Lightness and power typifies the new additions to d&b's multipurpose E-Series; thoroughly modern loudspeakers, the E8, E12 and E12-D combine astutely engineered polyurethane hard foam cabinets with highly efficient coaxial LF/HF drivers at their heart, say d&b. Designed for use as stand-alone, full-range loudspeakers, any of these models can be integrated seamlessly into larger d&b systems. All three models have rotatable horns, with patterns of 90° x 50°, 80° x 50° and 110° x 50° (h x v) respectively, high power ratings of 129 dB, 134 dB, 133 dB SPL, and yet none exceeds 16kg (35lb) in weight, adding to their versatility. With the addition of the E15X subwoofer, the range can be extended down to 37Hz: and just one channel of the new D6 amplifier will drive an E12 and E15X combination in passive mode, the company says.
The D6 combines physical lightness with power: two channels of 600W into 4 ohms (up to 16 ohms maximum), this class D amplifier weighs just 8kg (17.6lb). On-board DSP capabilities identical to their established D12 amplifier means the D6 is equally versatile, capable of running all d&b loudspeaker configurations except two-way active and the B2 subwoofer. Besides the delay capability of up to 340 msec and the 4-band parametric equalizer, the D6 also features System check (a predefined check routine) and Load and Input monitoring for installation applications where IEC 60849 compliance is required for emergency loudspeaker systems. The D6 has analogue and AES / EBU digital signal inputs and also remote sockets at the rear that integrates it into the d&b Remote network for total remote control and / or monitoring.
"Practical, versatile, light and easy to use, these new products are reality," said Colin Beveridge who heads up d&b audiotechnik US. "That said, even I've been amazed at the diverse applications suggested by our friends new and old, who've visited us here at USITT. Seems there's no place you can't use the E-Series loudspeakers."
Ralf Zuleeg and John Taylor from d&b's Education and Application Support were in Houston to present 'Continuing adventures with Sound', a seminar session for USITT attendees to demystify the theoretical and practical realities of sound systems at their interface with listeners. Combining their Germanic and British sensibilities; Zuleeg and Taylor managed to simultaneously amuse and inform. "It's what we do," said Zuleeg. "You can't be as serious about good audio as we are and not have a sense of humour."
(Lee Baldock)
