XE Series

Non-coaxial two-way monitors can suffer from uneven frequency response off-axis because the outputs of the LF and HF sections interfere with each other, causing cancellations off-axis, depending on the listening position. This is most noticeable close to the loudspeaker in the all-important crossover region — which lies right in the middle of the vocal band.

In contrast, coaxial monitors can achieve ‘point-source’ summation of the LF and HF sections at all positions off-axis, even close-up. Other advantages of coaxial designs are that they remove the need for left and right-handed versions and are inherently more compact.

Significantly, until now one disadvantage of conventional coaxial devices has been high frequency beaming, where the high frequency dispersion reduces as the frequency increases. This is primarily because conventional coaxial devices channel high frequencies through a narrow tube in the pole-piece of the magnet system. XE Series coaxial drivers overcome this by incorporating an innovative static waveguide in the centre of the driver that merges seamlessly with the unique cone shape — maintaining the dispersion pattern out to very high frequencies.

A Differential Dispersion horn has a 3D trapezoid dispersion pattern which distributes sound over a plane at the performer’s head-height more evenly than a system with a conventional, fixed-dispersion X° x Y° type horn, which produces an imperfect coverage pattern which misses out some areas — particularly side areas close to the monitor.

In contrast, a Differential Dispersion monitor produces a well-defined, near-rectangular coverage pattern at head-height and wide horizontal coverage is achieved when standing very close to the monitor. As the artist moves further back, the dispersion narrows, increasing the SPL to compensate for the increased distance from the monitor. The frequency response is unchanged, so the artist hears essentially the same sound balance and level wherever they stand within the coverage area.

The consistency in frequency response and SPL — both close to the monitor and further back — is exceptional. The well-defined and tight horizontal coverage also allows monitors with different mixes for individual performers to be placed closer together on stage.