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Based outside Turku, Finnish loudspeaker manufacturer Aura Audio Oy is using the magic of Powersoft’s M-Force’s electromagnetic conversion principle to power its XD30 subwoofer; this was pressed into action at the recent high profile Colors dance festival at Kaapelitehdas, the former cable factory in Helsinki — with devastating effect!
Aura Audio’s managing director, Mika Isotalo, explains that they worked closely with rental company AMJ Turku Audio Oy, who equipped both the main and second stages with Aura’s premier sound reinforcement systems. M-Force first captured their imagination at its launch during Prolight+Sound 2013 in Frankfurt. “We started working with it immediately, so that by Frankfurt this year we were able to present our own M-Force product, the XD30 subwoofer,” stated Mika.
A shot showing Paul Van Dyck and Aura’s Audio A2 in the middle of the set, one playing the music and the others reproducing it !! © Gofoxo.com – Sami Turunen
So what it is about M-Force that has created a true paradigm shift in low-frequency sound, and grafted a new dimension onto electronic dance music reproduction — so that dance music aficionados could hear an all-star line-up at Colors headed by Basement Jaxx like never before?
Essentially, it is an innovative transducer based on a patented moving magnet linear motor structure, offering unrivalled performance in terms of power handling, electromagnetic conversion, reliability and maximum SPL when compared to a conventional moving coil and cone arrangement.
The XD30, next generation subwoofer from Aura dn Powersoft. Delivering over 150dB between 35 and 80Hz. 115kg and the same output than 3 to 4 direct radiating double 18” sub…
Driven by the M-Drive amp module, the M-Force motor is the result of years of FEM magnetic and mechanical simulations, while Powersoft’s Differential Pressure Control (DPC) creates further performance enhancing active control.
“ As a loudspeaker manufacturer focusing on acoustics and new loading techniques we already had a new patented enclosure design which we had been using with different cone drivers for several years. When we saw M-Force we immediately thought it would be good for more compressed loading because of that huge motor strength. ”
“ A single XD30 is able to produce more than 150dB peak SPL in floor and we used four of those in two by two end-fire configuration so we were hitting average of 140dB´s at 10m´s. Low frequency cut of is around 30Hz, but it does go lower than that if necessary. ”
So far the system has been heard by dance music aficionados at such events as DBTL Festival in Turku, Helsinki Pride and Raumarock Festival in Rauma and others.
“ The reaction from pretty much everyone has been one of positive surprise,” says Mika. “ They have all been impressed by the size to SPL, the fast transient response and effortless infra bass. ”
At the same time Aura Audio purchased their first Powersoft X8 amplifiers this year, specifically to drive the top end of their rig and they will be offering them to their clients as a primary choice. “X8 represents an unparalleled package of DSP and electronic power, and it sounds very natural and clear,” observes Mika.
The point source all-purpose actively driven box from Aura Audio, the A1. 15’ Neodymium bandpass loaded for the lows, 6,5 neodymium code driver horn-loaded for the mids and a couple of 0,65 exit drivers for the highs. Max peak SPL is 137dB, the coverage at -6dB is 90×15°.
The « small » Aura’s line-array A2 featuring two 10” for the lows and the very same 6,6” and 0,65 for the mid and highs. Passive 3 ways, handling 600W RMS and 2400 peak, the A2 delivers a max peak SPL of 137dB. The coverage is 90×10° and the weight only 33kg.
At the Colors Festival the system comprised Aura Audio’s A2 line array with six elements per side and six as a delay line to carry sound over 100m to the back of the hall, powered by the X8, fitted with OEM preset libraries. Further A1 point source cabinets were used as front fills.
Since its humble beginnings in the late 90’s, Colors Festival became one of the largest EDM event in Scandinavia and is an integral part of the EDM music scene in Finland. The Helsinki based festival took place on 10-12 of July 2015 and is part of Colors events, which range from intimate club nights to major festivals. This year, Space Ibiza headlined the festival along with Basement Jaxx. Other leading DJs on the Colors Festival bill included Ferry Corsten, Orkidea, Paul van Dyk, ATB, Camilo Franco, Chicane, Deep Dish and Photographer.
Mika Isotalo is in no doubt as to the advantages the combination of their patented enclosure design loaded with the 30″ Powersoft M-Force driver system, brings in setting a new benchmark in SPL versus bass cabinet size. Finland’s nightclub owners are also catching on to the impact this can give their venues.
Dash Berlin. © Gofoxo.com – Sami Turunen
“ We expect to see some new ones using M-Force in the future — both in Finland and beyond, ” summarises Mika Isotalo.
“ I think M-Force open up new ways to make high power subwoofers and coupled with DPC and endless power capabilities of Powersoft amps we´re able to make a new reference for high-end subwoofers in both SPL dynamics and sound reproduction accuracy. ”
More informations :
http://www.auraaudio.fi/index.html
http://www.powersoft-audio.com/en
