Funktion-One was founded in 1992 by Tony Andrews and John Newsham - highly regarded designers and manufacturers, with numerous patents to their name. The duo, who were also responsible for founding Turbosound in the 1970s, are accredited with several generations of large-impact loudspeaker designs, including the TMS-3, Flashlight, Floodlight, Resolution, Evolution and Vero systems. Today, the Funktion-One design continues to innovate in audio design, concert touring and sound installation.
The advanced driver technology on the new Evo X is claimed by the company to deliver "outstanding clarity, resolution and detail across 90° horizontal dispersion, making it an excellent choice for live venues, small clubs and theaters." It is a configuration that is capable of high SPL from a relatively compact speaker and can be deployed as a one per side or four-point system. While its horizontal dispersion delivers even coverage across a wide area, its focused 15° vertical dispersion ensures the sound is concentrated on the audience, minimizing reflections and room excitement.
"We’ve had a 90° full range loudspeaker on our radar for a while now, but it was the development of Vero VX that paved the way for Evo X. It’s an impressive piece of loudspeaker technology, which can be deployed in all kinds of environments. As part of its field testing, we’ve had a pair in Esher Theatre. I’ve heard a 16-piece big band through that system; the level of detail, separation and the stereo image were remarkable considering the complexity of the signal," comments Funktion-One founder Tony Andrews.
"For us, the key point is the live experience you can’t get anywhere else. The Funktion-One sound leaves a lasting impression with the audience. I've never heard a system that presents every single instrument so clearly," adds Esher Theatre's Charlie Swift.
Featuring the same isophase diffraction high frequency waveguide technology as in the Vero VX line array elements, the Evo X is designed for small to medium live events and installations, finding its optimal audience area at around 10m by 10m. Operating across 50Hz-18kHz, it combines well with Funktion-One F Series and BR Range bass speakers for increased low frequency energy. The wide bandwidth 8” mid-range extends to 5kHz, minimizing stress on the 1" high frequency driver, while the 15" mid bass comfortably handles 50Hz-280Hz.
Andrews explains: "The 1" driver is actually inside the Axhead. The challenge there was to keep the vertical dispersion narrow but still go the full height of the mid-range device. That’s where the isophase diffraction waveguide comes in."
The Evo X loudspeaker was meticulously designed and engineered for high SPL and high efficiency, minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact. "It’s all natural," says Andrews. "There’s no onboard EQ required. I’m really pleased with it. It feels like a really good place to have got to after all these years."
The Evo X weighs 47kg, and the cabinet measures 604mm wide, 859mm high and 540 mm deep. Funktion-One makes it available with a custom wheel board which cradles the loudspeaker’s curved front. It is available now in a range of colors and finishes through Funktion-One’s global network of distributors and dealers.
www.funktion-one.com
