ISE 2019 saw the successful launch of the third system in the EM Acoustics HALO line array family, HALO-B.
The move follows the introduction in early 2018 of the British company’s much-anticipated large format HALO-A arena system. As its name suggests, HALO-B sits between HALO-A and HALO-C in both physical size and overall system output, and as such is perhaps the most versatile system in the family.
Built on the same ‘maximum headroom’ design principles as HALO-A to ensure consistent performance across all SPL levels and consistent horizontal dispersion pattern across the operating frequency band, HALO-B is a two-way reflex-loaded line array element featuring dual 8” LF drivers and four 1” HF drive units.
It performs three core roles; firstly as a stand- alone system for small- to medium-format touring applications and small- to medium-sized fixed installations; secondly as a companion system to HALO-A as delay, outfill and/or infill for larger shows; and thirdly as a companion to HALO-C where HALO-B is the main system and HALO-C acts as delay/fill.
Festivals, stadia, sports arenas, concert halls, theatres, houses of worship and corporate AV events are all ideal candidates for HALO-B which is designed to be equally comfortable in both fixed installation and mobile applications. A single HALO-B exhibits a flat, free-field frequency response from 65Hz to 20kHz (+/-3dB) and a phase response which is +/- 20 degrees between 150Hz and 18kHz.
Due to the unique loading technique applied to the low-frequency drivers, combined with the high frequency waveguide, the dispersion pattern control is maintained down to 350Hz. The proprietary emulation manifold assembly provides twice the headroom of comparable systems and the use of ring-radiator compression drivers significantly reduces the 3rd harmonic distortion resulting in an even smoother and more natural sonic character.
A tough, weather- and impact-resistant polyurethane coating and a touring-friendly, ultra-high tensile steel 3-point flying system with quick-release pins complete the package. EM Acoustics operations director, Mike Wheeler claimed: “HALO-B is simply the best product we’ve ever made.”
Wheeler attributed this to a number of factors: “Firstly, we were successfully able to scale the technology used in HALO-A; this isn’t always possible, but when it is and it works, it’s a massive time saver. For example, the manifold technology that we developed for HALO-A is exceptionally good, and if anything, sounds even better in its scaled-down HALO-B implementation.
“The drive units are also superb. Secondly, HALO-B is an ideal size for so many applications, either on its own or accompanying something else – we think it’ll be a really useful tool for rental companies looking for maximum ROI. Finally, sonically, it’s amazing – it has all the poise, subtlety and detail of HALO-C combined with the horsepower of HALO-A in an incredibly versatile package. We hope all of our customers will be as enthusiastic as we are!”