How can a new series of compact, versatile point-source loudspeakers be defined to meet the demands of modern sound reinforcement environments, whether for mobile or fixed applications?
How can it be made adaptable to new audio technologies be it networking or spatialization while still retaining the possibility of traditional operation?
To evolve toward these new practices without breaking away from established methods, d&b Audiotechnik offers an elegant solution: the U Series.
A complete design overhaul enables it to reach new levels of performance, both in electroacoustic terms and in system architecture, thanks to the integration of MILAN and PoE++ power capabilities. This hybrid topology makes it extremely difficult, from a listening perspective, to distinguish between a U Series loudspeaker powered from the mains and one powered via the network. With the U Series, d&b radically redefines what a compact point-source loudspeaker can achieve, opening up new possibilities for system design.
A new high-precision design shared across the three U Series models
Presented at ISE 2026, the new U Series immediately stands out on the d&b booth. Once the grille is removed, it clearly signals, at first glance, a complete shift in design philosophy from the German manufacturer.
The enclosure is injection-molded and coated with an impact-resistant paint. This technology offers great manufacturing flexibility and precision in curved surfaces, allowing better control of edge diffraction effects and improved radiation behavior.
The U Series is based on a two-way design with an integrated passive crossover. Its acoustic design features a bipolar low-frequency driver system in a bass-reflex configuration, with ports optimized for airflow characteristics. The result is efficient low-frequency reproduction and controlled vertical directivity from 500 Hz across all models. Each loudspeaker is equipped with a tool-free rotatable waveguide for precise dispersion control and highly effective off-axis performance.
The series is available in three sizes, each offered in passive or networked versions:
• The U3 features dual 5” drivers and a 0.75” compression driver, with 100° x 65° directivity, a maximum SPL of 128 dB, and a weight of 7.1 kg.
• The U5 incorporates dual 6.5” drivers and a 1” compression driver, offering 90° x 60° directivity, 133 dB max SPL, and a weight of 11.5 kg.
• The U7 uses dual 8” drivers and a 1.65” compression driver, delivering 80° x 55° directivity, 136 dB max SPL, and a weight of 19.2 kg.
This new design marks a significant step forward in tonal consistency across the entire range. This was clearly demonstrated during the listening session. Each model U3, U5, and U7 was flown side by side and fed with the same audio program.
The demo sequentially activated each loudspeaker to allow comparison. Apart from a slight low-frequency extension naturally resulting from larger LF drivers, it was extremely difficult to identify which loudspeaker was active, as all three exhibited virtually identical tonal characteristics.
Networked or passive: identical performance
The passive and networked variants of each model are physically and acoustically identical and in this respect, the challenge has been successfully met.
With three loudspeakers delivering strong performance, consistent tonal balance, and low frequency extension down to 55 Hz, the U Series provides a solution capable of high-quality sound reinforcement, easily adaptable to both content and venue.
The immersive demonstration at ISE confirmed this capability. From conventional sound reinforcement to complex multi-source installations, the U Series delivers the expected linearity and acoustic fidelity.
Electronics, amplification, and power
The passive versions (U3, U5, U7) operate with d&b amplifiers within a standard d&b workflow. The networked models (U3N, U5N, U7N) offer a wide range of connectivity options for power, audio, and remote control, along with multiple configuration and redundancy modes.
The U Series thus provides a loudspeaker system adaptable to the requirements and challenges of any application, offering system designers and integrators true architectural freedom. It is now possible to choose between centralized or decentralized electronics, in star or daisy-chain topologies.
Network topology options
Networked U Series models support numerous wiring topologies:
1. Analog audio + mains power, control via NFC app
2. Single CAT6 cable for PoE++ power, audio, and control via DN2 switch
3. Star network for audio/control + mains power
4. Daisy-chain network for audio/control + mains power
5. With analog audio redundancy
6. With primary and secondary network redundancy
7. With power redundancy (PoE++ and mains)
8. Adaptable to all structural requirements
While passive models are powered by d&b 5D or 5DM amplifiers, networked versions can be powered via mains or PoE++, or both for power redundancy. Audio signals can be delivered via MILAN or analog, or both for signal redundancy. Control is handled via R1 software or offline via NFC.
A networked U Series loudspeaker can be fully operated with a single cable. In this “single-cable” mode, power, audio signal, monitoring, and remote control (PoE++, Milan, R1) are all carried over a single CAT6 Ethernet connection offering significant savings in deployment and cabling infrastructure, as well as total freedom in system design.
Subwoofer extension: B10 series
The ecosystem includes:
• DN2 switch for networked systems
• 5D / 5DM amplifiers (Milan) for passive systems
• DS22 Audio Network Bridge for integrating external sources into a MILAN network
The system achieves excellent performance both in passive operation with 5D amplifiers and in networked operation via PoE++.
DN2 switch
To supply PoE++ power, d&b offers the DN2, an 8-port Milan-AVB PoE++ switch delivering up to 90 W per port via etherCON® connectors. It ensures reliable power and data transmission and features a threaded insert for easy mounting on rigging or structures.
Preconfigured for Milan-AVB, it greatly simplifies AV system cabling, allowing each U Series loudspeaker to be powered via a standard Ethernet connection.
It automatically detects primary and secondary Milan networks, reports transmission errors, and simplifies redundancy configuration by automatically adjusting IP addressing when required.
Fully compatible with R1 software and integrated into the d&b workflow, the DN2 is particularly valuable for installations in hard-to-access locations, especially in spatial audio systems such as d&b Soundscape using the DS100M processor.
DS1 USB Milan interface
Another new product is the DS1 USB Milan interface. Powered via USB-C from a Mac or PC, it converts up to 16 bidirectional channels at 96 kHz between USB and Milan, enabling playback or multitrack recording on a Milan network via redundant Talker and Listener streams.
It offers seamless redundancy via primary and secondary Ethernet ports and allows remote control of d&b amplifiers via R1 using the OCA protocol. Audio and control data can be combined over a single Ethernet cable, making it ideal for network testing and multichannel playback/recording
DS22 Audio Network Bridge
The DS22 completes the Milan infrastructure by enabling integration of external AES3 and analog audio sources. It provides 16 AES3 input channels (with up to 4 switchable to analog) and includes a fully Milan-compatible 5-port switch. Designed for use near front-of-house consoles, it allows streamlined and cost-effective network management, particularly in festival environments or multi-console setups.
With its versatility, performance, and integration of MILAN and PoE++, the d&b U Series brings significant flexibility to sound system design. Maintaining the same acoustic performance and design while offering both passive and networked operation creates major opportunities for simplifying audiovisual projects.
While replacing traditional speaker cabling with network connections may not always seem advantageous in fixed installations, it becomes highly relevant in mobile applications where deployment speed is critical and in immersive systems, where large numbers of loudspeakers require a complete rethink of cabling strategies. In these contexts, the U Series is likely to attract strong interest from sound designers.
As a final nod, a pair of aging loudspeakers was demonstrated in the d&b auditorium a sound from the past, yet still perfectly intelligible: an F1222 top and a B1 subwoofer.
After 33 years of service in a theater before being repurposed for this demonstration, they stand as proof of the durability of d&b products. And yes the theater reinvested in the same brand.
Watch the U Series introduction video
Learn more at www.dbaudio.com
