EM Acoustics has announced the debut of the HALO-B medium format line array. The HALO-B is the third system in the HALO line array family following the introduction of the large format HALO-A arena system in early 2018. As its name suggests, HALO-B sits between HALO-A and HALO-C in both physical size and overall system output, making it an extremely versatile addition to the family.
“I have to say, HALO-B might be the best product we have ever made,” says EM Acoustics operations director Mike Wheeler. “We were lucky in that we were able to successfully scale the technology used in HALO-A – which on its own is pretty amazing – to an enclosure of this size. If anything, the technology used in HALO-A, scaled down for HALO-B, sounds even better.”
HALO-B is a two-way, reflex-loaded line array element featuring dual 8-inch LF drivers and four 1-inch HF drive units. It is built on the same ‘maximum headroom’ design principles as HALO-A to ensure consistent performance across all SPL levels and consistent horizontal dispersion patterns across the operating frequency band.
The new medium format line array element performs three core roles. Its primary use is as a stand-alone system for small- to medium-format touring applications and small- to medium-sized fixed installations. However, the system is also designed to be utilized as a companion system to the larger HALO-A, easily providing delay, outfill and/or infill for larger shows. Lastly, the new HALO-B works seamlessly with HALO-C systems, where HALO-B is the main system and HALO-C steps up for delay or fill.
HALO-B is designed to be equally comfortable in both fixed installation and mobile applications for festivals, stadiums, sports arenas, concert halls, theatres, houses of worship and corporate AV events.
A single HALO-B exhibits a flat, free-field frequency response from 65Hz to 20kHz (+/-3dB) and a phase response which is +/- 20 degrees between 150Hz and 18kHz. Due to the unique loading technique applied to the low frequency drivers, combined with the high frequency waveguide, the dispersion pattern control is maintained down to 350Hz. The proprietary emulation manifold assembly provides twice the headroom of comparable systems and the use of ring-radiator compression drivers reduces the third harmonic distortion resulting in an even smoother and more natural sonic character.
A tough, weather- and impact-resistant polyurethane coating and a touring-friendly, high tensile steel 3-point flying system with quick-release pins complete the package.
Wheeler concludes, “HALO-B is an ideal size for so many applications, either on its own or accompanying other systems. We believe it will be an extremely useful tool for rental companies looking for maximum ROI. Better than that, it is sonically amazing – it has all the poise, subtlety and detail of HALO-C combined with horsepower of HALO-A in an incredibly versatile package.”
