The AX800A is a compact lightweight powered line array element that combines superior sound quality with flexibility and ease of use in an organically styled moulded enclosure. It is designed for a wide range of general purpose indoor and outdoor live sound applications and many types of fixed installations. To fully extend low frequency response the AX800A is designed to be used with the complementary SW1800A subwoofer, a compact dual 18” hybrid manifolded bandpass design, in a recommended 4:1 ratio.
TRANSDUCERS
The high frequency range of the AX800A is reproduced by a low distortion titanium diaphragm compression driver with edgewound voice coil, loaded by an acoustic transmission line waveguide providing detailed and natural sounding high frequencies. The exceptionally lightweight high frequency diaphragm benefits from a very low mechanical resonance that is outside of the pass band, and therefore permits the implementation of a relatively low crossover point of 900Hz.
The two 8” woofers employed in the reproduction of the mid-bass range are equipped with very lightweight cones to ensure fast response at bass and mid-bass frequencies. They are loaded by a new aerodynamic transmission line design that results in clean mid-bass reproduction, natural cardioid behavior, and contributes towards vented cooling of the amplifier stage. The transmission line loading minimizes enclosure resonances and eliminates the “boxy” mid-bass sound commonly obtained from regular bass-reflex enclosures.
SYSTEM CONCEPT AND SONIC PERFORMANCE
The AX800A offers a simple but innovative approach to the design of line array elements. The simple concept of the WTW symmetrical drive unit configuration is effectively implemented in order to minimize the effects of potential beaming phenomena arising from the woofers around the crossover frequency. The orientation and precise separation of the woofers also minimizes interference effects between them, while the use of a mechanical-acoustic polyurethane filter further reduces midrange beaming.
The crossover filter approach is based on a “Constant Power” technique. Thanks to a particular phase combination between the two ways around the crossover frequency, this approach is able to provide a very stable horizontal coverage and a very stable off-axis sound image, also minimizing unwanted effects around the crossover frequency. The further application of phase linearization techniques, combined to constant power crossover, yield a linear phase response and a coherent time response. This allows for a natural perception of acoustic instruments and voices, and for improved depth of the sound image.
CONSTRUCTION
The two-part AX800A enclosure is manufactured from structurally rigid polypropylene, internally ribbed to entirely eliminate cabinet resonances, and providing the precise transmission line back loading to the two 8” woofers without the need for additional internal panels. This construction results in a very strong, lightweight, and sonically neutral cabinet and allows the rigging hardware to be fully integrated, making it easy to transport and use, as well as offering the benefits of good protection against harsh environmental conditions. The positioning of the amplifier module between the outlets of the two rear ducts provides an additional level of cooling.
POWER AMPLIFIER
The AX800A is powered by a DA SERIES digital power module, a new generation of CLASS D power amplifier with SMPS. The innovative technology used for these amplifiers offers top-of-the-range performances, such as a superior sound definition at any audio frequency, very high dynamics even for low level signals, and very low distortion even at maximum power. The superior sound quality can be compared with top-of-the-range AB-class analog systems, while the DA module features higher dynamic range, very compact size, light weight, and efficiency above 90%.
Output power is optimised specifically to the drive units for efficient power transfer, with the low frequency section producing 900 watts while 300 watts is available for the high frequency compression driver.
Input and link connections are via balanced 3-pin XLR connectors, and a ground lift switch is provided for hum-free operation. Mains power is connected through a locking Neutrik PowerCON, and a Power Out connector allows mains power to be linked to additional AX800A cabinets.
