d&b blends point source with line for Y-Series

Echoing its popular V-Series system, d&b audiotechnik has taken the wraps off its latest small to medium sized line array. Named the Y-Series, it combines both point source and line source speaker elements and currently comprises the Y7P and Y10P point source loudspeakers with B6-Sub subwoofer, as well as the Y8, Y12 and Y-Sub line array modules. The inclusion of both point- and line-source cabinets makes this system highly flexible with ‘near limitless’ application possibilities according to the manufacturer.

Starting with the point source speakers, the Y7P and Y10P cabinets both share the same dipolar 8-inch driver arrangement with a 1.4-inch compression driver fitted to a rotatable Constant Directivity horn. The horns are deployable vertically or horizontally to achieve a 75-degrees by 40-degrees and 110-degrees by 40-degrees respectively (H x V) dispersion pattern.

The two enclosures can reportedly be deployed individually as a full range system or in combination with other elements from the series, either groundstacked or flown. The manufacturer states that an integrated advanced port design extends low-frequency response down to 59Hz, before the B6-Sub takes over and further extends the response down to 37Hz.

The Y8 and Y12 line array enclosures are described as ‘compact and configurable’. Like their bigger brothers the J- and V-Series, the Y8 and Y12 speakers share the same rigging design and the same 80-degrees and 120-degrees horizontal dispersion characteristics. They can be suspended in columns of up to 24 speakers with splay angles from 0- to 14-degrees with a 1-degree resolution. The Y-Sub enclosure contains a forward facing 18-inch driver and an additional 12-inch driver radiating towards the rear to produce a cardioid dispersion pattern. The sub can be groundstacked or flown at the top of a Y8/Y12 array.

Both the point source and line source loudspeakers feature two 8-inch drivers with neodymium magnets mounted in a dipolar arrangement around a 1.4inch compression driver. This configuration reportedly enables the Y8 and Y12 to offer a horizontal dispersion pattern controlled down to 500Hz.

Setup and configuration can be achieved via the manufacturer’s ArrayCalc software. A multitude of line and point source speakers can be combined within the program, providing a graphical representation that details the coverage, level drop and safety aspects of a system setup in a given space.

Installation specific variants of the Y-Series are also being released. Named Yi, the speakers differ only in cabinet construction and mounting hardware, and include special colour and weather resistant models.

Shipping: TBC
Web: www.dbaudio.com