Wharfedale Pro is now shipping the next generation of the company’s EVP line of loudspeakers, the EVP-NEO series, which is distributed in South Africa through Audiosure and should be available from mid April.
Lighter in weight with improved materials and construction, the EVP-NEO series builds on the sound quality of the EVP-X with the key enhancement being the addition of Neodymium technology. This has a major impact on the size and weight.
There are seven models available in the range: the EVP-12M NEO and EVP-15M NEO are both low profile stage monitors, along with the EVP-12NEO, EVP-15NEO and EVP-215NEO all part of the full range line-up, the first two being of course 2-way with the latter denoted by the 215 model number being of the dual woofer configuration. Two subwoofers round of the range – the EVP-15SUB and EVP-18SUB providing low end reinforcement.
The cabinets overall have been improved somewhat to provide a more compact package with the use of heavily braced MDF panels to balance rigidity and weight reduction. Notably the handles are now made of aluminium which makes for a much stronger and more durable cab to carry and they are also recessed. The new formed powder coated grille also gives the units a nice business like appearance and seems reasonably impervious to denting which should maintain the cab’s good looks through sustained use.
A new ultra flat HF unit (titanium HF diaphragm) on a 70-degree x 70-degree circular waveguide improves high frequency response, while the woofers in the full range models now use neodymium magnets for greater power and efficiency. New crossover networks are used throughout the range with transparent thermal HF protection.
The dual angle pole mount is an excellent idea and seems so simple it’s almost genius as it allows for flat or 10-degree mounting of the full range speakers, thus directing more of the high frequencies at the audience as opposed to being aimed at the ceiling. This significantly reduces early reflections too.
Connectivity is fairly standard with a combination Speakon/Jack parallel input/ output which is located on a recessed panel. The stage monitors have a third parallel input/output located on the opposite end, which allows one to neatly wire the monitors along the front of the stage, keeping things nice and tidy.
All in all it’s a well thought out range covering all the configuration needs for sound reinforcement. Sound hire companies are going to love the compactness and specifically the ease with which to transport them. Add to this the solid finish and they do seem like they will withstand the rigours of regular transportation. As a full range package, stage monitors included, one really does have everything required to pack a punch onstage for a live performance. Using just the 2-way speakers and a sub or two, however, also makes for an ideal DJ setup so I’m guessing both mobile DJs and/or a band looking for compact, easily configurable PA to travel with are going to enjoy the EVP-Neo Series.
The range comes with two finishes; a black painted finish or a carpet finish. A great added touch which the suppliers tell us will also be available for the entire series here in SA are really nice, neat and robust touring bags. These bags are padded weather proof nylon covers to protect your investment during regular transit. The front of the Tour Bag can be removed, revealing a heavy duty mesh screen that protects the transducers. This mesh screen keeps the EVP-Neo secure and allows operation while the loudspeaker is still protected by the cover. The front panel is held in place by heavy duty Velcro and facilitates quick setup. A Velcro sealed access point is located at the input panel, allowing full connectivity and operation while the EVP-Neo is still protected. Models that feature pole mount sockets have an entry point at the bottom of the Tour Bag, allowing pole mounting with the loudspeaker still fully protected inside the cover and if that’s not enough thought put into the entire design from speaker to covers they’ve even added a Velcro fastened accessory pocket on the rear for storage of cables and tools.
Key Features:
- Custom Neodymium woofers
- Improved 44mm Titanium diaphragm
- Circular 70 x 70 Constant Directivity waveguide
- Compact, solidly braced trapezoidal enclosures
- Dual-angle pole mount
- Parallel speakon/jack combi inputs on recessed input plate
- Sophisticated crossover design with Pro-tech HF protection
- Powder coated formed metal grille
Suggested Retail Prices
:EVP-12 NEO & 12M – R 5,195-00
EVP-15 NEO & 15M – R 6,295-00
EVP-215 NE – R 9,495-00
EVP-15 NEO SUB - R 3,995-00
EVP-18 NEO SUB - R 5,295-00
Distributor:
Audiosure | 011-7904600
021-5551617 | 031-5699260
051-4304455 | www.audiosure.co.za
Written By : Muse Report
