FBT claims to be ‘set to rewrite the rules of sound reinforcement system design’ with the launch of its Horizon VHA (Vertical Horizontal Array) series.
The Italian-made Horizon VHA series comprises the full-range VHA406A, plus two options for low-end extension in the shape of the 12-inch VHA112SA and 18-inch VHA118.2SA. The boxes are constructed in birch plywood with a tour-ready synthetic rubber surround. Each VHA406A is loaded with four 6.5-inch woofers plus a 1.4-inch large-format neodymium compression driver with a 2.5-inch voice coil. The central waveguide, optimised with BEM finite element simulations, offers dispersion of 90° horizontal and 20° vertical, with precise vertical control across the enclosure’s full operating range. Multiple systems can be coupled with coherence beyond 18kHz, plus a powerful, defined midrange with a frequency response extending from 65Hz to 20kHz.
The VHA406A’s class-D, switch mode amplifier module is constructed in die-cast aluminium with natural convection to deliver 600W for the LF section and 300W for the HF. Courtesy of an integrated DSP processor with next generation algorithms, users can choose from eight presets to tailor system performance.
Integrated hardware allows the linking of up to six VHA406A cabinets with variable angles from 5° to 20° (in 5° steps), ensuring easy and error-proof system configuration and set-up. Rigging is simplified further by the inclusion of only one setting point per side. All setting pins are fixed and integrated into the hardware, eliminating both the risk of loss and damage in transport.
The Horizon VHA system also boasts integrated quick-release anchor points that support the creation of horizontal arrays using the dedicated flybar. Each flybar will support up to three VHA406A cabinets, while multiple flybars can be joined for the creation of arrays delivering up to 360° coverage.
For low-end extension, the VHA112SA flyable bass-extension module is suited to small-to-medium sized projects, matching the VHA406A in both size and shape yet housing a single 12-inch B&C long-excursion woofer. The bass reflex design incorporates a laminar airflow to minimise turbulence and compression, while the class-D amplifier module drives the system with 1.2kW, and includes onboard DSP with filtering, EQ and limiting.
For larger spaces, the groundstacked VHA118SA is a versatile subwoofer caliming a new standard for SPL-to-size ratio. Comprising a single 18-inch B&C woofer, the birch plywood, bass reflex subwoofer, again uses a laminar airflow, while its 2.5kW class-D amplifier module offers a selection of six preset algorithms.
The design of the VHA118.2SA has produced a unique low-end module that is capable of generating extremely high SPLs for prolonged periods. Using BEM finite element simulations, FBT has optimised the woofer’s load volume, while careful study of the grille and the assembly’s protective fabric have minimised acoustic impedance for a net improvement in performance compared to previous models. The addition of the VHA118SA extends the overall system frequency response to 30Hz, while the sub can support fully groundstacked configurations courtesy of integrated mounting hardware.
More: www.fbt.it/horizon
