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| VLS series offers AV contractors and consultants balance of performance |
Tannoy has once again identified Integrated Systems Europe show in Amsterdam as the premier platform for an international product launch with the unveiling of its brand new VLS Series passive column array loudspeaker system incorporating another Tannoy innovation, FAST™ (Focussed Asymmetrical Shaping Technology).
Comprising of 3 models, VLS Series represents a welcome addition to Tannoy’s product range in the column array loudspeaker segment, augmenting its already strong offering to the so-called ‘architectural audio’ market – where maximum intelligibility and minimum aesthetic impact are the driving concerns. Building upon the proven commercial success of its flagship QFlex self-powered steerable array system, VLS Series offers AV contractors and consultants an alternative solution in the shape of a passive device offering balance of performance and cost, when active beam-steering may neither be required nor affordable.
With transducer technology adapted from QFlex, coupled with an innovative new passive crossover network design, VLS Series is the first Tannoy product to incorporate FAST (Focussed Asymmetrical Shaping Technology), delivering unique acoustic performance benefits not previously seen across a full range of passive column loudspeakers. Central to this is its asymmetrical vertical dispersion, gently shaping the acoustic coverage towards the lower quadrant of the vertical axis. By the nature of a typical application, an ideal column loudspeaker should be biased in the vertical plane, towards the audience and away from reflective surfaces above (like ceilings) which are detrimental to intelligibility. FAST also facilitates quicker, easier installation with less need for tilting or specific concern for optimal mounting height.
Tannoy has packaged this performance in a slender and narrow profile, aesthetically refined, powder-coated aluminium chassis with curvilinear aluminium grille; ensuring a sleek aesthetic and ultra-discrete appearance. Each model is available in either black or white as standard, though custom RAL finishes are available at additional cost and lead-time.
3 models are available – VLS 7 (7 × 3.5" LF) designed for speech-only applications, VLS 15 (7 × 3.5" LF with 8 × 1" HF) and VLS 30 (14 × 3.5? LF and 16 × 1? HF), both of which are designed for more demanding full-range applications as well as speech. All are IP64 rated for dust and water ingress and are salt spray and UV resistant as well as subject to rigourous high/low operational temperature and humidity testing – making VLS Series suitable for both indoor (House of Worship, Retail malls, auditoria) and covered outdoor use (transport hubs, concourses). Mounting is made easy via supplied wall-brackets.
Specification is aided by the addition of an exclusive Tannoy edition of EASE Focus v2.0 software, allowing consultants to design systems with predictable results and specify VLS Series in conjunction with Tannoy’s existing column loudspeakers – including I Series and QFlex – within the familiar environs of an industry standard software wizard.
