The new cabinets are manufactured in the UK to Wembley’s high specifications, containing components unique to Wembley Loudspeaker. Measuring up at a mere 305mm wide x 260mm high (and 255 deep) the diminutive cabinets deliver a punchy sound more reminiscent of a high-grade studio monitor. "We have been working on an increasing number of installations over the past couple of years," said MacCallum. "We launched the maxi-cube about nine years ago, and there are still many of them running fine all this time later, but we have been always trying to improve on them - not being ones to rest on our laurels! Last year we tried a few ideas which have led to the new HPi 8 cabinets."
The cabinets have a useable range of 55Hz through to 20kHz, delivering punch, warmth and clarity, with no requirement for additional processing. Simply connect to an amplifier and a full range spectrum of sound floods out, with sensitivity of 96dB, negating the need for the sub ‘woofer’ units that many speakers require to achieve a full range sound. The birch ply cabinets have been designed around the 150W 8" cast aluminium co-axial speaker at their heart, manufactured under licence by Volt, and have this to thank for their amazing sound characteristics. They will be available in 4, 8, 16 and 32 ohm impedances to allow for any configuration of installation. Weighing in at 8.5kgs, they come with a safety fixing eyelet for flying purposes.
Whilst a stereo pair of these cabs would be easy to install in a venue, Wembley will be working with installation design companies or will visit venues and offer consultation and installation services to ensure that a venue gets the best out of the new cabinets. The first installation of the HPi 8s has been completed at the Bulls Head in Barnes, South West London. The pub, famous for its live jazz for over 40 years, will be the venue for Wembley’s party during PLASA week (8-11 September, Earls Court 1, London).
Wembley can be found on stand G36.
