Studio Precision 8 Monitors Debut as Event's New Flagship Model
 March 11, 2003
After six years with their
20/20, Project Studio, and Tuned Reference biamplified monitors, Event Electronics announced the Studio
Precision 8 series, professional high-end loudspeakers that assume the position as the company's new flagship line. The
speakers, which were two-and-a-half years in the making, were designed by Frank Kelly and Walter Dick--the engineering team
behind all of Event's monitors--and feature all-new, next-generation technology, including the woofer, tweeter,
amplifier, bass ports, and even the look--a striking piano-black mirror finish with gold trim.
"The Studio Precision monitors are undoubtedly the finest direct-field designs I've ever been involved with," noted Walter Dick,
who was responsible for the overall system design, including the new transducers. "The new soft dome high-frequency radiator
[tweeter] creates a significantly expanded stereo soundstage as compared to our previous designs, and it delivers incredibly
precise imaging, with even subtle panning movements easily discernable."
"Our new 8" low frequency driver offers a whole new level of performance, in part through the use of a neodymium magnet," added
Frank Kelly, Event's VP of engineering, and the architect of the Studio Precision's amplifier. "Neodymium--a rare earth material at the forefront of
loudspeaker technology--gives the driver exceptionally low distortion characteristics. It also makes it far stronger, despite its lower weight, and gives it
a greater level of output efficiency--i.e., more output per watt-than a traditional woofer. And since the neodymium driver take up less space in the
cabinet than a standard woofer, we have effectively increased the cabinet volume, so the overall system bass response is extended as well."
The Studio Precision 8 is available in biamplified and passive versions. Both models use the 1" soft dome high frequency radiator. The high frequency
driver's soft dome design helps prevent the ear fatigue associated with metal-domed tweeters. It also features a neodymium magnet, and produces a
broad, flat radiation pattern that doesn't require corrective equalization (which adds tonal coloration and robs an amplifier of headroom). The end result
is a large sweet spot, so the mix position can be very personal or shared with a larger group.
Low frequency response in the Studio Precision line is deeper and more accurate than in any of Event's previous models, providing bass that can truly
be felt as well as heard. This sonic "impact"--i.e., the low frequency transient response--is delivered by the dual large-diameter linear-flow bass ports,
an Event exclusive. The port design allows for exceptional low frequency coupling into the room, low distortion, and superior low frequency transient
response. In practical terms, this means that the Studio Precision monitors will reproduce percussive and bass instruments without introducing new
overtones or artificially-hyped frequencies--in short, true, accurate, low end. The ports are front-mounted, allowing the speakers to be placed near walls
without restricting the ports' air flow.
The biamplified model features Event's most powerful amplifier to date: 280 watts per speaker (200 watts LF driver / 80 watts HF driver). The amplifier
circuitry, which is custom-designed for the driver components, features low-noise semiconductors and audio-grade film capacitors, for enhanced
dynamic range as well as lower noise and distortion. A torroidal transformer powers the amp, resulting in significantly reduced mechanical and electrical
noise. The active model also includes continuously variable low and high frequency trim controls, a continuously variable input sensitivity control, and a
switchable 80Hz high pass filter, which is useful for bass management in surround-sound applications. For easy connection, both balanced XLR and ?"
inputs are provided.
The Studio Precision 8 will begin shipping in April 2003.
For more information, visit their web site at www.event1.com. |
