Ocean Way Audio Unveils Two New Near-Field Monitors at 139th AES Convention

Ocean Way Audio (OWA) introduced its first two near-field monitors based on its award-winning designs. Unveiled at the AES 139th International Convention in New York, the HR4 and the Pro2A are the first products following the company’s expansion for the creation of new products and technologies, announced in July 2015 by the founder and CEO Allen Sides.
 
Based on the legendary sonic performance of the Ocean Way HR2 speaker, the HR4 is a two-way, self-powered monitor that is at home on a console meter bridge or free-standing speaker stands. “We’ve captured the sonic performance of our large horn-based wave guide design, which delivers 100 degree dispersion, and have released this unique speaker in a 24-inch mixing-board-friendly design!” states Allen Sides.

Company President Rick Plushner remarks, “The HR4 is our entrée into the near-field market. Producing a portable speaker that meets Allen’s standards was a challenge. Cliff Henricksen, our Director of New Technology, translated Allen’s love of high-impact, stunning sound into a design that’s affordable to the majority of the recording community. Its performance and appearance is so unique that it’s likely to receive large crowds at the show.”

The new High Resolution 4 monitors combine a 2-way compression-driver hybrid horn/waveguide system with an ultra-wide horizontal sweet-spot with 100x40 degrees dispersion in a self-powered system (250 watts per side). The 1” high-frequency driver is expanded with a geometrically reinforced 8” aluminum cone LF driver with sealed cabinet. The HR4 has digital and analog inputs, accepting 24-bit / 192kHz data streams.

The system can be expanded to a 3-way version, with a pair of 800 watts/side 12” ported subwoofers. “The HR4 reproduces a

frequency range of 45Hz to over 20kHz with an SPL of 115db; therefore, no subwoofer is required. However, for those who want to play their mix exceptionally loud, the company offers a companion self-powered sub, the S12A, which pushes levels beyond 118db and frequency response down to 30Hz.”

Plushner continues, “Extending our range of near-field powered monitors, we are also releasing the Pro2A. This speaker has been adapted from the award-winning hi-fi designs of Bruce Marien, Director of Engineering, re-focused for the studio mixing environment. This 2-way speaker also meets Allen’s standards of excellence and offers a unique trapezoid design, reproducing frequencies from 38Hz to 22kHz delivering an SPL of 110db. Pro2A is designed to offer unparalleled performance at a very affordable price.”

The new Pro2A is also a 250 watts per side self-powered design with digital and analog inputs, accepting 24-bit/192kHz signals. The design paid special attention to time alignment and reduced baffle reflections, using a ported cabinet wit a reinforced aluminum cone woofer for low frequency extension and expanded SPL, combined with a silk fabric dome HF driver for detailed definition. According to Ocean Wide Audio, the Pro2A is able to achieve an efficient and distortion-free expanded dynamic range with low listening fatigue over the entire audio spectrum.
oceanwayaudio.com