Tannoy has developed the new QFlex Life Safety (LS) models as a cost effective solution for critical, life safety applications, a solution that balances complex power consumption needs with the high performance and intelligibility that is the core of the proven QFlex range. The new models have an optimised driver placement and improved current draw, making them suitable for applications where emergency voice alarms or communications may be required.
The new QFlex 16LS and QFlex 32LS column loudspeakers are designed primarily for large transportation hubs as part of a PA/VA system where speech is the main audio source, either from live announcements or via pre-recorded message. These new QFlex life safety models are specifically intended to optimise voice reinforcement, and as a result make them more affordable, and therefore applicable, to a wider range of projects.
Stuart Archibald, product manager for Tannoy, said, "We determined that full-range beam-steering would be a prerequisite from the outset rather than placing emphasis only on vocal regions as with other solutions. Life safety, however, is governed by a different set of rules and requires a different approach to the design of the loudspeaker system. In these critical applications power consumption is a key concern and therefore uninterruptible power supplies must operate effectively as part of the evacuation systems."
Both new QFlex Life Safety models are housed in white (or optional RAL colour) extruded aluminium enclosures for minimal visual impact with a sleek architectural format. The two models also offer IP54 weather and ingress protection against dust and sprayed water as standard, consisting of gasket sealed enclosures, solid aluminium rear panels, grade 304 stainless steel mounting hardware and sealed cable gland on the input and power connector.
(Jim Evans)
