Test Bench: The Beyma 12LEX1300Nd Pro Sound Woofer

This Test Bench characterizes the Beyma 12LEX1300Nd 12" driver from Beyma's new LEX Series. This latest design features a FEA-optimized neodymium magnet structure and 4" voice coil, and is targeted at two- and three-way PA speakers, or band-pass subwoofer designs. The entire woofer is optimized with a substantial set of features for very high-performance, including the company's unique Maltcross forced convention cooling system. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, July 2021.

Italian pro audio manufacturer Outline announced its all-new Architectural Series, a range of loudspeakers designed specifically to enable integrators to meet the aesthetic and performance demands of architects, interior designers and clients who want powerful but discreet audio systems. With multiple form-factors Outline's Architectural Series draws inspiration from modern consumer speaker trends, and loudspeaker form-factors with pro audio performance.

PMC, the famous UK loudspeaker manufacturer announced an ambitious new range of reference monitors that the company believes sets a new "gold standard" for music production. With new compact nearfield and midfield active designs plus low frequency extensions, the new PMC range is the result of five years of intense development targeting the highest possible resolution, with the lowest possible coloration, from stereo to Immersive audio.

Italian audio company RCF introduced two powered portable speakers to its flagship TT+ Series of sound reinforcement systems. Flexibility, power, and small footprint make the TT 515-A speaker and TT 808-AS subwoofer ideal for high-powered portable and installed professional applications where size and weight are critical factors. This approach combines the advantages of RCF TT+ technology such as controlled dispersion, high-power, multiple rigging accessories, weather protection, and RDNET software connection for real-time management with recallable presets.

Exploring the Standard Method of Measurement for Subwoofers (ANSI/CTA-2010-B R-2020), Brent Butterworth discusses how this might be a better method for avoiding the confusion on measuring bass extension of subwoofers. The article details how CTA-2010 measures usable output at 1/3-octave intervals within the subwoofer’s operational range, instead of measuring frequency response at a low sound pressure level. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, June 2021.

Home audio and hi-fidelity manufacturers know that demand for high-quality home theater speakers is again on the rise. French loudspeaker manufacturer Triangle Manufacture Electroacoustique updated its range of Thetis subwoofers with two new models. The new Thetis 340 and Thetis 300 compact subwoofers are in line with the brand’s DNA and can be used as part of a home theater setup or as a complement to a stereo system. Available in Black Ash, High Gloss Black and High Gloss White finishes, these down-firing subwoofers blend easily into all interiors.

Monolith, the premium audio brand from Monoprice, launched a new 13-inch powered subwoofer to its growing line of affordable, THX Ultra-certified home theater solutions. The new subwoofer design, which will be complemented with a 16-inch version later in the year, was engineered for spaces greater than 3,000 cubic feet in volume. Both use new custom-designed drivers, coupled with a DSP controlled and 2000 watt (RMS) power amplifiers, optimized for low distortion bass output in home theater systems.

French professional audio manufacturer L-Acoustics is determined to expand its range of solutions to reach also commercial installation and high-end residential markets. The latest product now unveiled by the company meets those requirements in the low-end. The L-Acoustics SB10i subwoofer extends the company's line of SB subs, with a vastly scaled-down enclosure design, not much larger than two side-by-side shoe boxes.

Building on its “Spin” product system, in response to customer feedback, Andover Audio introduced a 100-watt subwoofer designed to pair with the original SpinBase Turntable Speaker System. The Andover SpinSub fits inside the SpinStand and extends the low-end bass range of the full system, making the pairing a compact, full-range listening solution. The new Andover SpinSub can also be placed on the floor solo, just like other subwoofers.

Recently, Dinaburg Technology, based in Dallas, TX, was issued their first US patent for an electro-dynamic loudspeaker with an integrated coaxial passive ring radiator. Mikhail Dinaburg, noted physicist and the patent inventor, uncovered some missing elements in previous coax and passive radiator work and set out to prove it. Dinaburg’s patent discloses techniques for higher performance sound reproduction, enabling lower distortion, extended frequency range, higher efficiency, and improved speech intelligibility. The invention has wide applications and scales from a earphone driver to near-field studio monitors, ceiling speakers, under couch subwoofers to the largest concert subwoofers.