Essential Install September 2016 | Page 30

Essential Install | Speakers
DID YOU KNOW : Alex-Audio audio claims to have created the world ’ s largest speaker driver at 80in
Amina , specialist in hidden speaker options has unleashed a new offering with its Mobius range which Richard Newlove , company MD , says is : “ The highest quality invisible speaker available anywhere in the world .”
Rendered behind a 2mm skim of plaster , the maker says Amina Mobius pushes the sonic boundaries of what is possible with plaster-over loudspeaker technology . Building on the award-winning Evolution Series design , the Mobius incorporates Opti-Drive and Opti-Damping technology as well as ‘ Reduced- Resonance Exciter ’ technology , designed to deliver greater low frequency extension and smooth high frequency dispersion . These developments have been created to offer high-quality , high frequency performance and detail , enhanced bass reproduction and increased power handling , all in an easy to install , lightweight form factor .
Artcoustic has just launched its latest iterations of the SL and Spitfire models . The number of models has been simplified to make it easier to specify , whilst at the same time the choices within those models expanded to give even more flexibility . New configurations include the SL16-8 and the Spitfire 12-6 , helping to bridge gaps in the logical and linear speaker range . Each model is based on the same architecture , with the larger models offering higher output and headroom and higher sensitivity , ensuring the industry recognised 105db output can always be achieved regardless of the room size . The maker says dynamic range is crucial to any cinematic experience and by using the correct model for the correct application , the right model can be specified with confidence . From the diminutive Modular SL with 104db output through to the Performance Series stacks at over 135db , there is something in the range for each project . A full design service is also possible with colour matching and bespoke sizes , as well as comprehensive technical support . The latest models are on demonstration at Artcoustic ’ s UK showroom in Essex .
Monitor Audio has had a very busy year introducing many new lines , as well as turning its focus very much onto the install channel . The company ’ s many skews means it has options for residential , commercial , outdoor and marine applications . Recently introduced new products include Climate Garden ( Launching October ), a Custom Subwoofer , the CW8 , from the commercial range , the PRO80 an PRO80LV , the super slim in-ceiling CSS230 with a mounting depth of 2in and the all-weather AWC265 and AWC265-T2 .
Just a couple of key lines for the company include its garden speaker concept with the Climate Garden range and offers discreet all-weather sat / sub designs and big , wide , detailed sound . A range of installation options including amongst shrubs , flower beds or even attached to trees ( without damaging the tree ) are all available . The system comprises the Climate CLG140 satellite speaker and the CLG-W12 subwoofer ‘ daisychained ’ together in 70 / 100V line arrays of up to twelve satellites per subwoofer , expandable with additional satellite and subwoofer sets according to the area needed to cover .
Back indoors , the innovative CSS230 in-wall / ceiling back-box design has been created to deliver fullfrequency performance with wide installation versatility due to its shallow 50mm ( 2in ) mounting depth . Able to fit between 2in stud frames or where pipework or cabling reduces mounting depth , the maker says the CSS230 ’ s back-box construction and proprietary fullrange driver array combine to deliver consistent audio quality with exceptional installation versatility . Monitor Audio underlines that audio quality is maintained with a radial array of specialised mid-bass drivers around a 19mm C-CAM gold dome tweeter . The speaker also has a special rubber plug in the back-box which reduces sound bleed into adjacent rooms when this is needed , but when not , can be removed to increase bass output . Combined , the maker says the CSS230 ’ s three proprietary 3in mid-bass units achieve the bass output of a 6½in driver , all from a super-stealthy flushfitted profile .
Distribution company C-Hear has a large family of brands to choose from including the James Loudspeaker family , offering premium to high-end passive speakers and some active subwoofers via the Icons SA Series , QX Series , BE Series , AT Series and Power Pipe subwoofers .
The AIA-Ascendo offers high-end active / network speakers , whilst Napa Sound Labs offers entry level speakers , a sub-brand of the James Loudspeaker family .
A recent launch from James which offers the most discrete of end results comes from the Small Aperture ( SA ) architectural line , with the 63SA-7HO high-output in-ceiling loudspeaker , suitable for discreet theatre surround channels or distributed audio applications requiring higher output levels .
Offering more sensitivity than prior models , the three-way speaker system ’ s 6.5in woofer is capable of a higher output , as well as offering a power limiter that protects the speaker from potentially harmful transients . James says the adjustable power limiting circuitry , ensures the highest degree of reliability and performance tailored to each environment and the 63SA-7HO ’ s compact footprint and 7in depth are what make the speaker optimised for in-ceiling applications .
The SA series of speakers is available with an array of 3in round and square grilles and have been designed to accept industry standard 3in and 4in lighting trim kits to allow for increased integration .
WE ’ VE DESIGNED THE PERFECT LOUDSPEAKER , NOW LET US HELP YOU DESIGN THE THE PERFECT INSTALLATION .
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28 | September 2016