Studiomaster is exhibiting the new Horizon 2012 in final production form for the first time at Prolight+Sound2012; introducing a new benchmark in power and portability, performance, quality, and value for money.
The Horizon 2012, resurrects the legend of the company’s world beating Horizon series mixers of the 1990s. A totally new design redefines the portable powered mixer and provides a new class of high build quality, high power and performance product. The mixer is unbelievable light weight and is carried on a single shoulder strap.
The new ergonomic form factor provides for the greatest possible strength and protection, and a fully professional control surface that is clear and uncluttered, while innovatively integrating a staggering 2000 watts of power from Class-D amplification. The design also incorporates a removable control cover and a retractable panel to angle the mixer at the best working position. Designed for the quickest possible set up and go, the mixer nevertheless offers a level of operational versatility and features that provides new sound reinforcement capabilities for portable PA.
The 12 input mixer can be used free standing or rackmounted. All mic/line input channels feature the famed VMS optical compressor, legendary Studiomaster 3-band EQ, with sweepable mid, and a total of four AUX sends. 60mm smooth faders, Mute, PFL buttons, and SIGNAL and PEAK LEDs complete the channel strip. Like the original Horizon powered mixers, a combined stereo and mic input channel effectively adds three more mic channels.
In line with standard Studiomaster practice, the custom designed twin FX features real studio quality reverbs and delays instead of the poor quality 128 program DSP found on so many powered mixers; the focus of the FX section is on enabling the user to achieve the desired effect with the highest quality and as quickly as possible. A 2-channel USB audio interface includes assignable signal source; playback from a computer can be routed to the main MIX output, or to a stereo channel giving access to EQ and auxiliaries. The output to the computer can be from the main MIX, to record a performance, or from the DSP effect sends to make use of plug-in FX.
Each amplifier channel supplies a colossal 1000 watts into 4 ohms using Class-D topology; stable into all loads with temperature & short circuit protection. Comprehensive three stage amp routing is selectable between normal stereo operation, split function (MIX to the left and Auxiliary to the right), or Monitor only. Stereo 9-band graphic equalisers feed the MIX output, which is routed to the amplifiers and the balanced XLR outputs. A second MIX2 output duplicates this signal.
Also located here is a switchable 2-way 150Hz 18dB/oct crossover. When selected, the main MIX only receives frequencies above 150Hz whilst the MIX 2 output gets everything below 150HZ – ideal for connecting additional subs to a system. An Amp Power switch reduces power in three stages down to 15%, providing high fader resolution in low volume applications. The new Horizon boasts two sets of led meters – one for the mixer and one for amplifier level.
