Introduced to consultants and dealers in Istanbul earlier this year, these products provide sound designers with "unprecedented scalability and configurability for venues including arenas, performing arts centres, live music venues and houses of worship". They enable concert-quality sound to be delivered more consistently and efficiently, regardless of room size, shape, or acoustic properties.
Also on show at PLASA will be updated Bose Modeler software including features for designing systems with RoomMatch array modules, and new Bose ControlSpace Designer software providing setup, control and monitor functions for the PowerMatch amplifier, while allowing it to be integrated into ControlSpace networks.
"Our engineers challenged conventional wisdom for both loudspeaker and amplifier design," said Akira Mochimaru, general manager, Bose Professional Systems Division. "The result is a new approach for the industry, one that lets sound designers and integrators meet the acoustic challenges of any fixed-installation sound system with more flexibility and far less compromise to audio performance."
RoomMatch modules overcome the acoustic performance limitations of conventional line-array and point-source loudspeakers. Available in 15 different coverage patterns, they can be used alone or with other RoomMatch array modules to form Progressive Directivity Arrays - a new category of curvilinear array from Bose. They perform as a single loudspeaker to ensure optimal sound coverage for a particular listening area.
Bose RoomMatch waveguide technology directs sound more precisely, reducing unwanted wall and ceiling reflections that can degrade tonal balance. Multiple, readily available waveguide patterns allow for customized sound coverage for virtually any room.
Each loudspeaker features two new 10-inch (25.4 cm) woofers and six extended mid-range compression drivers. Together, they eliminate the need for the mid/high crossover, resulting in improved vocal clarity and intelligibility. To reduce distortion, the woofer uses a proprietary ultra-linear motor, a tapered port, and an individual acoustic enclosure, while the compression drivers have a proprietary Bridge Phase Plug to remove resonant modes, without the use of FIR filters or complex signal processing.
The PowerMatch 8500 amplifier is designed to work with both RoomMatch array modules and other professional loudspeakers, and can allocate its 4000W rated power between two and eight channels. It provides an unprecedented combination of audio performance and flexible output - all from a standard thee pin wall outlet.
RoomMatch array modules can be fitted into place using the provided handles and secured with no adjustment to the curvature required. An integrated side-plate rigging structure eliminates the need for custom rigging, reducing installation time and costs.
All RoomMatch and PowerMatch products, and compatible versions of Modeler and ControlSpace Designer software, will be available through authorised Bose dealers beginning September, 2011.
(Jim Evans)
