The exceptionally high power drive units have magnetic structures and suspensions engineered for maximum linear excursion. Extensive research by Martin Audio’s R&D team has led to the development of an exceptionally rigid high-pressure enclosure to minimize cabinet wall energy absorption. This maximizes electro-acoustic efficiency to give better bass definition and more punch from lighter power amp racks when compared with other manufacturers’ products.
The W8LS is constructed from internally braced multi-laminate birch ply, is fitted with generously sized handles and is supplied with a slam-latched wheelboard for fast get outs and easy trucking. To resist ingress of water, the driver cones are treated with a waterproof lacquer and the perforated steel grille is backed with Declon foam.
The physical dimensions of the W8LS are identical to the W8L and it is equipped with the same proprietary rigging system. The rigging system is quick to deploy and allows a wide range of W8L array curvatures to be matched. Inter-cabinet angles from 0 - 7.5° are set by a rotating splay bar at the rear of the enclosure. All cabinet rigging hardware is integral and remains captive in transit.
Although primarily designed to extend the low frequency performance of W8L columns in flown applications, the W8LS may be ground stacked on its standard W8L grid for use with W8LC mid-sized line arrays or W8C Wavefront Compact systems. The W8LS’s very slim profile, excellent bass response (32Hz - 180Hz ±3dB) and extended bandwidth (useable down to 28Hz at full power) make it ideal for dramatic on-stage effects and apron fill applications.
(Lee Baldock)
