Extending its touring and theatre portfolio, Martin Audio is to launch the high-output XD Series of fixed-dispersion, two-way loudspeaker at the coming Plasa show.
The XD12 and XD15 models claim higher output levels and an extended frequency range over similarly-sized systems and are ‘designed to represent new benchmarks for the compact two-way format’.
Designed principally for live sound, theatre/fixed install and high-power stage monitoring, 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 A/V events, to dancefloor and stage monitors.
XD12 features
The XD12 features a high-specification 12-inch (300mm) LF drive unit and a 1-inch (25mm) exit compression driver on a user-rotatable 80° x 50° constant directivity horn. It can be bi-amped as the internal crossover is switchable between passive and bi-amp operation using an external switch.
The LF driver has a lightweight 3-inch (75mm) voice coil and uses a high gap flux neodymium magnet assembly for maximum sensitivity, while 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-inch (25mm) exit compression driver has a 1.7-inch (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 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 Martin Audio’s 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 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.
XD15 features
The XD15 offers many of the same design and cosmetic features. It is capable of producing 132dB peak SPL at 1m and has a usable LF response down to 45Hz. Its two-way format combines a 15-inch (380mm)/4-inch (100mm) voice LF drive unit with a 1.4-inch (35mm) exit compression driver on a user-rotatable 80° x 50° horn.
The LF driver uses a high gap flux neodymium magnet assembly to achieve a sensitivity of 100dB @ 1m for 1W 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-inch (35mm) exit compression driver has a 3-inch (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-amplified mode, or with a subwoofer.
Brackets and yokes
Multi-purpose yokes are available for both the XD12 and XD15, allowing mounting of the enclosures 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.
More: www.martin-audio.com
