A distinct departure from prior designs, the new ULTRA-X40 point-source model introduces a new loudspeaker series which Meyer Sound hopes will redefine the category of compact loudspeakers much as the UPA-1P did when it was first introduced back in the late-nineties.
The ULTRA-X40 employs a concentric driver configuration with dual 8-inch neodymium magnet cone drivers coupled to a low-mid waveguide surrounding the single 3-inch diaphragm high-frequency compression driver. The 110° x 50° Constant-Q HF horn is easily field rotatable, and working in concert with the concentric design it ensures that the full bandwidth coverage pattern will be uniform with either horizontal or vertical orientation.
The ULTRA-X40 also incorporates a newly designed and highly efficient 3-channel class D amplifier that produces a total peak output power of 1950 W with very low power consumption thanks to its highly efficient design. The new amplifier design also contributes to a total system weight of only 55 pounds (25 kg), a reduction of more than 20 pounds relative to the UPA-1P.
Preliminary performance specifications include an operating frequency range of 60 Hz to 18 kHz, with linear peak SPL of 130.5 dB measured with M-Noise, free-field at 4 m and referred to 1 m. Highly refined signal processing with advanced phase alignment methods results in phase response of ± 45° from 100 Hz to 16 kHz. Another variant in the ULTRA-X40 family, the ULTRA-X42, offers the same performance but with the coverage pattern defined by a narrower 60° x 50° Constant-Q HF horn.The rear-panel features a female XLR 3-pin input connector with a male loop output. The optional RMS remote system monitoring module provides comprehensive monitoring of loudspeaker parameters from a host computer running Compass software. In addition, the optional XLR 5-pin connectors version of the input board accommodates both balanced audio and RMS signals. AC line power is furnished via loop-through powerCON 20 connectors.
Flexible mounting and rigging is facilitated by 11 integral M8 points as well as an integral 35 mm pole mount receptacle with an M20 threaded insert socket for added stability. Optional rigging accessories include a U-bracket, yoke, pick-up plates for horizontal or vertical orientation, and brackets for grouping in horizontal or vertical clusters. Full weather protection and custom color finishes are also available as options.
New UPQ Loudspeakers
Drawing on technologies developed for the LEO Family line array systems, Meyer Sound has updated its popular and proven UPQ point source loudspeakers with a new class D amplifier, new on-board signal processing for optimized frequency and phase response, and a 13 pound overall weight reduction. The current UPQ-1P (80° x 50°) and UPQ-2P (50° x 50°) have been re-designated as, respectively, UPQ-D1 and UPQ-D2. A third variant, the UPQ-D3, offers a new 80° x 80° coverage option. All three variants retain the same exterior cabinet dimensions and rigging points as current UPQ models, allowing use of the same mounting and rigging accessories.
“Our UPQ series has been enormously successful, but we decided the time had come to offer a new coverage variant while updating the entire series with the latest amplifier and signal processing technologies,” says Pablo Espinosa, Meyer Sound’s vice president and chief loudspeaker designer. “This greatly extends the versatility of one of our most widely used loudspeaker lines in a lighter package.”
All three new variants incorporate the same proven driver complement as the prior versions. The low frequency section relies on a 15-inch neodymium magnet cone driver while high frequencies are reproduced by a 4-inch diaphragm compression driver. Both drivers are manufactured at Meyer Sound’s Berkeley campus.
The new two-channel class D amplifier is designed for high efficiency with reduced current draw, yet produces a total peak output power of 1800 watts. A new generation of phase-corrected signal processing results in flatter frequency and phase response for superior transient reproduction and precise imaging.
All UPQ-D series models have an operating frequency range of 53 Hz to 19 kHz with phase response of 80 Hz to 18 kHz ± 45°. Linear peak SPL is 133 dB measured with M-Noise, free-field at 4 m referred to 1 m. The Constant-Q horn exhibits a gentle and uniform rolloff characteristic for predictable behavior when plotting room coverage. Performance specifications are the same for all three variants except for the high frequency horn patterns.
The new input module provides loop-through XLR-F and XLR-M connectors for balanced audio, as well as parallel powerCON 20 AC line connectors. The optional RMS remote monitoring system module provides comprehensive monitoring of loudspeaker parameters from a host computer running Compass software. An optional XLR 5‑pin connector is available to accommodate both balanced audio and RMS signals. Note that, due to significant changes in the internal cabinet structure, the new amplifier and processing module may not be retrofitted into current UPQ loudspeakers.
The redesigned cabinet retains the original size, grille frame, and is compatible with all the rigging options of previous UPQ products. The new UPQ series loudspeakers are suited to a wide range of portable and installed applications ranging from main loudspeakers in small and mid-sized venues to fill systems in larger venues.
New MPS-482HP Power Supply
Another new product also made their global debut at ISE. The MPS-482HP, a two-channel, half rack-space power supply with audio and 48V DC, expands the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of Meyer Sound’s exclusive IntelligentDC remotely self-powered systems. As with the larger MPS-488HP, the MPS-482HP sends a balanced audio signal as well as 48V DC power to any of the 12 full-range loudspeakers and two subwoofers that incorporate IntelligentDC technology for remote external powering. Loudspeaker connections can be made with 5-conductor class 2 cabling that does not require conduit in most jurisdictions.
The MPS-482HP may be used in place of the MPS-488HP unit when fewer than eight loudspeakers are needed in the system, or it can supplement the MPS-488HP for larger systems when the total count falls between multiples of eight. In addition, the compact dimensions and passive cooling allow flexible placement of the power supply in locations close to the loudspeakers.
“The MPS-482HP is the ideal choice for IntelligentDC systems in smaller rooms with limited loudspeaker requirements and no place for a full equipment rack,” explains Meyer Sound Vice President and Chief Loudspeaker Designer Pablo Espinosa. “The MPS-482HP can be placed up in a drop ceiling, in a cable trough, or easily attached to the wall in a cabinet or closet. And because there is no fan, it can share the same acoustic space with the loudspeakers.”
Typical applications for the MPS-482HP as the primary power supply include smaller board rooms, hospitality suites, home theatre installations, and intimate hospitality and retail establishments. It is particularly suited for creating 2-channel systems with compact loudspeakers, such as the MM-4XP, UP-4XP, and UP-4slim. Additionally, it can power up to six Ashby-5C or four Ashby-8C ceiling loudspeakers and is also ideal for powering surrounds in immersive configurations. In larger installations with a rack room, the MPS-482HP may be specified as needed alongside MPS-488HP units.
Meyer Sound IntelligentDC technology uniquely combines the sonic superiority of self-powered loudspeakers with the installation ease of low voltage systems. All Meyer Sound IntelligentDC loudspeakers incorporate amplifier and signal-processing circuits that store DC power and can tolerate voltage drops, allowing cable runs of up to 300 feet in most applications using multi-conductor cables such as Belden 1502. Heavier gauge cables can be used for applications requiring longer runs or very high output levels.
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