[PLASA] Martin Audio XD Series

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Martin Audio is set to launch its new XD Series of loudspeakers at PLASA 2012, which takes place in London from September 9th-12th.

The models in the XD Series – the XD12 and XD15 – are been designed to deliver higher output levels and a more extended frequency range than is normally associated with similar systems, the company says.

Designed principally for live sound, theatre/fixed install and high power stage monitoring, both the XD12 and XD15 combine an 80° x 50° dispersion pattern in a multi-angle enclosure. Each multi-angle enclosure can be used in either horizontal (landscape) or vertical (portrait) orientation, with rotation of the high frequency horn accomplished by removing the protective grille. Brackets support a range of mounting options, including surface, ceiling and pole mount. Integral M8 inserts for eyebolt suspension increase the mounting options further.

The XD12

The XD12 features 12” (300mm) LF drive unit and a 1” (25mm) exit compression driver on a user-rotatable 80° x 50° constant directivity horn. It can be driven passively or bi-amped, depending on user requirements – the internal crossover is switchable between passive and bi-amp operation by means of an external switch.

The LF driver has a l3” (75mm) voice coil and utilises a neodymium magnet assembly, whilst the cone is made of a pulp formulation plus an epoxy treatment. Flux demodulating rings are designed to reduce distortion at high excursions, and advanced cooling reduces power compression to negligible levels. The 1” (25mm) exit compression driver has a 1.7” (44mm) polyimide dome and neodymium motor system, 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 for 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 polyurethane and its Declon backed steel grille is pre-curved to resist deformation.

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 the Martin Audio 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's EQ and limiter functions.

A universal bracket offers a solution for mounting the cabinet, giving vertical angle adjustment with a spring loaded locking pin, while the bracket offers other mounting options.

The XD15

The XD15 is designed to offer various of the same design and cosmetic features. Able to produce 132dB peak SPL at one metre and with a usable LF response down to 45Hz it is suited to a range of applications. Its two-way format combines a 15” (380mm)/4” (100mm) voice LF drive unit with a 1.4” (35mm) exit compression driver on a user-rotatable 80° x 50° horn.

The LF driver utilises a neodymium magnet assembly to achieve a sensitivity of 100dB at 1m for 1 watt input. Cooling and flux demodulating rings combine to reduce power compression and reduce distortion at extreme excursions. In the HF section, the 1.4” (35mm) exit compression driver has a 3” (75mm) pure titanium diaphragm and neodymium magnet structure with a copper cap designed to extend the HF response.

The DX1.5 or DX2 controllers are again recommended when used in bi-amp mode, or with a subwoofer.