Martin Audio takes a long bow

The Wavefront Precision Longbow (WPL) is the newest addition to Martin Audio’s Wavefront Precision Series of line array speakers. It has been developed for large-scale touring applications and installations, including use in stadiums and at houses of worship. WPL is designed as a ‘complete system’ with external iKon multichannel amplifiers, Martin Audio’s automated Display optimisation software and the Vu-Net control platform.

A three-way, biamped system, WPL makes use of the manufacturer’s horn-loading technology across all frequencies, including the acoustic output of the low-frequency section. It includes dual 12-inch drivers with Hybrid horn/reflex loading, two 6.5-inch cone drivers on a midrange horn that covers the vocal frequency range from 300Hz to 4kHz and a trio of 1-inch exit HF drivers that operate from 4kHz and up. Each frequency section includes a range of horn-loading refinements to raise the WPL’s acoustic performance in terms of output and 90° horizontal coverage patterns for the mid and HF horns. The maximum peak outputs of the LF, mid and HF sections are 139dB, 140dB and 145dB, respectively, per enclosure at 1m and 6dB crest factor.

The SXC118 sub

Also new is the SXC118 cardioid subwoofer, which forms part of what Martin Audio describes as its subwoofer overhaul. Like the WPL, the SXC118 is built for touring and installation sound. It incorporates an 18-inch, forward-facing driver and a 14-inch, rear-facing driver. Each is individually driven by separate channels and DSP from an iK42 amplifier and has its own chamber with optimised bass-reflex porting. This arrangement is said to produce a cardioid dispersion pattern that maximises front radiation while reducing unwanted radiation behind the subwoofer.