New S1 Active Subwoofer Joins M1 Active
in Alesis Line for complete surround sound monitoring solution
 January 28, 1999Alesis introduces the S1 Active, a reference source for monitoring the
low frequency channel in multichannel surround monitoring. S1 Active Subwoofer
and M1 Active Biamplified Reference Monitors constitute a standardized
playback source for stereo or 5.1 surround production. The S1 Active ($499
USD MRSP) features a 250-watt internal amplifier with a long-throw 8"
woofer, an optimized crossover network, and connections for either active
or passive satellite speakers.
"Expanding our active monitoring line is important to Alesis, so
we're thrilled to be introducing the S1 Active right on the heels of the
M1 Active's extremely successful launch," comments Jim Mack Alesis
vice president of sales and marketing. "The S1 Active powered subwoofer
in combination with the M1 Active biamplified reference monitors make
an affordable professional surround sound monitoring system."
The S1 Active features a 250-watt front-firing 8" woofer made of
mica-infused polypropylene, a stiff lightweight material that makes it
agile and extremely responsive. The woofer combined with the S1 Active's
front firing port offers excellent transient response and improves bass
frequency articulation. Compared to powered subs in a similar price range,
S1 Active yields significantly higher SPL. S1 Active's compact design
makes it ideal for use in a small- to medium-sized project studios.
The S1 Active features a user-selectable crossover frequency control
that can be set to 60, 80, 100 or 120Hz. The control allows precise and
repeatable settings, making the subwoofer easy to integrate into a new
room or existing audio system. The selectable frequency response is from
40Hz to 60, 80, 100, 120Hz (+/-2dB). In stereo applications, S1 Active's
crossover network sends low frequency signals to the sub and passes the
high frequency spectrum to dedicated satellite outputs on the rear of
the sub.
In addition to being used with powered monitors, like the M1Active, the
S1 Active can be used with passive speakers like the Alesis Monitor One.
Special speaker level inputs allow the S1 Active to be connected directly
to the same amplifier outputs as those feeding the satellite speakers.
The S1 Active features a unique cooling solution. The internal amplifier's
heat sinks are mounted in the bottom slot on the front panel and are cooled
by the air displaced with each excursion of the woofer. The lack of exposed
heat sinks provides safe handling of rear panel controls and allows more
flexibility in positioning the speaker.
For the flexibility required in studios, the S1 Active provides a polarity
(phase) reverse control, a gain level control, line level inputs and outputs
and 5-way binding posts. The S1 Active is magnetically shielded for use
in close proximity to computer and video monitors.
While the S1 Active can be used with a wide range of speakers, the subwoofer
was designed concurrently with the M1 Active, making them exceptionally
well matched. The M1 Active is currently available and the S1Active is
expected to ship in the second quarter of 1999. For more information, visit Alesis at www.alesis.com. | 
