The E6 is a high performance multipurpose cabinet employing an integrated 6.5"/1" exit coaxial driver design with neodymium magnet and constant directivity horn loading. The horn with its 100° x 55° (h x v) dispersion pattern can easily be rotated through 90°, providing a 55° x 100° pattern, without the use of tools. It is a two-way design with a built-in passive crossover network and its frequency response extends from 85 Hz to above 18 kHz.
The cabinet shape allows use either in a vertical or horizontal orientation as well as deployment as a discreet stage monitor. Weighing in at only 5 kg and with smaller dimensions than the E3 it produces a maximum SPL of 123 dB when powered by the d&b D12 amplifier. d&b product manager Werner Bayer remarked, "The reaction to the E6 was very positive which, I guess, comes from the belief people have in our development routes. To replace a product as established as the E3 takes great trust and, from what I have seen, people have that trust."
Also on show was the rest of the E-Series range including the recently launched E12X-SUB, which is a compact, light weight, high performance 12" subwoofer. Within the monitor section the new M6 low profile 2-way high performance stage monitor took the limelight from the benchmark M2 and the M4 monitors. The M6 employs an integrated 12"/1.3" exit coaxial driver with a CD horn and passive crossover network, and distinguishes itself through its remarkable midrange presence and dry and compact low end.
Completing the ProLight&Sound debut of recently launched products was the B4-SUB which is d&b's first subwoofer to realise its patented design of a cardioid technique using one channel of an amplifier. This exclusive design makes the medium sized B4 a highly economical solution to provide a cardioid low frequency performance.
"Small, convenient, useful, powerful; I'm sure you detect the thread. The E12X and B4 subwoofers certainly fulfil those characteristics, so too the M6 stage monitor," said d&b's Simon Johnston by way of conclusion. "As for the E6: well, as we bring down the curtain on the venerable E3, the new E6's originality and sheer technical perfection will, I'm convinced, exceed everyone's expectations."
(Jim Evans)
