Martin Audio debuts Blackline 3 range for China
Published: ASIA
CHINA: Manufactured exclusively for the Chinese market, Martin Audio has debuted its new Blackline 3 loudspeaker range at this year’s Palm Expo China. The range, which will be distributed by Huifeng Audio, comprises two-way full-range coaxial loudspeakers and subwoofers, with the former benefitting from the addition of Differential Dispersion technology to provide more uniform crowd coverage. Additionally, the coaxial design reportedly achieves ‘point-source’ summation of the LF and HF sections at all off-axis positions. The series currently includes four models, the FX12 compact and FX15 high-power coaxial loudspeakers as well as the B18 and B218 subwoofers.
The FX12 is a passive two-way system featuring a 12-inch LF driver and 1-inch HF compression driver coupled to a coaxial Differential Dispersion horn. The manufacturer states that it delivers ‘perfect sound over distances between 2m and 5m’. The FX15, on the other hand, is described as a high-performance, passive two-way speaker designed for installations. It features a 12-inch LF driver with a 3-inch voice coil, and a 1.4-inch HF compression driver with a 3-inch pure titanium diaphragm. Its Differential Dispersion pattern combines 100-degree horizontal coverage close-up with a 60-degree longer-throw horizontal coverage to the rear of the audience.
Both models feature similar enclosures constructed from wood fibre/polypropylene composite with a plywood speaker baffle and coated in black textured paint. Its steel grille is a spring-fit into the sides of the enclosure, eliminating fixing screws and allowing easy access to the coaxial driver.
Moving onto the subwoofers, the B18 is described as a compact, high-performance sub featuring an 18-inch/3-inch long-excursion voice coil driver with a water-resistant cone and triple roll surround. The cabinet extends the system’s low-end frequency response down to 40Hz, and is constructed from multi-laminate birch ply finished in textured black paint. A perforated steel grille protects the driver and is pre-curved to withstand physical damage.
Lastly we have the B218 subwoofer, which is stated to deliver ‘very high output levels with minimal distortion’. With an operating range of 35-150Hz, the cabinet houses dual long-excursion 18-inch/4-inch voice coil drivers with water-resistant cones and triple roll surrounds. Each driver is rated to handle 1,000W AES, and has a magnet structure and suspension engineered for increased linear excursion. With eight reflex ports, the enclosure is similarly constructed to the B18.
While the FX12 and FX15 speakers may be used without a controller, the EQ and limiter functions of a controller such as the Martin Audio DX1.5 or DX2 – or MA series amps with onboard DSP – will enhance their capabilities. The full-range enclosures can be used in either horizontal or vertical orientation, with rotation of the coaxial driver accomplished by removing the screw-free, protective grille. The curved shape of each full-range enclosure also reportedly allows it to be bracket-mounted closer to a wall, and M8 inserts are included for eyebolt suspension.