VMB Audio Introduces Line Array Enclosure With Accordion-Folded Ribbon High Frequency Unit

September 10, 2008

Nominated for the 2008 PLASA Awards for Innovation , the second model in the Lynx Series, and the smaller brother of the LX-V8, the LX-F6 is a small-format 2-way line array element with integrated amplification, digital processing and networking capabilities.

For low frequencies, two Neodymium magnet 6" transducers are utilized. The cones and suspensions are made out of Nomex®, a high-temperature material used in fire fighting which helps the driver to maintain constant performance with temperature.

High frequencies do not make use of a de rigueur compression driver, but a device based on the concept of Air Motion Transformer by physicist Oskar Heil's, in essence an accordion-folded ribbon driver that provides the benefits of ribbons together with the high SPLs required for sound reinforcement.

"Measurements show that our high frequency transducer exhibits a reduction of 20 dB in intermodulation distortion, and 10 dB in 3rd harmonic distorsion. Spectral contamination is 15 dB down in the vocal range and transient response decay is twice as fast" states Joel Damiano, VMB's Applications Manager. "When listened to, the clarity of the LX-F6 is just something else. And unlike compression drivers, it says clean even when you drive it hard".

VMB firmly believe in providing ample power for drive units, and hence a total of 2500 watts of Class-D amplification are deployed: a 1000W amplifier is used for each of the LF drivers, plus a 500W one for the HF unit. The rest of the LX-F6's electronics also follow the LX-V8's footsteps, with a fully featured DSP controller, integrated inclinometer measuring pitch to a tenth of a degree and optional Ethernet monitoring capabilities.

The use of all Neodymium transducers as well as the switched-mode power supply for the amplification results in a low weight of 23 kg (51 lbs) including integral flyware. Code-named MiniLynx, its dimensions are 204 x 644 x 290mm (8 x 25.5 x 11.5 inches).

Other features:

100-degree horizontal coverage (-6 dB)
Frequency range: 75 - 22k Hz (-6 dB)
Low latency DSP (0.5 ms analogue in to analogue out)

The LX-215S is the subwoofer complement for the LX-F6, featuring two Neodymium magnet 15" woofers with 4" (100 mm) interleaved sandwich coils, each of which is powered by a 1000W amplifier. A band-pass topology is used to provide maximum performance from a compact cabinet. A pole-socket allows for an array of up to three LX-F6 units with adjustable inter-cabinet angle to be mounted on top the subwoofer with optional hardware.

(Click for close-up)

For more information, visit their web site at http://www.vmb-audio.de/.

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