The latest addition to d&b audiotechnik’s SL-Series line array systems, the smallest of the family, may seem very “classic” at first glance, but as soon as you get deeper into it, it reveals itself to be characterised by a series of important innovations and brilliant engineering solutions.
To connote all the SL-Series products are the wide low frequency extensions and an unprecedented broadband emission, as well as a new cardioid dispersion pattern that characterises the entire frequency range. The new XSL system has been designed to meet both the needs of sound amplification and the control of sound emissions, in any large-scale event, both in mobile applications and in installation. To complete the offer, a rich package of accessories and control software facilitates the integration and management of the various components.
XSL is available in the XSL8 and XSL12 line array models for mobile applications, which differ in the horizontal dispersion value: in the XLS8 it is 80°, while XLS12 reaches 120°, all with the same maximum SPL (140- 141 dB) and, a not insignificant detail, of weight (39 kg). Specially designed for small and medium-scale amplification, these line arrays integrate four neodymium drivers for low frequencies, two of which are 8″ forward facing and two 6.5″ at the sides, a driver for medium frequencies from 6.5” horn loaded, and two 1″ output high frequency compression drivers with 2″ voice coils, coupled to a waveguide. The speakers are driven by two channels of a d&b amplifier, which provides dedicated processing functions, one for the front LF drivers, and the other for the remaining channels of the system. This component geometry allows the diffuser to produce a perfectly symmetrical dispersion pattern. In short, nothing is left to chance!
The models can be mounted in vertical arrays of up to 22/25 units using the XSL Flying Frame, and up to 12 with the smaller XSL Mounting Frame. Constant directivity is maintained from 60Hz to over 18kHz and, in a logic of greater flexibility to cover applications where smaller arrays are used, XSL offers the ability to connect two cabinets in parallel.
The XLSi8 and XLSi12, on the other hand, are the fixed installation versions, also available in a special SVS version dedicated to stadiums which provides customised rigging solutions, maintaining the same acoustic performance but housing the speakers in cabinets optimised for permanent outdoor use with IP55 classification and possibility of special colours (SC) or weather resistant (WR).
The series is completed by the XSL-SUB subwoofer, a cardioid model created to pair perfectly with the XSL8 and XSL12 speakers and can be used both hanging (XSL-SUB) and on the ground (XSL-GSUB). XSL-SUB is a bi-amplified two-way bass-reflex subwoofer: it houses two long-excursion neodymium drivers: an 18″ driver is front-mounted and a 12″ rear-mounted driver, operating in independent bass-reflex chambers driven by separate channels of the D40 amplifier. The frequency response ranges from 37Hz to 110Hz (35Hz to 85Hz in INFRA mode). The cabinets are constructed of marine plywood and have a shock and weather resistant PCP finish.
