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Continuous Advancement: A Real World Gear Look At Compact 2-Way Loudspeakers

Typically offered by many of the same companies that build line arrays and larger-scale systems, 2-way loudspeakers often have a similar sonic signature to their “big brothers” and lend themselves to front fill and other supplementary duties in larger venues in addition to serving as mains in smaller applications and also as stage monitors. They can be used by themselves or with subwoofers in applications requiring additional low-end reinforcement.

Many models now include onboard amplifiers with sophisticated DSP, although a significant number are also offered in passive versions. “Automatic” features might include signal delay to align the acoustic centers of each driver, phase correction, equalization, and driver protection. Some offer selectable presets for different applications such as main or monitor placement, vocal or music sources, and high-pass filtering when used with subwoofers.

Additional EQ control may be present, including parametric EQ in at least one case. Others provide at least rudimentary mixing capability, with level controls, mic/line switches, and EQ on XLR or combo (XLR, 1/4-inch) inputs. More models will accept Dante digital audio input along with an analog audio signal.

This genre has also benefitted from advances in driver technology, signal processing, and amplification. Transducer innovations have often trickled down from touring products. Many have lightweight magnetic structures using neodymium magnets, rugged cone and spider materials, and robust voice coil designs.

High-frequency horns are frequently rotatable, and with improved directivity. Larger format compression drivers deliver greater power handling capacity. Several models are coaxial, another trend in this genre.

All generally share similar dimensions, with a range of 22 to 30 inches in height and weight spanning from 35 to 75 pounds (some a few pounds more). Most have a poll-mount socket and handles, and some offer rigging options along with a cabinet angle for stage monitoring.

The following roundup covers recent 2-way designs, many (but not all) with 12-inch woofers. Keep in mind that for each type of model presented here, there are several similar models from other sources, so further homework is strongly recommended.

Electro-Voice ELX200-12P
electrovoice.com

Dispersion (h x v): 90 x 60 degrees
Components: 1-in compression driver, 12-in cone driver
Frequency Response: 57 Hz — 16 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 130 dB
Amplification: Onboard (1200 watts), with integrated QuickSmartDSP
Connectors: XLR/TRS combo jacks plus one XLR link output
Positioning/Rigging: M10 suspension points; pole-mount
Dimensions (h x w x d): 24.8 x 14.3 x 13.6 in
Weight: 34.4 lbs
Notes: 10- and 15-in versions also available; Bluetooth; includes internal DSP with presets and multiple optimization settings

RCF TT2-A
rcf-usa.com

Dispersion (h x v): 90 x 50 degrees
Components: 3-in voice coil compression driver, 12-in cone driver
Frequency Response: 50 Hz — 20 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 134 dB
Amplification: Onboard (1600 watts total, biamped)
Connectors: XLR in/out, RDNet in/out
Positioning/Rigging: Rigging plates top and bottom, suspension points, pole-mount
Dimensions (h x w x d): 23.5 x 14.6 x 18.5 in
Weight: 75 lbs
Notes: 10 and 15-in versions available; rear-panel control of functions including gain reduction, delay, and presets; also controllable remotely via RDNet

QSC K12.2
qsc.com

Dispersion (h x v): 90 x 75 degrees
Components: 1.4-in compression driver, 12-in cone driver
Frequency Response: 50 Hz — 20 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 132 dB
Amplification: Onboard (1800 watts LF, 225 watts HF, both peak)
Connectors: 2 XLR & 1/4-in combo, 2 XLR (loop-thru output), XLR mix output, 3.5 mm TRS (stereo input)
Positioning/Rigging: Suspension points, dual-angle pole-mount; optional yoke mount available
Dimensions (h x w x d): 23.7 x 14 x 13.8 in
Weight: 39 lbs
Notes: User configurable DSP system; EQ, delay, crossover and preset contour library are all selectable; all settings can be saved as a scene

Meyer Sound UPA-1P
meyersound.com

Dispersion (h x v): 100 x 40 degrees
Components: 3-in diaphragm compression driver, 12-in cone driver
Frequency Response: 80 Hz — 17 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 133 dB
Amplification: Onboard (MOSFET amp, 550 watts, biamped)
Connectors: XLR input/output
Positioning/Rigging: Ring and stud pan fittings; pole-mount adapters & yoke-mounts
Dimensions (h x w x d): 22.4 x 14.5 x 14.3 in
Weight: 77 lbs
Notes: Internal DSP includes EQ, phase correction, and protection; optional 3/8-inch or M10 nut plates available

Renkus-Heinz T82
renkus-heinz.com

Dispersion (h x v): 120 x 60 and 90 x 60 degrees (both rotatable)
Components: 1-in compression driver, 2 x 8-in cone drivers
Frequency Response: 90 Hz — 20 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 134 dB
Amplification: Onboard (SA625 amplifier)
Connectors: Neutrik Speakon and other options offered
Positioning/Rigging: M6 and M10 suspension points, U-bracket attachment points
Dimensions (h x w x d): 28.2 x 10.5 x 10.5 in
Weight: 34 lbs
Notes: Incorporates proprietary Complex Conic Horn design; passive version available; single/dual 6.5-in, single 8-in, 12-in and 15-in models also offered

dBTechnologies DVX D-12
americanmusicandsound.com

Dispersion (h x v): 60 x 40 degrees, rotatable
Components: 3-in diaphragm compression driver, 12-in cone driver
Frequency Response: 68 Hz — 19 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 131 dB
Amplification: Onboard (700 watts, RMS, biamped)
Connectors: Neutrik Speakon (output and link), XLR (input and link), 1/4-inch TRS (link)
Positioning/Rigging: Suspension points; top/bottom flytracks; pole-mount
Dimensions (h x w x d): 24.6 x 14.6 x 15.6 in
Weight: 60.6 lbs
Notes: 8, 10 and 15-in versions also available, plus three sizes of floor monitors with 12, 15, and dual 8-in woofers

L-Acoustics Syva
l-acoustics.com

Dispersion (h x v): 140 degrees horizontal, +5/-21 degrees vertical
Components: 3 x 1.75-in diaphragm compression, 6 x 5-in cone drivers
Frequency Response: 87 Hz — 20 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 137 dB
Amplification: LA4X/LA8/LA12X amplified controllers with DSP
Connectors: Neutrik Speakon and screw terminal
Positioning/Rigging: DIN580-compatible M8 inserts; 2 integrated inserts for rigging accessory; stackable
Dimensions (h x w x d): 51.3 x 5.7 x 8.2 in
Weight: 46 lbs
Notes: Can be wall- or pole-mounted, as well as flown or used alone with its baseplate; alternatively it can be mounted on top of Syva Low or Syva Sub using AutoConnect link

NEXO ID24t
yamahaproaudio.com

Dispersion (h x v): 60 x 60, 90 x 40, 120 x 40, and 120 x 60 degrees (all rotatable)
Components: 1-in voice coil compression driver, 2 x 4-in cone drivers
Frequency Response: 95 Hz — 20 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 126 dB
Power Handling: 200 to 500 watts recommended
Connectors: Neutrik Speakon
Positioning/Rigging: Pole-mount, rigging points
Dimensions (h x w x d): 12.2 x 5.2 x 9.2 in
Weight: 13 lbs
Notes: Install version also offered; horn can be rotated without need for tools via “screw head” on rear panel

Adamson Point 12
adamsonsystems.com

Dispersion (h x v): 60 x 40 or 40 x 20 degrees, both rotatable
Components: 3-in diaphragm compression driver, 12-in cone driver
Frequency Response: 60 Hz — 18 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 134.4 dB
Power Handling: LF: 500 watts; HF: 110 watts (AES)
Connectors: Dual Neutrik Speakon
Positioning/Rigging: SLR sockets; pole-mount
Dimensions (h x w x d): 25.5 x 13.9 x 12.1 in
Weight: 45.5 lbs
Notes: Active bi-amped and passive versions; Lake and XTA processing; 8- and 15-in versions also available, plus single and dual 15-in subs

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