Martin Audio DD6 with Differential Dispersion horn technology

Introduced at Integrated Systems Europe 2011 in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Martin Audio presented the final version of its DD6 at Prolight+Sound Show 2011, Frankfurt/Main, Germany. The DD6 is designed to be an ultra-versatile and compact, multi-angled enclosure based on Differential Dispersion horn technology, the first in a new line of products that will eventually replace the classic Wavefront range. It was also showcased at InfoComm11 and will be presented at PLASA 2011 in London. The DD6 extends the company’s loudspeaker portfolio and targets the touring and theatre segments. “The DD6 marks the first step in a new evolution,” states Martin Audio R&D Director, Jason Baird. “This ultra-versatile system offers a variety of different deployment options in a tour grade enclosure.” However, it is the custom-designed Differential Dispersion horn, developed using Martin Audio’s proprietary BEM tools he continues. “This yields a dispersion pattern which covers typical audience planes in a much more consistent manner than a conventional X by Y degree horn — in other words it delivers optimal near- to mid-field coverage.” To achieve this, the DD6 enclosure is loaded with a 90°-120° (H) x 60° (V) rotatable HF horn and direct-radiating 6.5” bass/mid driver with neodymium magnet and high linearity mechanical and motor system. This has the effect of improving throw towards the further limits of the coverage pattern, whilst reducing the output closer to the loudspeaker. Another advantage of the DD6 is its adaptability. Tool-less horn orientation adjustment and clever cabinet design offer a choice of portrait, landscape, ceiling/surface mount and stage monitor deployment, while three comprehensive brackets provide adaptable suspension options. In these orientations the rotational positioning of the square horn can easily be accomplished, since the grille is retained by magnets and safety straps, so can simply be moved out of the way without falling off. The horn is held in position by four thumbscrews — thus changing horn orientation to suit deployment becomes an extremely quick operation. The cabinet is polyurethane coated, with a rugged, matte finish that complements the unobtrusive, quick release grille. The cabinet is also fitted with four Neutrik NL4 sockets, to cope with cabling requirements of the large number of deployment options. The 16Ω nominal impedance allows at least four DD6’s to be driven by one amplifier channel while the drive to the speaker is selected between the two pairs of pins (1+,1- and 2+,2-) on the NL4 sockets, via a rear-mounted Bi-Path switch. This allows up to eight cabinets to be driven by one daisy-chained 4 core cable. Three brackets are available (Universal Bracket – Yoke Assembly – Wall Bracket), which allow a considerable number of suspension options: scaff/bar clamp, yoke, wall mount, top hat mount. The cabinet is fitted with 8 x M8 threaded inserts for simple eyebolt suspension.