At last year’s InfoComm show in Orlando, I had an opportunity to hear Martin Audio demo its CDD Series coaxial loudspeakers — which ranged from the micro (five-inch) CDD5 to the powerful CDD15 — all combining distinctive curved enclosures with Coaxial Differential Dispersion technology intended to deliver high performance and consistent coverage to the install market.
Although it doesn’t happen often, I must admit I was blown away by this new series. Going back to the early-70’s — when I did an untold number of live sound gigs at Swanson Sound Service (Oakland, CA) using Altec 604’s in utility cabinets — I have long been a fan of coaxial speaker designs. I have always been impressed with how versatile a point-source speaker system could be in many instances. Yet despite the many advantages of a traditional coaxial system, they are traditionally limited to short-throw applications and tend to be prone to high-frequency beaming. Additionally, a conventional coaxial’s “use the woofer cone as horn flare” approach typically results in a 90°-by-90° (HxV) dispersion, which can direct a lot of sound energy into floors and ceilings and less to the audience, where you need it.
So when I first heard the CDD installation series, I was immediately struck by their wide, even dispersion that was highly controlled in the vertical plane, while exhibiting smooth off-axis response, with no edginess in that area. These first entries were offered as the CDD5, CDD6, CDD8, CDD10, CDD12 and CDD15 (with each model number referring to the size of the woofer) and four companion single/double 12- and 18-inch subwoofers. Martin Audio has since followed up the announcement with new weatherized models. Integrators will also be interested in versions of the CDD5 and CDD6 that are available for high-impedance 70/100-volt operation. Topping off the line is a wide range of optional installation accessories allowing wall, ceiling or flown mounting.
Yet as impressive as the demo was, I must admit that I am somewhat more interested in speakers for portable applications. After the CDD demo, I spoke to a Martin Audio representative, and I half-jokingly asked “these are great, so when are the road-ready powered versions going to arrive?” He replied that he had no comment on that, but there might be some big news to follow, sometime early in 2016.
Enter the CDD-LIVE!
Ironically enough, the answer I sought arrived (in true British precision) on April 5 at a press conference held during the 2016 ProLight+Sound Expo in Frankfurt, Germany.
Comprising three full-range models and two subwoofers, the new CDD-LIVE! Series is intended to suit an exceedingly wide range of professional stand-alone and distributed applications — from sound reinforcement and monitoring for live bands, DJ’s and corporate events to installations in dance clubs, ballrooms, theaters and performing arts centers.
Like the install versions that debuted last year, the heart of the new CDD-LIVE! series is Martin Audio’s patented Coaxial Differential Dispersion technology. Combining the point-source benefits of coaxial designs with the consistent coverage of Differential Dispersion, the CDD-LIVE! full-range systems project sound evenly front-to-back while exhibiting wide horizontal coverage close to the speaker to place full-bandwidth fidelity and impact to all corners of the venue.
Not surprisingly, all CDD-LIVE! models feature built-in Class-D amplification, onboard DSP and Dante digital audio networking for quick stage set-ups and efficient installations, while tour-grade enclosures and comprehensive mounting options — including pole mount, wall brackets, yokes and rigging inserts — offer flexibility in field deployment.
Understanding Coaxial Differential Dispersion
At the heart of the series is Martin Audio’s patented Coaxial Differential Dispersion technology. By combining the “point-source” benefits of coaxial design with the consistent coverage of Differential Dispersion, the intent of the CDD-LIVE! full range systems is to project sound evenly front-to-back, thus overcoming the weaknesses of both classic coaxial systems and systems with fixed dispersion X°-by-Y° horns.
Until now, one disadvantage of conventional coaxial devices has been high frequency beaming, where the high-frequency dispersion reduces as the frequency increases. This is primarily because conventional coaxial devices channel high frequencies through a narrow tube in the pole-piece of the magnet system. CDD Series coaxial devices sidestep this drawback via an innovative static waveguide (see Fig. 1) that merges seamlessly with the unique cone shape — maintaining the dispersion pattern out to very high frequencies.
Coaxial Differential Dispersion technology is also said to deliver more consistent audience coverage than systems with fixed dispersion X°-by-Y° horns — with the shape of the static and moving waveguides optimized to produce the differential dispersion pattern (See Fig. 2). This results in more output to the rear of the audience to distribute sound evenly front-to-back, while having wide horizontal coverage close-up. This increased coverage area can reduce the speaker count in larger installations by up to 25 percent, thus significantly reducing total installation cost of a project.
Model Specs & Specifics
The CDD-LIVE! line consists of two powered subwoofers (single/double-18) and three 2-way full range systems — the CDD-LIVE 8, the CDD-LIVE 12 and the CDD-LIVE 15 — and all are based around Coaxial Differential Dispersion drivers. One major difference is the integrated Class-D biamplification that provides peak power of 1,300 watts to the CDD-LIVE 8 and 2,500 watts to the CDD-LIVE 12 and CDD-LIVE 15.
All of the CDD LIVE! models (including subwoofers) feature multi-channel DSP consisting of parametric equalization and shelving filters, high-pass filtering (up to 48dB/octave), low latency HF FIR (Finite Impulse Response) filters and up to 200 ms of input delay. The DSP parameters are programmable over TCP/IP using Martin Audio’s VU-Net software, and users can select from presets via a rear panel switch. In addition, the drivers on all CDD LIVE! speakers are user-rotatable for horizontal or vertical applications.
The ultra-compact system CDD-LIVE 8 pairs an 8-inch woofer with a 1-inch exit HF CDD driver. Uses range from distributed sound reinforcement, to front fill/in fill or as a micro stage monitor. Dimensions are just 16.85 by 10.16 by 10 inches (HxWxD), while weight checks in at 30.8 pounds. Dispersion is 110° to 80° by 60°. Specs include frequency response of 70 Hz to 20k Hz, ±3 dB (or -10 dB @ 50 Hz) and max SPL is listed as 117 dB continuous (123 dB peak).
Next up, the mid-sized (22.8-by-14.13-by-14.7 inch, 61.6-pound) CDD-LIVE 12 is intended for pro for professional applications requiring high output levels from a compact enclosure. It mates a 12-inch woofer and a 1-inch exit CDD compression driver for even audience coverage at medium-throw distances. The LF driver has a 2.5-inch voice coil and efficient motor, while the HF driver utilizes a 1.75-inch polyimide diaphragm and a low-compression phase plug said to reduce non-linearity. The frequency response spec is 62 Hz to 20k Hz, ±3 dB (or -10 dB @ 50 Hz) and max SPL is listed as 117 dB continuous (123 dB peak) with continuous SPLs of 122 dB. Dispersion is 110° to 80° by 60°.
The flagship of the line, the CDD-LIVE 15 is designed for medium-to-large rooms. Its 110° to 80° by 60° dispersion (also user-rotatable) CDD driver is comprised of a 15-inch woofer (3-inch voice coil) LF driver and a 1.4-inch exit HF compression driver with a 3-inch titanium diaphragm. It uses the same 2,500-watt, fan-cooled, DSP-driven Class-D amp package as the CDD-LIVE 15, and is housed in a 27.4 x 16.8 x 16.6 inch enclosure and weighs 81.4 pounds. The CDD-LIVE 15’s specifications include a 55 Hz to 20k Hz, ±3 dB (or -10 dB @ 45 Hz) response and max continuous SPLs of 126 dB.
The Sub Side
A compact, high performance subwoofer, the CSX-LIVE 118 extends the LF range of the combined system to 35 Hz. An ideal partner for the CDD-LIVE 8 and 12, the CSX-LIVE 118 has a long-excursion 18-inch driver (4-inch voice coil) in a bass reflex enclosure with four large frontal ports to reduce air noise at high SPLs. A twin-fan Class-D power module delivers 2,000 watts peak; and crossover, EQ and control functions are provided by the onboard DSP section. Response is given at 43 Hz to 150 Hz ±3dB, (-10 dB @ 38 Hz). Weight is 110 pounds and dimensions (WxHxD) are 23.6 by 20 by 25 inches (30 inches deep when you include the rear casters).
The CSX-LIVE 218 is designed for demanding pro applications, with an operating range of 35 Hz to 150 Hz (± 3dB), and it houses dual-18 long-excursion drivers with water-resistant cones and triple roll surrounds. Twin-fan Class-D powering provides 4,000 watts of peak output. Eight large reflex ports reduce turbulent air noise, and the enclosure has four grab handles, skids and flying inserts. Dimensions (WxHxD) are 42.7 by 21 by 31.16 inches (36.20 inches deep including the casters). Weight is 231 pounds, excluding the transit cover.
All the models — full range and subwoofers — are constructed from heavily braced, multi-laminate plywood with a textured black polyurethane coating, steel grills, integrated side handles, pole-mount sockets and fly points.
Options, Options…
CDD-LIVE! systems are complemented by a comprehensive range of mounting accessories. The CDD-LIVE 8, 12 and 15 can be pole mounted — either directly using their integral pole-mount fittings, or with the addition of a universal bracket with a wide range of up/down tilt angles. The universal bracket can attach to a scaffold clamp for vertical or horizontal suspension from a truss.
Horizontal yokes are available for the CDD-LIVE 12 and 15, while pan and tilt wall brackets for the CDD-LIVE 8 and 12 mount the enclosures as close to the wall as possible. The wall brackets feature a lift-off capability that enables the wall-mounted section to be first-fixed, with the speaker added later. The CDD-LIVE 8, 12 and 15 have multiple M8 inserts for eyebolt suspension. The CSX-LIVE 118 and 218 are fitted with M10 inserts.
The Wrap Up
Dom Harter, Martin Audio’s recently appointed managing director, is enthusiastic about the range. “Until now, most industry self-powered portable loudspeakers have been underpowered, light-duty systems or very high-end systems out of reach of many users. Now, with the multi-purpose CDD-LIVE! Series, Martin Audio brings every thing rental companies, system integrators and musicians require from a self-powered loudspeaker at a commercially sensible price.”
Harter added, “This also marks our first product venture utilizing Dante. Given the popularity of this digital network solution, we believe this will be another reason why CDD-LIVE! will prove successful with rental companies and system integrators alike.”
At a Glance
Martin Audio CDD LIVE!
Martin Audio featured its CDD Series coaxial loudspeakers aimed at the install market at InfoComm 2015 in Orlando. The company’s new CDD-LIVE! Series, introduced at Musikmesse/Prolight + Sound in early April, takes the point-source benefits for coaxial designs, combines them with the consistent coverage of Differential Dispersion, and provides them in a road-ready portable package for the touring market, with built-in Class-D amplification, onboard DSP and Dante digital audio networking and tour-grade enclosures with multiple mounting options.
COMPONENTS
The CDD-Live! line includes three 2-way full range systems and two powered subwoofers.
CDD-LIVE 8
- Size: 16.85” x 10.16” x 10”
- Weight: 30.8 lbs.
- Woofer: 8”
- Driver: 1”
- Dispersion: 110° to 80° by 60°
- Frequency Response: 70 Hz to 20k Hz, ±3 dB (or -10 dB @ 50 Hz)
- Max SPL: 117 dB continuous (123 dB peak)
- Peak Power: 1300W
CDD-LIVE 12
- Size: 22.8” x 14.13” x 14.7”
- Weight: 61.6 lbs.
- Woofer: 12”
- Driver: 1”
- Dispersion: 110° to 80° by 60°
- Frequency Response: 62 Hz to 20k Hz, ±3 dB (or -10 dB @ 50 Hz)
- Max SPL: 122 dB continuous
- Peak Power: 2500W
CDD-LIVE 15
- Size: 27.4” x 16.8” x 16.6”
- Weight: 81.4 lbs.
- Woofer: 15”
- Driver: 1.4” (w/3” titanium diaphragm)
- Dispersion: 110° to 80° by 60°
- Frequency Response: 55 Hz to 20k Hz, ±3 dB (or -10 dB @ 45 Hz)
- Max SPL: 126 dB continuous
- Peak Power: 2500W
Subwoofers:
CSX-LIVE 118
- Size: 23.6” x 20” x 25” (w/o casters)
- Weight: 110 lbs.
- Range: 35 Hz
- Peak Power: 2000W
CSX-LIVE 218
- Size: 42.7” x 21” x 31.6” (w/o casters)
- Weight: 231 lbs.
- Range: 35-150 Hz
- Peak Power: 4000W
All Feature:
- Multi-channel DSP (programmable via VU-Net)
- Low latency HF FIR filters
- Input delay: Up to 200 ms
- User-rotatable drivers
Mounting Options:
- Pole mount option (all units)
- Universal bracket (all units)
- Horizontal yoke (CDD-LIVE 12 and 15)
- Pan and Tilt wall brackets (CDD-LIVE 8 and 12)
- Multiple M8 inserts for eyebolt suspension
- M10 Inserts (CSX-LIVE 118 and 218)
Manufacturer: Martin Audio
MSRP: Contact Company or Rep
More Info: www.martin-audio.com
