Fishman Launches Loudbox Acoustic Amplifier LineJul 23, 2003 Fishman Transducers announced their new Loudbox line of high-powered three-way acoustic amplifiers at the Summer NAMM Convention in Nashville. The first amplifier in the series to be introduced will be the 250-watt, single-channel Loudbox, with an 8" woofer, 4" polypropylene mid driver and two soft-dome neodymium tweeters, with all the components housed in their own sealed enclosures. Says Larry Fishman , "Our decision to go with a tri-amped, three-way speaker system was driven entirely by our quest for amplified clarity and sheer volume. To achieve the sound quality and power we were looking for, a two-way system just couldn't cut it; we'd sacrifice the system's response or we would over-burden the drivers. Once we added the midrange driver to the equation, all these problems evaporated." Taking a cue from commercial sound reinforcement systems, the three power amplifiers that drive the Loudbox deliver cleaner, more undistorted sound through the speakers. The high efficiency woofer pumps out the bass, the polypropylene midrange handles the crucial midrange and two soft-dome neodymium tweeters top off the treble. Design Engineer Kevin Kennedy explains, "The tweeters we use in the Loudbox are identical to those used in the best studio mastering monitors; they produce a smooth, sweet treble that is perfect for acoustic instruments. With two tweeters, we get the smooth treble we like, at the level we need, without the unpleasant 'honk' of a high frequency horn." The single-channel Loudbox features an ultra-high impedance input with an EQ section that includes bass, treble, midrange and brilliance controls. "Like a high-performance sports car, we decided to keep the layout simple and straightforward," states Kennedy. "The Loudbox has a greater than 116dB SPL rating, so the big thrills with this amp come when you step on the gas and feel the surge of power." Anti-feedback circuitry (notch and phase) helps to keep acoustic feedback under control. A spring reverb, mute switch, effects loop, and an XLR output round out the features. A convenient three-position kickstand lets the player tilt the amplifier back as floor monitor. The Loudbox has a list price of $699.95 and will begin shipping in August, 2003. A potent 500-watt, two-channel Loudbox Pro with a 12" woofer, 6" midrange and three tweeters will follow later in the year. It will offer all the preamp features of the 200-watt Loudbox (X2), plus XLR input, 48V & 14V phantom power, digital reverb and an Aux input with RCA jacks. The Loudbox Pro will list for $1199.95 and will begin shipping in September, 2003. For more information, visit their web site at www.fishman.com. |
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