Duncan Proctor went along to the first UK demo of Electro-Voice and Dynacord’s latest speaker and amplifier lines.
Electro-Voice and Dynacord hosted product presentations and demo sessions after InfoComm 2017, in a demo space just outside Peterborough, with partners, customers and press.
The first part of the event focussed on the EVID-S series from Electro-Voice, which was launched a week earlier in Orlando. This series is the latest member of the EVID (EV Innovative Design) family of commercial speakers for installed applications. The range has been acoustically and aesthetically matched with the other members of the EVID family. In addition, Electro-Voice claims the EVID-S series has been designed to address the needs of the installer and the end-user more efficiently and effectively. This includes the new patent pending SmartMount-System, which is designed to make installation quicker and easier for a wider range of applications.
The series consists of 4in, 5.25in and 8in two-way speaker models, available in black and white and matching dual-10in and 12in dedicated subwoofers to make it easier for the installer to select the right solution for the space. Although the speakers feature weatherproof construction, they also have architecture-friendly styling to blend into the background.
Portfolio enhancement
Following the EVID-S series was the EVC series, also from Electro-Voice’s EVID range, which fills the price and performance gap in the company’s portfolio between the EVU and EVF models. Also launched at InfoComm, it is aimed at mid-market, small-to-medium sized applications such as houses of worship, performance centres and conference centres, as well as arenas and stadiums. The range consists of five base models EVC 8in, 12in and 15in two-way speakers as well as an 18in single subwoofer and a 12in Variable Intensity model. The one 12in Variable Intensity speaker replaces three 8in, 12in and 15in models with the company saying the best features have been combined in the new 12in release. This allows the series to offer a range of solutions for small venues where coverage, acoustics and aesthetics are the priority.
For the demo, both the EVID-S and EVC series firstly had music played through two speakers of each model in the two ranges with no subwoofer, before two 18in subs, powered by a single amplifier channel, were added for the second round of music playback. The speakers all feature strong intelligibility and a wide coverage pattern with no distortion detected as the SPL increased. The EVID-S series is set to be available mid-September with the EVC series targeted for late October/early November 2017.
Following the Electro-Voice demo there was the Dynacord product presentations, during which it was announced that it is simplifying its amplifier portfolio. The new L and C Series dual-channel power amplifiers, launched in June at InfoComm, were presented to the UK partner and customer bases. The C Series is for fixed install, while the L Series is the touring option and each series has four models, with output ranging from 1,300W to 3,600W. New MARC software allows full configuration, control and supervision of sound systems with multiple amplifiers. The C Series models are designed to provide background or live music in permanent install applications including bars and restaurants, sports facilities, churches and performing arts centres. They are suitable for direct drive applications with 70V/100V speaker lines, providing flexibility for a variety of install options.
Class leading
Dynacord claims that the two new series offer the most powerful DSP set in its class, and a tour-grade feature set. The demo for this new range featured an eye-catching shootout between a Dynacord L2800FD model and a renowned competitor product. Attendees were given sunglasses and the amps were connected to crowd blinder lights to provide visual evidence of the greater output coming from the Dynacord unit. Both amplifiers were in bridged mode and used the same input signal.
In between the Electro-Voice and Dynacord demonstrations, there was a branding and marketing presentation. It was revealed that going forward the Dynacord brand will purely develop electronics, while Electro-Voice will focus on loudspeakers. Despite the new directions the two Bosch brands are taking, no product lines will be discontinued.
