Martin Audio unveils Torus and Display 3

Online:

Two new products from British loudspeaker manufacturer Martin Audio have been unveiled in a special online launch event, the company’s first constant curvature line array, Torus, and its new 3D prediction and optimisation software, Display 3.

The new Torus system is intended to bridge the gap between a blown line array or a point source solution for applications that typically require a throw distance of 15–30m. The result of three years’ development in furthering the acoustic concept and performance achievable, the manufacturer states that Torus combines optimised coverage, SPL profile and cost efficiency.

“Typically, constant curvature arrays have adjustable horizontal dispersion but their performance can vary considerably in terms of tonality and effectiveness of coverage when different dispersions are selected,” explained managing director, Dom Harter. “Equally, many lack sufficient sensitivity in the mid-band frequency, critically important for voice projection and clarity. They also can suffer from comb filtering. Torus fundamentally addresses these areas and more.”

Each Torus cabinet offers a horizontal dispersion pattern that can be manually adjusted between 90°, 60° or 75° (asymmetrical) via the Dynamic Horn Flare. This not only moves and locks the waveguide but also adjusts the horn mouth, including the low diffraction termination into the baffle, to ensure correct geometry and optimal performance in each of those settings. The Dynamic Horn Flare is moved by a rotating mechanism easily accessible from the front grille. A vertical pattern of either 15° or 30° is achieved via two separate cabinet types: the T1215 and T1230, respectively. These cabinets can also be combined to fit venue and coverage requirements.

Torus cabinets feature a phase plug mounted in front of a 12-inch neodymium driver to increase mid-band sensitivity, along with three 1.4-inch HF polymer dome neodymium compression drivers. The sonic performance is said to be uncompromised even when driven at a higher SPL.

Torus is also the first product to take advantage of the Display 3 prediction and optimisation software. Intended for use in both live and installed applications, the software works with Sketchup in order to provide venue modelling, or allows for more simple venue and shape creation. Initially, the software will natively support prediction and optimisation of Torus, with line arrays being imported from Display 2. Over time, Display 3 will incorporate all of the manufacturer’s line array, point source, ceiling and subwoofer solutions for a complete self-contained system design and prediction platform.

Torus will start shipping worldwide from April and Display 3 will also have a public release at that time.