EAW Now Shipping MicroWedge Series MW15 and MW12 Stage Monitors
(EAW | Posted 2009-01-28)
Whitinsville, MA, USA - January 21, 2009 - EAW, a leader in audio system solutions, is now shipping the MicroWedge15 Stage Monitor (MW15), the newest addition to the MicroWedge Series of products. The 15-inch MicroWedge15, a direct result of extensive research and field evaluation with FOH/monitor engineers, leading touring companies and audio consultants, joins the 12-inch MicroWedge12 (MW12, a number of which are also shipping) as the most recent product in the MicroWedge line.
The MicroWedge15 is the second model of the EAW MicroWedge Series to be released since an agreement was reached with MicroWedge developer Rat Sound Systems Inc. in late 2007, stipulating that EAW would serve as the exclusive manufacturer and distributor of MicroWedge products. Additional EAW-exclusive MicroWedge Series products will be introduced in the near future.
Designed to complement the performance capabilities of today's most sophisticated live sound systems, the MW15 provides dramatically enhanced fidelity, power handling and reliability in comparison to earlier MicroWedge models, attained with an optimum blend of upgraded transducers and EAW's hallmark crossover design techniques. Mechanical durability has been advanced as well, joined by enhancements in enclosure fabrication, ergonomics and interconnection, along with dramatic weight reduction. The result is a stage monitor that provides accurate audio reproduction with the ability to project at higher sound pressure levels -- perfect for acts who are performing in larger venues or arenas.
The MW15 features a coaxial driver arrangement that pairs a 15-inch woofer with a 3-inch (diaphragm) HF compression driver on a horn, delivering full yet tightly controlled 90-degree horizontal dispersion. This design path guarantees that all frequencies emanate from the exact same point, eliminating crossover region problems and time/phase irregularities, and optimizing coherency. The coaxial approach also contributes to a very compact, low-profile footprint that stays out of sight-and camera-lines, but attained without sacrificing fidelity and high output levels.
The MW15 is processor-enhanced (rather than processor-dependant) for true "plug and play" operation, eliminating the need to purchase additional processing. In addition, it offers switchable passive or active modes.
The physical profile is visually appealing while serving another valuable function by focusing upward-firing coverage to the area most comfortable for performers - close to the wedge. This is particularly a significant advantage when stage space is in short supply. And, the curved front affords more flexibility in visually placing wedges that are optimally focused.
A large port on the front of the cabinet serves to enhance LF response in coupling with the floor (and cleans up the cable configuration, so that artists do not fall over cluttered cords in the middle of a performance), and in another upgrade, this port also now houses both the carrying handle and the passive/active mode switch. The resulting look is very clean, with the switch easily accessible (but protected from accidental changes) and the handle location fostering very balanced, single-hand carrying, enhanced by reduced enclosure weight.
Further, the port houses dual input connectors, keeping them concealed and protected while also facilitating an ideal way of making sure cables run very close to the floor where they can easily be secured in place with tape. The connector location also allows wedges to be placed as close together as desired, and again, there's no cabling between wedges that can trip the performers.
Additional cable can be stored in the port without impacting LF performance, and it is also sized to accept a leg of a tripod microphone stand, providing added stability and security.
The trapezoidal enclosure sides allow wedges to be placed very close together in "arc" configurations, while the addition of rubber feet to the bottom of the enclosure reduces abrasion. New integral rigging hardware - also mounted on the enclosure bottom - means easy flying when desired.
Finally, MicroWedge Series MW15 and MW12 are very capable of withstanding the rigors of club and touring life. The Baltic birch cabinets are protected with EAW's proprietary RoadCoatTM finish that's highly resistant to dings and scratches, and the rugged steel grille keeps its distinctive shape, even when stood upon by performers. All transducer components are highly liquid tolerant - virtually impervious to spilled drinks as well as natural elements like rain.
The EAW MicroWedge Series MicroWedge12 and MicroWedge15 are currently available. For more information, please visit www.eaw.com.
