Since the launch of the W8L, Martin Audio has developed a patent pending technology, which provides an exceptional degree of control over the curvature of the high frequency vertical wavefront. Research has shown that even very long-throw systems benefit from a small, but specific amount of wavefront curvature. By coupling this technology with significant advances in high frequency device design Martin Audio have created a quad-driver, high frequency system with an impressive 10dB greater output capability over the W8L.
This additional high frequency headroom allows the W8L Longbow to cope with the most adverse atmospheric conditions, which can severely attenuate high frequencies over long distances. The new high frequency system also results in improved HF summation of cabinets in the array and a corresponding reduction of side lobes.
In the low frequency section, the 15in (380mm) Hybrid bass horn design is responsible for the tight, punchy and extended low frequency performance of the W8L. Development of a completely new ultra-long excursion driver gives the W8L Longbow the ability to displace almost twice the volume of air as the W8L when driven with the same input signal. This advance lifts the already formidable low-end performance to a new level and extends the low frequency -3dB point down to 35Hz.
Features of the system include: large scale, three-way line array element; horn-loaded 15in LF - 106dB at 1W, 1m (single cabinet); twin 8in mid-horn - 109dB at 1W, 1m (single cabinet); quad 1in HF horn - 119dB at 1W, 1m (single cabinet); consistent 90? horizontal mid and HF pattern control; fast, integral rigging system with variable splay angles; ViewPoint array optimisation software; factory controller presets for a wide variety of configurations; compatible with flown or ground stacked W8LS; compatible with ground stacked WLX, WSX, WS218X.
(Chris Henry)
