In addition to its large line array systems and subs at NAMM 2024 (Demo Room 17104), Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW) is also showcasing LA Series, a 2-way, self-powered loudspeaker featuring EAW’s signature performance in a portable and lightweight package. The LA Series supports events that are often geared towards pole mounted deployments, such as small to medium live shows, weddings, corporate events, restaurants, bars and clubs.

Designed around high-quality transducers, the LA Series consists of four models, the 12” LA121 and LA123, and the 15” LA151 and LA153. Performance versions LA123 and LA153 utilize a 3” voice coil compression driver providing higher output, crisper highs and clearer vocals. All four models weigh less than 50 pounds individually and the asymmetric pattern of the horn maintains high frequency directivity where required, eliminating unwanted reflections in the venue.

“NAMM is a great crowd to showcase our range of solutions – from large arena applications to smaller venues, which is where the LA Series shines,” says TJ Smith, president of Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW). “Most active 2-way loudspeakers on the market prioritize processing and mixer features, but these technologies are already owned by most live sound companies. The LA Series loudspeakers represent a shift in focus, as it is an investment maximized around transducers and simple deployment instead.”

Setup is streamlined for the LA Series, the XLR in and loop output simplifies wiring by allowing multiple loudspeakers to daisy chain. It is also designed with a mic/line switch, allowing the loudspeaker to be used in simple setups where only the amplification of a single microphone is required. Its TRS input provides flexibility with different external mixers and processors, eliminating the need for adapters. Performance versions of the LA Series utilize Neutrik PowerCon in and loop through for secure connection to the mains’ source.

The lightweight and durable enclosure has been meticulously designed to eliminate any resonance within and houses on-board bi-amplified electronics (1500W). It utilizes large asymmetric ports designed to maximize sensitivity, neutralize internal reflection and minimize chuffing. These produce exceptional bass response from a full range cabinet. EAW’s Focusing and Beamwidth Matched Crossovers provide unmatched clarity and accuracy, while DynO digital signal processing also allows LA Series to provide clear and dynamic sound.

These products also include a monitor angle and monitor mode button that accommodate mains and monitor use in one product, in turn making the LA Series even more flexible. Rubber feet prevent shifting when the loudspeakers are set on a flat surface, such as an RS subwoofer or stage lip.

Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW) announces its NTX Series Line Array and SBX Series Subwoofer, user-friendly, high-performance systems ideal for performing arts centres, theatres, medium to large outdoor festivals, corporate events and houses of worship.

EAW’s NTX201L is a high-performance solution that streamlines setup to deliver maximum results in minimal time. It is a 2×10” articulated array with an integrated 1600W two-channel amplifier and universal PFC power supply. The NTX210L operates in the 55hz – 18khz range with a max SPL of 140db and has a 90° horizontal and 12° vertical nominal beamwidth.

With the NTX series, achieving optimal sonic performance has never been easier or more accessible. Different from other powered line array products, the NXT’s patented OptiLogic technology provides automatic array self-detection via onboard infrared sensors and accelerometers, and near instant optimisation including air loss compensation and more. The NTX series features integrated Dante networking (with loop-thru) including analog redundancy capability, allowing the analog input to be set to automatically enable if the Dante signal is lost.

EAW also introduces its SBX Series High Output Subwoofers. The SBX Series active 18” subwoofers include the SBX218 (capable of a total 5,000 watts) and the SBX118 (capable of 2,500 watts). Both operate in the 25hz–120hz frequency range with a max SPL of 141db for the SBX218 and 135db for the SBX118. Both models feature exclusive 18in neodymium woofers with four-inch voice coils. While the SBX Series Subwoofers are mechanically designed to complement the NTX210L Line Array, they can support other systems, such as the EAW Anna ADAPTive and RSX Series lines.

Here’s the technical lowdown directly from EAW on their new MKD series, based off of the landmark MK series released some 20 years ago…

The MK-series of installation loudspeakers has been the standard for leading installations over the past 20 years.  While the series has gone through some improvements, the fundamental concept of a single woofer and HF horn driver with matched coverage through the crossover region has remained unchanged.  However, recent transducer developments have allowed us to advance the series further and that’s what EAW has done in the new MKD series.

In order to increase output and take the exceptional pattern control of MK to the next level, we have taken concepts from the highly successful QX series and applied them to new dual woofer loudspeakers. This approach has yielded as much as a 6dB increase in LF output with significantly enhanced beam-width along the axis of the dual woofers.

Improvements. But from where?

As with QX, the MKD HF driver needed to achieve a crossover point at least 1 octave below that of a single woofer design.  New transducers were then required in all instances. In the 10” version (MKD1000) this is achieved with a 4” coil HF driver.  In the case of the dual 8” version (MKD800) a new 2” coil driver had to be developed as no 1.75” coil could achieve low enough resonance. This allows for wider operating ranges to match the LF sections and avoid the lobing of a typical dual-woofer design.

The slanted mounting technique of the recessed woofers inherently improves time coherency as well as minimising the overall long dimension of the cabinet.  This technique was first applied in the KF860 touring line array cabinet and then evolved for the AX series. It is now used in several EAW loudspeakers including QX3, QX5, and now MKD.  The result is that the dual woofer MKD loudspeakers are no larger than the MK cabs yet boast dramatically improved LF pattern control, LF extension, and exceptional output.

What’s Shipping

The MKD800 and MKD1000 series are shipping now in horn patterns of 120×60, 60×45, and 90×60, but we haven’t stopped there.  Dual 6”, 12”, and 15” versions (MKD600, MKD1200, and MKD1500) are in development.  Each will benefit from specially developed HF drivers.  The MKD1200 will use a specially developed co-ax driver and the MKD1500 will receive a radical new design, a ground-breaking wide bandwidth driver covering down to 350Hz in one device.

When The Brooklyn Tabernacle, a multicultural, non-denominational megachurch, moved into its current facility in the heart of downtown Brooklyn 21 years ago, its three cluster PA system served the church well. As the years have passed, church leaders realised the need to upgrade to more current technology to continue to serve the needs of the church. The Tabernacle found the solution it was looking for with EAW’s ADAPTive System featuring the Anna Loudspeaker and Otto Subwoofer.

Today, The Brooklyn Tabernacle has grown from a handful of people to a congregation of about ten thousand who attend weekly services. The Brooklyn Tabernacle is also home to the world renowned 270-voice choir, which has recorded three videos, three DVDs and numerous albums, winning five Dove Awards and six GRAMMY Awards. 

“Our original system was an EAW rig designed by Craig Janssen, managing director at Idibri, over twenty years ago,” says Michael Archibald, A\V admin at The Brooklyn Tabernacle. “One of the main components of the original project with Idibri was to acoustically treat the room. Craig and Idibri also consulted on the design of the new PA system. They helped us through the selection process. We were looking for a system that would not only give us the coverage, but also the energy.”

Early in the process, Harold Rubens, a good friend of Archibald’s and a veteran FOH engineer who he highly respects, strongly recommended the EAW ADAPTive System and a split array design for the room. “Harold has been working indirectly with our church and choir for a long time and really knew our room and our needs,” adds Archibald. “Harold’s confidence in the system to be able to meet our design needs was a big part of our decision. I met with a sales rep from EAW and he was very helpful throughout the entire process. After hearing the EAW ADAPTive system, the choice was clear. Once we had the design and speaker selection, the wonderful team at Clair Solutions was brought in to do the integration.”

One of the most important factors in The Brooklyn Tabernacle’s speaker choice were that the EAW’s could use the venue’s existing hang points. “Our old system was hung from a ground-supported steel beam structure because there is no steel to hang any arrays,” adds Archibald. “Each split array consists of five Anna’s with four Otto’s in the middle and four Anna’s below. By being able to utilise the existing hang points, we were able to save a lot of money without compromising on sound quality.”

Due to a very large acoustic space, the room presented some unique design challenges. “We have a massive balcony that has the front row approximately 60 feet from the stage and the back row approximately 160 feet from stage,” says Archibald. “Equally as challenging from a coverage perspective is our under-balcony area, which starts at 60 feet from the stage and goes back to approximately 120 feet back. All the while, the FOH mix position is about 50 feet from the stage in a huge open part of the room.  The EAW ADAPTive cabinets gave us the solution with its steering capabilities and is able to cover all the different spaces with equal coverage and energy with a lot less cabinets then other manufacturers.”

According to Archibald, “With EAW ADAPTive, there is not a bad seat in the large room. Our sanctuary holds 3,800 seats, and yet it feels very intimate. The best way I can describe our new system is when you sit in our sanctuary it feels like you have a pair of studio monitors right in front of you. Because of COVID-19, we had to tune the room virtually. John Mills from EAW was able to tune the room remotely with the Clair Solution crew, which was very cool. We are extremely happy with the entire process, the final results and the teams at EAW, Harold Rubens, Idibri and Clair Solutions. The EAW ADAPTive system is amazing and a perfect fit for our space and needs.”

In addition to the EAW speaker upgrade, Brooklyn Tabernacle upgraded the FOH console to a Yamaha PM7 and monitor console to a Yamaha CL5 all being utilized on a Dante network.