The new MicroWedge8 (MW8) and MicroWedge10 (MW10) are a small-format continuation of the EAW MicroWedge line of stage monitors.
The MW8 and MW10 are suitable for applications that demand the high level of performance, audio quality, inherent feedback stability, smooth coverage and ergonomic design of the MW12 and MW15 without the need for MW12/MW15’s levels of power-handling and size.
The MW8 is the smallest in the MW line of products, outfitted with an 8-inch woofer, while the MW10 hass a 10-inch woofer. Both units’ coaxial designs pair the respective woofers with a 3-in (diaphragm) coaxially-mounted HF compression driver, providing full yet controlled 90-degree horizontal dispersion.
In applications requiring extremely high vocal and instrument volumes in monitors, the unique design properties of the MicroWedge Series allow coherent multi-wedge/multi-mix configurations that bring the quality and clarity of stage monitoring to new levels.
Dave Rat, owner of Rat Sound and co-developer of the MicroWedge Series, states, “The design philosophy of the MicroWedge Series is to be able to exceed the competition in loudness with feedback stability, clarity and maximum volume. The MicroWedge12 can match or beat just about any other 15-inch-based wedges on the market in feedback stability and even low-frequency output, and the MicroWedge15 pushes things up another whole level.
“The concept behind the MW10 is to go head-to-head with most 12-inch-based boxes, and the MW8 to challenge 10-inch-based monitors,” he adds. “The MicroWedge project is all about perfecting a compact, attractive, turnkey wedge system that sounds great and reaches high gain before feedback levels with minimal effort.”
Jeff Rocha, EAW senior director of engineering, notes, “Our new MicroWedge8 and 10 are a direct result of feedback from our key end users in the market. We wanted to create smaller versions of our MW12 and MW15 with the same voicing and relative power, without sacrificing any of the performance features that make those larger boxes so successful.”
A key application of the new MW8/MW10 is for front-of-house or monitor engineers who want a monitoring option at the console. The MW8 and MW10’s small footprint allow them to be mounted on top of or next to a live or monitor sound desk, offering an accurate reference to what the performers are hearing on stage without the need for a massive wedge.
“Surprisingly most of the stage monitors out there are voiced to sound-correct with playback music, but MW8 and MW10 are optimized and specifically tailored for live sound,” says Rat. “They offer great clarity at high volumes – unlike most stage wedges, the MicroWedge is not an afterthought based on the main system; these wedges are designed from the ground up. With their small, convenient size, they will be of great use to any live engineers.”
The Baltic birch cabinets are protected with EAW’s proprietary RoadCoat finish, which is highly resistant to dings and scratches, and the rugged steel grille keeps its distinctive shape, even when stood upon by performers.
All transducer components are highly liquid tolerant – virtually impervious to spilled drinks as well as natural elements like rain.
