PLASA 2012: Martin Audio launches XD Series

16 August 2012

UK - Martin Audio has provided a major boost to its touring and theatre portfolio, with the introduction of the new high-output XD Series. This sets out "to define the ultimate in performance and versatility for professional, fixed-dispersion, two-way loudspeaker systems".

The models in the XD Series - the XD12 and XD15 - have been designed to deliver best-in-class performance, including higher output levels and more extended frequency range than is normally associated with similarly-sized systems. They are designed to represent new benchmarks for the compact two-way format which has always played a central role in professional sound reinforcement.

Designed principally for live sound, theatre/fixed install and high power stage monitoring, both the XD12 and XD15 combine a full, rich sound and an accurate 80° x 50° dispersion pattern in a compact, multi-angle enclosure suited to a wide range of uses - from distributed sound reinforcement and portable AV events, to dancefloor and stage monitor use.

With the XD Series, versatility is key. Each multi-angle enclosure can be used in either horizontal (landscape) or vertical (portrait) orientation, with rotation of the high frequency horn easily accomplished by removing the screw-free, protective grille. Comprehensive brackets support a wide variety of mounting options - including surface, ceiling and pole mount. Integral M8 inserts for eyebolt suspension increase the mounting options further.

The XD12 features a high-specification 12" (300mm) LF drive unit and a 1" (25mm) exit compression driver on a user-rotatable 80° x 50° constant directivity horn. It can be driven passively or bi-amped, depending on user requirements - the internal crossover is switchable between passive and bi-amp operation by means of an external switch.

The XD15 offers many of the same design and cosmetic features. Capable of producing 132dB peak SPL at 1 metre and with a usable LF response down to 45Hz it is ideally suited to a raft of professional applications that demand the highest level of performance from a single enclosure. Its two-way format combines a very powerful 15" (380mm)/4" (100mm) voice LF drive unit with a 1.4" (35mm) exit compression driver on a user-rotatable 80° x 50° horn.

(Jim Evans)