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New from Outline at Plasa Show

Once again, Outline has announced a series of new loudspeaker systems that will debut at the Plasa Show (10/13 September 2006).

The new LAB 15 is a sub with a highly ingenious acoustic design that ensures top performance.

It is a self-powered system with just one 15” woofer in a cabinet that weighs in at 50 kilos and measures 86 x 86 x 43 cm. LAB 15 is able to push out a continuous SPL of 134dB/1m (140Db peak) from 33Hz (-10db). It is a performance that enables it to put competitors’ 2 x 18” systems in the shade, say Outline.

Guido Noselli, Outline sound designer and CEO explains how: “It’s a hybrid waveguide indirect radiation system able to completely recover low frequency sound pressure emitted from the rear of its 15” woofer. This means an increase in sensitivity of 6dB (SPL). In other words, with the same input voltage, this system gives an additional 6dB over the entire low frequency band compared to the same speaker used in a closed cabinet and, on average, an additional 3dB compared to what the same speaker would give at low frequencies if used with a horn-loaded, reflex or band-pass system. The fact that the sound is generated by two masses of air moved by a single diaphragm, with a great advantage for attack velocity in the transitory frequencies, results in deep, very clean low frequencies, due to a pulse response with a very low ripple. Figures and graphs aren’t sufficient to understand how easily the LAB 15 manages to reach down to the bottom end and the precision with which it produces low notes; the sound it feeds out has so much punch, on blindfold tests, listeners have the impression of hearing a twin 18” system.”

The enclosure is built to be used alone or in multiples, with the utmost reduction of space occupied in relation to its output and SPL achieved. LAB 15 has an original design with a square footprint: two stacked cabinets form an exact cube. The box is built for easy transport when used with mobile rigs, and fits easily into any permanent installation where space is at a premium. The essential design (in which care has been taken with every detail) and calibrated proportions make LAB 15 a unit with an attractive look that fits perfectly into any type of surroundings or décor. Just 43cm. high when positioned horizontally, LAB 15 could resemble a stylish ‘lounge area’ table that would be ideal for the coolest venue, whereas four stacked units stand just 1.72 metres high, but form a compact high powered array that is ideal for sound reinforcement in large indoor or outdoor areas.

Among the optionals available, a trolley ensures fast handling and efficient protection of the front of the enclosure against impacts. The connector panel located on the rear and recessed a few centimetres into the cabinet to eliminate or minimize the risk of water entering in the event of rain.

In the hope of earning another prestigious ‘Award for Product Innovation/Excellence’ (which would be their third) at PLASA, Outline is introducing HARD 45 SP Wireless. The most compact stage monitor in the well known HARD series (with a built-in 2-channel digital power amp complete with DSP) it is now ready for its parameters to be controlled via computer, but without any cables being required. Communication is via a standard TCP/IP network connection, so each unit being used is automatically “sensed“ and latched on to the control network.

Thanks to dedicated control software, settings that can be carried out are: crossover, parametric and high/low shelving filters for correcting the frequency response of the individual channels; gain, polarity and phase control, adjustment of time alignment and a dynamic processor that can be set for example as a compressor, limiter, expander, noise gate. etc. Outline emphasises the fact that all parameters are controlled in real time. Sixteen presets are also available with different parameter combinations, able to satisfy a wide variety of requirements and situations.

The control software - designed and written in the Brescia company’s laboratories - puts endless exclusive functions at the disposal of perfectionist sound engineers, offering them enormous potential. When booted, it recognizes all Outline devices connected to the network (displaying them on the monitor) and can control all current and future Outline units fitted with DSP, ensuring users all the great advantages this facility offers.

Outline is also adding to its DVS (Digitally Voiced Speakers) range, launched just a few months ago, introducing the DVS 10 (1x10” + 1x1”) and DVS 118 SW (1x18”). Like the entire series (which now has a total of six models - 8, 10, 12, 15, 115 and 118), both systems are reference points and among the best to be found on the world market as far as the already well-populated sector of so-called multi-purpose enclosures is concerned, offering hi-end quality sound reproduction and a top class finish.

Even if the Italian company’s products are generally positioned at the top end of the market, in this specific case, Outline claim the quality to price ratio is excellent. This new range was designed for use in conventional applications (theatres, clubs, etc), but also for example ensure perfect support (e.g. on front-fill duty) at large events, as a perfect match for Outline’s Butterfly, COM.P.A.S.S. and Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. line arrays.

In picture: the HARD 45 SP Wireless.

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New from Outline at Plasa Show

8th August 2006

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