Bag End’s new generation of bass signal processors, calledINFRA, comprise the INFRA-M (shown) and INFRA-M2, which rely ontechnology that operates a subwoofer below resonance without the use oflowpass filters, eliminating delay, impedance bumps and otherirregularities.
In the INFRA technology, the electrical signal goes through theINFRA electronics before the power amplifier, as it would with aconventional electronic crossover. Inside the INFRA electronics, aslope is applied to the signal by the use of dual integrators liftingthe low frequencies by 12 dB per octave.
The INFRA loudspeaker is placed in a small enclosure, providing arelatively high system resonance for a subwoofer. The system’s responsewithout the INFRA electronic drive will rise at 12 dB per octave up toits resonance frequency and then flatten out until the woofer reachesits upper limit. When INFRA drive is applied, the 12dB per octaveroll-off of the cabinet combines with the 12dB per octave lift of theelectronics to form a flat frequency response down to the lowest pointset on the INFRA electronics—as low at 8 Hz. Above resonance, theloudspeaker would normally respond flat up into the midrange. WithINFRA drive, the dual integrators roll-off at 12 dB per octave from thesystem resonance, or the point where the speaker would normally run outflat.
Because there are no lowpass filters in INFRA technology, there isno filter delay. Below resonance, the impedance, cone excursion anddampening factor are uniform and predictable. Thus, the reaction time,controllability and the ultimate fidelity of the loudspeaker isdramatically improved. The spatial offset between the INFRA system andthe upper-range loudspeakers is minimized.
Suggested retail price for the INFRA-M processor is $1,180; SRP forthe INFRA-M2 is $1,390.
In other company news, Bag End introduced pro versions of itsINFRAsub-18 and INFRAsub-12 powered subwoofers, which offer new controlabilities for professional studio surround monitoring applications.
Among new features, the pro models contain an input card offeringsix inputs and five highpass filter outputs. In addition, an INFRAslave output is calibrated to the internal amplifier for additionalspeaker modules. A remote threshold indicator allows the dynamic filterto be monitored remotely from the console bridge. Polarity and 10dBattenuator switches allow for fine-tuning adjustments and integrationto the upper-range speaker systems.
Otherwise the INFRAsub-18 PRO and INFRAsub-12 PRO are nearlyidentical to the company’s home-theater versions. They are bothpowered by an internal 400-watt amplifier and controlled by BagEnd’s exclusive dual integrator, which is also internal. TheINFRA processor gives the INFRAsub12 PRO the same ability as its biggerbrother to produce a flat acoustical response down to 8 Hz.
The INFRAsub-18 PRO contains an 18-inch woofer and measures23.5×21.5×18.5 inches (HxWxD) and weights 91 pounds. The INFRAsub-12 isloaded with a 12-inch woofer that measures only 15.5x18x15.5inches(HxWxD and weighs 57 pounds.
Specifications for the INFRAsub-12 PRO and INFRAsub-18 PRO include:Transducer offers a 12-inch extended low cone; inputs are six XLRconnectors; outputs include five highpass XLR; frequency response is+/-3 dB, 8 Hz to 95 Hz; and amplifier output is 400 watts continuoussine wave.
SRPs include: INFRAsub-12 PRO, $1,980; and INFRAsub-18 PRO,$2,060.
For more, visit www.bagend.com. For more new product announcements,visit mixonline.com/products_new_products/index.htm.
