Studiomaster has expanded its FOH loudspeaker portfolio with a line up of new and uprated replacement series and new product type designs. Four new active loudspeaker series offer compact columns, two-way point-source cabinets, and vertical and horizontal compact line arrays, with designs offering significantly improved feature sets, utility and price to performance advantages.
The Direct MX series column array is a 2kW design with 127dB SPL capability available in two system configurations; with six 3-inch mid frequency and a single 1-inch HF precision compression unit armed column array, respectively (and literally) coupled with a compact 10-inch and 12-inch reflex sub enclosure in the Direct 101 MX and Direct 121 MX.
The Direct MX boasts a complement of onboard power and control features, enabling it to function as a stand-alone sound-reinforcement solution without the requirement for any outboard equipment. A four-channel mixer, angle-mounted on the rear of the sub, has two switchable mic/line inputs with discrete gain and reverb controls,a Hi-Z instrument jack input, and a stereo input on LR phono connectors or Bluetooth 5.0 for external playback sources.
A 24-bit DSP with a one-control encoder offers three pre-configured operating modes – music, speech and DJ – three-band master EQ with sweepable mid, overall digital gain control, high-pass filter, dual-channel limiter, and recallable user programmable presets. An XLR mix output operates in combination with a digital delay line of up to 100m in providing for the properly time-aligned configuration of several Direct MX column arrays within larger venue spaces. An independent sub level control is also included in the mixer section.
Whether it is for portable sound for performing-artists, DJ, event or presentation applications, or small and medium venue sound-reinforcement – including hospitality, worship, fitness, education, and all manner of performance spaces – the Direct MX provides a self-contained, scalable solution with exceptional throw and coverage, offering both vocal intelligibility and musical power. One that can be rapidly deployed and set up in minutes, without rigging, flying or mounting loudspeakers, or requiring external mixer and processing equipment. With its combined secure mating and fixed internal connectivity system (no cables), the all-wood constructed two-piece column assembly and sub enclosure are instantly fixed or dissembled; and can be packed and safely transported in the available padded carrier bags and sub cover. Direct MX systems are available in both black and white colour schemes.
The Vortex series is Studiomaster’s latest iteration of the active two-way, mid/top portable PA format. Vortex combines innovative electro-acoustic and digital electronic technologies in creating a new loudspeaker with a structurally ergonomic, lightweight form-factor; engineering an price/performance ratio, making these cabinets the most affordable in the brand’s new PA line-up.
The injection-moulded cabinets sport full-face steel mesh grilles and are designed around a proprietary-developed, high precision coaxial driver. Vortex 10A, 12A and 15A models are loaded with 10-inch, 12-inch and 15-inch variants of this transducer, respectively. Driven with high performance 1.4kW (peak), two-channel integrated amplifier modules, the cabinets deliver highly intelligible, low distortion audio, with exceptionally accurate sound imaging and uniform frequency response.
Pole mounting and rigging are provided for with dual top-hats and five M10 flying points. While integral top and side handles make for easy lifting and carrying. The cabinets’ asymmetrical trapezoidal form, provides a horizontal axis tilt, enabling the cabinets to be used in stage monitoring applications. The onboard electronic feature set includes four input sources – two mic/line inputs and a stereo line level mini-jack with discrete gain control; and the additional provision of Bluetooth 5.0 stereo playback connectivity, and a Link output on XLR. A 24-bit DSP, with a simple rotary select and push encoder, offers selectable pre-configured operating modes – music/speech/live/DJ/monitor – three-band EQ with sweepable mid, Gain, high-pass filter, dual-channel limiter, and a digital delay line of up to 100m to enable time-alignment in multiple loudspeaker systems.
The accompanying 15SA and 18SA active compact sub bass cabinets offer a choice of LF reinforcement, with 2.4kW (peak) onboard amplification delivering up to 132dB and 134dB LF SPLs, down to 45Hz and 43Hz respectively. Onboard DSP provides high-pass filter, gain and delay line control.
Two new V-series ultra-compact active line array systems include the miniature V26A horizontal array element and V26SA compact 15-inch sub, and the V6 lightweight, PP injection-moulded, two-way conventionally configured line array and V6SA compact 15-inch sub.
Measuring 354mm high, 205mm across and 340 mm deep, and weighing 8.5kg, the V26A is loaded with two vertically-aligned 6.5-inch MF drivers and a waveguide mounted multi-drive HF array of eight 1-inch transducers. Delivering an 120° x 8°
(H x V) coverage, its narrow form factor offers a line array solution for much smaller venues or spaces presenting challenging fill requirements.
Integrated dual channel power amplification delivers 400W MF and 150W HF power, making the diminutive cabinet capable of up to 129dB SPL. The A26SA has a 1.2kW power amplifier with a near identical SPL capability, and exceptional LF response down to 40Hz. DSP on both the V26A and V26SA provides control of gain, three-band EQ, crossover points, high-pass filter, delay line and output level.
From two to eight V26A elements can be stacked or flown (with up to two subs), or two V26A pole mounted on a sub, with elements coupled together at adjustable angles of 0° to 8°, and the V26 mounting cradle securely locking the whole system in place.
The V6A presents a more conventional line array element profile with its two 6.5-inch MF drivers loaded either side of a 3-inch HF unit. Its reinforced composite PP enclosure makes it remarkably tough, while its 550W onboard two-way power amplification and high 132dB max SPL and compact dimensions – together with the 2kW powered V6SA compact 15-inch sub for small and medium sized venues and events. The tough construction, easy handling and sonic performance makes it an option for local PA hire outfits and sound companies. Like the V26 the V6 has onboard DSP providing gain, three-band EQ, crossover, high-pass filter, delay and output level parameters. Like the V26, the V6 has a remote control capability via RS485, running on Windows 10/11 and providing more extensive control parameters including phase reverse, input / output gains, multi-band parametric EQ, compressor/limiters and more.
‘These new models are already having a positive impact on our order books, with the Direct MX and Vortex series in particular making significant inroads in the mobile DJ sector; undoubtedly due to their combination of outstanding performance, versatile features, aesthetic appearance and highly competitive price points,’ says Studiomaster General Manager, Patrick Almond. ‘The V26 and V6 systems bolster our line array offering with our first truly compact systems, offering the option of line array solutions within a much wider range of application environments and project budgets.’
More: www.studiomaster.com
