MARTIN AUDIO TO LAUNCH XD SERIES AT PLASA 2012
'Best in class' performance for theatre install and portable live applications
Martin Audio has provided a major boost to its touring and theatre portfolio, with the introduction of the new high-output XD Series. This sets out to define the ultimate in performance and versatility for professional, fixed-dispersion, two-way loudspeaker systems.
The models in the XD Series – the XD12 and XD15 – have been designed to deliver best-in-class performance, including higher output levels and more extended frequency range than is normally associated with similarly-sized systems. They are designed to represent new benchmarks for the compact two-way format which has always played a central role in professional sound reinforcement.
Designed principally for live sound, theatre/fixed install and high power stage monitoring, both the XD12 and XD15 combine a full, rich sound and an accurate 80° x 50° dispersion pattern in a compact, multi-angle enclosure suited to a wide range of uses – from distributed sound reinforcement and portable AV events, to dancefloor and stage monitor use.
With the XD Series, versatility is key. Each multi-angle enclosure can be used in either horizontal (landscape) or vertical (portrait) orientation, with rotation of the high frequency horn easily accomplished by removing the screw-free, protective grille. Comprehensive brackets support a wide variety of mounting options – including surface, ceiling and pole mount. Integral M8 inserts for eyebolt suspension increase the mounting options further.
The XD12
The XD12 features a high-specification 12' (300mm) LF drive unit and a 1' (25mm) exit compression driver on a user-rotatable 80° x 50° constant directivity horn. It can be driven passively or bi-amped, depending on user requirements – the internal crossover is switchable between passive and bi-amp operation by means of an external switch.
High priority has been placed on maximising the output of the drive units. The LF driver has a lightweight 3' (75mm) voice coil and utilises a high gap flux neodymium magnet assembly for maximum sensitivity, whilst the cone is made of a new pulp formulation plus an epoxy treatment to ensure smooth mechanical breakup and a high strength to weight ratio. Flux demodulating rings reduce distortion at high excursions, and advanced cooling reduces power compression to negligible levels. The 1' (25mm) exit compression driver has a 1.7' (44mm) polyimide dome and ultra-high flux neodymium motor system for maximum efficiency, plus a copper cap to extend the HF response.
The XD12's grille is a spring-fit into the sides of the enclosure and requires no retention screws, allowing for easy removal to access the HF horn. The grille arrangement also means that the baffle and long sides of the enclosure form a continuous surface into which the LF driver and HF horn are flush-mounted to reduce diffraction effects.
The tour-grade plywood enclosure is coated in hardwearing polyurethane and its Declon® backed steel grille is pre-curved to resist deformation in the field.
When used in bi-amp mode, or with a subwoofer such as the Wavefront WS18X or WS218X, it is recommended that the XD12 be used with the Martin Audio DX1.5 or DX2 controller. When operated as a passive system, it may be used without a controller, but will benefit from the DX1.5 or DX2's EQ and limiter functions.
A universal bracket offers a versatile solution for mounting the cabinet, giving quick and easy vertical angle adjustment with a spring loaded locking pin, while the bracket offers other flexible mounting options.
The XD15
The XD15 offers many of the same design and cosmetic features. Capable of producing 132dB peak SPL at 1 metre and with a usable LF response down to 45Hz it is ideally suited to a raft of professional applications that demand the highest level of performance from a single enclosure. Its two-way format combines a very powerful 15' (380mm)/4' (100mm) voice LF drive unit with a 1.4' (35mm) exit compression driver on a user-rotatable 80° x 50° horn.
The LF driver utilises a high gap flux neodymium magnet assembly to achieve a very high sensitivity of 100dB @ 1m for 1 watt input. Advanced cooling and flux demodulating rings combine to reduce power compression and reduce distortion at extreme excursions. In the HF section, the 1.4' (35mm) exit compression driver has a 3' (75mm) pure titanium diaphragm and ultra-high flux neodymium magnet structure with a copper cap that extends the HF response.
The DX1.5 or DX2 controllers are again recommended when used in bi-amp mode, or with a subwoofer.
Brackets and Yokes
Two multi-purpose yokes are available – one for the XD12 and one for the XD15. Each yoke is designed to mount the enclosure on ceilings, walls, trusses or poles. In vertical (portrait) orientation, the yoke can be fixed directly to a wall or attached to a scaffold clamp for suspension from a truss. When suspended in this way, the enclosure has a natural down-tilt of 20°. In horizontal (landscape) orientation, the yoke can be fixed directly to ceilings or attached to a scaffold clamp.
Purpose-designed Universal brackets – one for the XD12 and one for the XD15 - facilitate a wide range of down-tilt and up-tilt angles in both portrait and landscape orientation. The universal bracket fixes to the top, bottom or side of the enclosure and can be mounting directly onto the pole of a speaker stand or attached to a scaffold clamp for truss mounting. The up/down tilt angle is easily adjustable and lockable in place. Normally the clamp is attached to the centre of the bracket, giving a +/-15° range of adjustment. To increase the down-tilt angle, the clamp can be fixed to one end of the bracket for a down-tilt of up to 30°.
For the XD12, a simple rear-mount wall bracket is also available, while the XD15 bracket may be mounted on either the top or bottom of the enclosure to give quick and easy vertical angle adjustments with a spring loaded locking pin.
Essential Features
Versatile, high output two-way systems
Compact, multi-angle, polyurethane-coated plywood enclosures with screw-free perforated steel grille
User rotatable 80° x 50° constant directivity horn
Wide range of vertical and horizontal deployment options
8Ω nominal impedance
Switchable passive/bi-amp operation
Integral pole mount and M8 rigging inserts