"d&b is continuously expanding its portfolio for the installation markets. To support the requirements of our global installation customers we have put significant effort into product development, to provide pro audio solutions for opera houses, theatres or large music venues; wherever the highest quality of sound is required. Throughout this year we will introduce a number of new, high performance installation products to the market, to underline d&b's focus on these applications," says d&b CEO, Amnon Harman.
Designed with quintessential d&b utility and flexibility in mind, the new Y-Series offers both point source and line array loudspeakers. The installation specific Yi7P and Yi10P point source and the Yi8 and Yi12 line array loudspeakers each feature two 8" drivers with neodymium magnets mounted in a dipolar arrangement around a 1.4" compression driver. These Yi variants are designed for permanent applications, differing from the mobile Y7P, Y10P, Y8 and Y12 only in cabinet construction and mounting hardware. All models are passively crossed over to keep amplifier channels to a minimum.
The Yi7P/Y7P and Yi10P/Y10P offer 75° x 40° and 110° x 40° (h x v) dispersion characteristics respectively, while rotatable horns and multiple rigging options enable either vertical or horizontal mounting. Complementing the Y-Series point sources, the high performance Bi6-SUB/B6-SUB subwoofers house a long excursion 18" driver built into a bass-reflex design with a frequency response down to 37 Hz. The Yi8/Y8 and Yi12/Y12 line array loudspeakers offer 80° and 120° (h x v) respectively, with horizontal dispersion control down to 500 Hz. The arrayable Yi-SUB/Y-SUB are actively driven cardioid subwoofers powered by a single amplifier channel, extending frequency response down to 39 Hz.
Specifically developed by d&b for the installation market, the xA-Series, xS-Series and xC-Series were at ISE, exhibiting their clean, unobtrusive design. The mechanically arrayable xA-Series comprises four loudspeakers and two subwoofers and features an integrated rigging system, while the xS-Series, intended for standalone applications, incorporates specialised hardware fittings to deliver a flexible choice of mounting options for the installer. For those really aesthetically sensitive spaces, the xC-Series column loudspeakers provide sound reinforcement solutions in an elegant and sophisticated design.
"ISE is a great opportunity to meet with installers, consultants and customers and demonstrate d&b's ability in installation markets," says Amnon Harman. "Recent projects at Frankfurt Oper and Zorlu's Performing Arts Centre in Istanbul, highlight the effectiveness of d&b systems in permanent environments. As we continue to strengthen our portfolio for permanent applications we show how serious d&b is about offering fully integrated solutions."
(Jim Evans)
