The San Diego-based company committed to redefining “state-of-the-art” loudspeaker performance by re-examining each element in the loudspeaker equation, and then leveraging the most advanced technologies. That willingness to look beyond more conventional solutions compelled VUE Audiotechnik to form a strategic development partnership with Materion Electrofusion, the world’s leading supplier of acoustic beryllium, leveraging the benefits of the material for sound reinforcement applications.
VUE engineers developed a full range of compression drivers that feature Materion’s Truextent beryllium diaphragms, successfully implemented in the h-12 and h-15 active two-way systems with a 4-inch compression driver and beryllium domes. Subsequently, they developed the al-4 Subcompact Line Array System also using a 1-inch exit Beryllium compression driver with a Truextent beryllium diaphragm, mounted to a precision waveguide delivering 90-degrees of horizontal coverage and a pair of Kevlar cone neodymium woofers flanking the HF device, while an companion amplifier/processor completes the al-4 system. Thanks to their unique beryllium transducers, both the h-Class and al-Class deliver dramatic improvements in both HF extension and response linearity – far beyond what would have been possible with more traditional aluminum or titanium components.
The latest addition to VUE Audiotechnik’s flagship h-Class family is the compact h-8 speaker, using the same advanced technologies developed for the larger h-12 and h-15 systems. The h-8 is able to deliver exceptional high frequency clarity and response beyond 25k Hz with a wide 100ºx 40º coverage.
Inside, the h-8 combines a precision-engineered 8-inch transducer with a neodymium compression driver that’s capable of unparalleled high frequency performance thanks to the Truextent beryllium diaphragm at its core. From there, powerful onboard electronics include highly sophisticated, next generation DSP programmed to address every individual element within the h-8’s ecosystem. Dual channel, high efficiency amplifiers deliver ample power for both transducers while eliminating the need for noisy cooling fans.
“The h-8 is born out of our “No Compromises” design philosophy,” explaines VUE CEO Ken Berger. “We literally re-examined everything from transducers, electronics and DSP, all the way to mechanical deployment and remote management capabilities. It’s a comprehensive approach that can only be done when you start with a clean slate, and leverage the most advanced technologies available. The net result is an exceptionally capable combination of size and versatility.”
SystemVUE networking technology is standard in the h-8. With SystemVUE, the user can easily connect one or multiple h-8’s with any VUE DSP-enabled system via a wired or wireless Ethernet connection to a Windows or Macintosh computer. Once connected, SystemVUE Software provides access to a broad selection of network and device-level control and monitoring functions.
The h-8’s drivers and electronics are housed in a robust birch enclosure that includes M10 rigging points and an integrated pole-mount for both portable and fixed installation applications. The distinctive h-Class grill and handle surrounds receive a durable two-part finish that lays a coat of transparent candy-apple red over a black base for a deep hue that's uniquely VUE. The signature h-Class look is completed with a heavy aluminum rear panel that features a machined “VUE” logo integrated into the heat sinks.
“The h-8 delivers a much better balance of output, clarity and frequency response than any other loudspeaker in its category,” state VUE Audiotechnik’s EVP Jim Sides. “We’re extremely excited to offer customers a true high-performance alternative for applications such as theaters, houses of worship, or anyplace where space and sight lines are critical.”
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