Loudspeaker manufacturer Fohhn Audio in Nürtingen, Germany, has shipped the first of its new Focus Modular electronically steerable, active line array systems (prices TBA). Developed with challenging acoustic situations in mind, the high performance modular systems combine Fohhn’s flagship beam steering technology with very high sound pressure levels and wide dynamic ranges to offer more powerful coverage, long reach and excellent levels of music reproduction and speech intelligibility.
Compact dimensions and light weight are designed to ensure effective integration into a range of architectural settings, and to facilitate transportation and set-up for mobile applications.
The Focus Modular series comprises three active systems; the FM/FMI-100 high frequency module containing 8×1-inch compression drivers with Fohhn HF waveguide and horn; the FM/FMI-110 high frequency module containing 16×1-inch compression drivers with HF waveguide and horn; and the FM/FMI-400, a low-midrange module equipped with 32×4-inch long excursion speakers.
The systems also feature integral state-of-the-art multichannel Class-D amplifiers and a specially developed multichannel DSP processor for beam steering capability. A second DSP processor provides access to a range of audio tools including parametric 10-band EQ, compressor/limiter/noise gate, delay, crossover, status and temperature monitoring and tone generator (sweep tone and pink noise). A third DSP contains a special algorithm designed to give maximum protection to each individual speaker. Fohhn states that this particular combination of loudspeaker, amplifier and DSP technology enables the Focus Modular series to achieve maximum SPLs of 139 dB (FMI-400), 142 dB (FMI-100) and 148 dB (FMI-110), measured at a distance of one meter (approximately 3.3 feet). The different modules can be combined and cascaded for a range of applications using Fohhn’s dedicated Quick-Lock system.
The new modules incorporate the same beam steering technology that characterizes Fohhn’s Focus Series family as a whole, including precise real-time adjustment (in 0.1-degree increments) of the speakers’ vertical sound inclination angle (-40/+40 degrees) and vertical beam width (0 to 90 degrees). Dual-beam technology enables simultaneous coverage of different audience areas. A digital highpass filter can be separately applied to each beam, and the acoustic center of the individual beams adjusted in real time and set at any point of the loudspeaker’s line length. A specially developed algorithm also enables the suppression of any unwanted side lobes in the beam. The systems can be networked and remotely controlled in real time via Fohhn’s Audio Soft control software.
Fohhn developed Focus Modular systems for both mobile and permanent installation projects in theaters, concert halls, airports, houses of worship, conference centers and other public spaces. The loudspeakers’ slim, elegant design enables them to be mounted flat against a wall, or installed within the wall itself for complete invisibility. The systems can be supplied in a full range of RAL colors to blend with interiors.
For more information, visit Fohhn Audio AG.
