequency response is 55Hz to 20kHz, and its maximum SPL is 126.5dB. It weighs 41lbs.
EAW KF394 NT
EAW‘s three-way KF394 NT features two 10in. LF cone drivers and one coaxial 1.4in. exit compression mid/high driver. Its peak SPL is 133dB with a frequency range of 64Hz to 20kHz. Its coverage is 90 degrees horizontal by 45 degrees vertical, and its weight is 68lbs.
Portable PAs Technology Showcase
Feb 14, 2011 12:00 PM,
By Mark Johnson
Electro-Voice ELX112P
The ELX112P 12in. Live X powered loudspeaker from Electro-Voice weighs 51.5lbs. and features and asymmetrical wood enclosure. Its maximum SPL is 132dB, and the frequency response is 50Hz to 20kHz. The system offers two XLR/TRS combo jacks and one stereo RCA for inputs.
Galaxy Audio AS-TV10
The ProMaxX 12A from FBT USA features eight DSP EQ presets with a frequency response of 48Hz to 20kHz and a peak SPL of 133dB. Its coverage is 90 degrees horizontal by 60 degrees vertical, and its net weight is 34.8lbs. The polypropylene cabinet allows monitor angles of 12, 40, or 55 degrees.
The Galaxy AudioAS-TV10 provides the ability to run up to 6 hours on battery power and includes slots for options such as CD/MP3 player and a wireless transmitter and receiver. Inputs include XLR, RCA, 1/4in., and 1/8in.
JBL Professional EON 515XT
JBL Professional‘s EON 515XT features a maximum SPL of 132dB and a frequency range of 39Hz to 20kHz with coverage of 100 degrees horizontal by 60 degrees vertical. The EON 515XT also features an onboard 3-channel mixer and integrated M10 rigging points. It weighs 32.5lbs.
Mackie‘s TH-12A features a user-adjustable three-band contour EQ with a sweepable mid-frequency. The driver complement consists of 12in. low frequency and 1in. compression high driver. Its net weight is 25.5lbs.
Mackie TH-12A
The GSR12 active sound-reinforcement speaker from M-Audio (now owned by Avid) comprises 12in. LF and 1.3in. HF drivers. The system features four EQ presets with a frequency range of 55Hz to 20kHz in the normal setting. The unit’s coverage is 90 degrees horizontal by 60 degrees vertical with a maximum SPL of 127dB. In addition to the pole pocket, five integrated M-10 rigging points are located on the cabinet. Its net weight is 31lbs.
The Meyer SoundUPQ-1P provides 100-degrees-horizontal-by-60-degrees-vertical coverage and an operating frequency range of 55Hz to 18kHz. Its peak output SPL is 136dB. A 2-channel Class AB/H amplifier powers an 15in. LF cone driver and a 1.5 exit compression HF driver, and rigging options include array plate and mounting yoke.
M-Audio GSR12
The MA-808 from Mipro features Class AB (HF) and Class D (LF) amplifiers driving a 1.5in. titanium compression driver and a 10in. woofer, respectively. The system includes slots for up to four diversity UHF receivers, and digital master volume control allows for remote control of the main level.
Portable PAs Technology Showcase
Feb 14, 2011 12:00 PM,
By Mark Johnson
Peavey Impulse 12D
Peavey‘s Impulse 12D features a 120mm ribbon high-frequency driver and a dual-voice-coil low-frequency driver. Its coverage is 90 degrees horizontal by 30 degrees vertical, and its weight is 39.68lbs. An accessory bay allows for addition of optional input function modules including wireless I/O, delay time adjustment, mixer expander, and Ethernet I/O.
QSC Audio KW122
The KW122 from QSC Audio features 75-degree asymmetric coverage. A wood enclosure houses a 12in. LF transducer and a 1.75in. compression HF driver. Its maximum SPL is 131dB, and its net weight is 49lbs. Available inputs include XLR or 1/4in. on channel A with adjustable mic gain settings, and XLR, 1/4in., or RCA on channel B.
The ICL-R from Renkus-Heinz is a portable version of the company’s digitally steerable line array system. Featuring a frequency range of 80Hz to 20kHz the unit’s horizontal coverage is 150 degrees horizontal with vertical opening angles of 20 degrees, 25 degrees, and 30 degrees (5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, and 20 degrees when stacked). Its maximum SPL is 108dB when stacked.
Renkus-Heinz ICL-R
The Auro D412 from Samson is a two-way design with a 12in. LF and a 1.34 in HF driver complement. Its maximum SPL is 125dB, and coverage is 90 degrees horizontal by 60 degrees vertical. Its frequency response is 58Hz to 20kHz, and it weighs 35.8lbs.
Turbosound M15
Turbosound‘s M15 features Class D amplification and a frequency response of 23Hz to 22kHz with a peak SPL of 131dB. The net weight of the loudspeaker is 48.4lbs. The drive complement is one 15in. LF and one 1in. compression HF driver. Its coverage is 90 degrees horizontal by 60 degrees vertical.
Yamaha DSR112
The DSR112 from Yamaha features a frequency range of 55Hz to 20kHz and a maximum SPL of 134dB, and it weighs 47lbs. Class D amplifiers feature PFC switching mode power supplies. The DSR112 incorporates Yamaha’s D-Contour multiband dynamic processing.