Electronically steerable arrays from Fohhn

Fohhn Audio is now shipping its Focus Modular electronically steerable, active line array systems. The modular systems reportedly combine Fohhn’s beam steering technology with high SPLs and a wide dynamic range. The German manufacturer describes the system as featuring ‘compact dimensions’ and being ‘lightweight’ to ensure effective integration into a range of architectural settings, as well as facilitating transportation and set-up for mobile applications.

The Focus Modular series comprises three active systems. They are the FM/FMI-100 high frequency module containing eight 1-inch compression drivers with Fohhn HF Waveguide and horn; the FM/FMI-110 high frequency module containing 16 1-inch compression drivers with HF Waveguide and horn; and the FM/FMI-400, a low-mid module equipped with 32 4-inch long excursion speakers.

The systems also feature integral multi-channel Class-D amplifiers and a specially developed multi-channel DSP processor for beam steering. A second DSP provides access to a range of audio tools including parametric 10-band EQ, compressor/limiter/noise gate, delay, cross-over, status and temperature monitoring and tone generator (sweep tone and pink noise). A further DSP contains a special algorithm designed to give maximum protection to each individual speaker.

According to the manufacturer, this combination of loudspeaker, amplifier and DSP technology enables the Focus Modular series to achieve maximum SPLs of 139dB (FMI-400), 142dB (FMI-100) and 148dB (FMI-110), measured at a distance of 1m. The different modules can be combined and cascaded for a range of applications using Fohhn’s dedicated Quick-Lock system.

The new modules incorporate the same beam steering technology as Fohhn’s Focus Series family as a whole, including real-time adjustment (in 0.1-degree increments) of the speakers’ vertical sound inclination angle (-40-degrees/+40-degrees) and vertical beam width (0-90-degrees). Dual-beam technology enables simultaneous coverage of different audience areas. A digital high pass filter can be separately applied to each beam, and the acoustic centre of the individual beams adjusted in real time and set at any point of the loudspeaker’s line length. A specially developed algorithm also enables the suppression of any unwanted side lobes in the beam. The systems can be networked and remotely controlled in real time via Fohhn’s Audio Soft control software.

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Web: www.fohhn.com