Outline introduced its Mini-Compass iMode Line Array powered speakers at InfoComm 2011.

Aimed at small- to medium-sized touring or fixed installations, the system is based on the company’s COMpact Polar Adjustable Sound System technology, Mini-CompassiMode and offers a streamlined, compact cabinet design that incorporates Outline’s iMode technology.

‘Mini-CompassiMode is the most advanced system of its type on the market,’ says Tom Bensen, Senior VP and managing director of Outline North America. ‘It delivers a compact form, self-powered, vertical line array system that is lightweight, easy to haul, easy to aim and contains not only a power amplifier, but the DSP engine iMode. Mini-CompassiMode receives its signal directly from the console without any outboard EQ, compression or crossover units. This saves on hauling, inventory and considerably streamlines system wiring.’

Mini-Compass iMode is a self-powered, bi-amped loudspeaker cabinet used as a vertical line array (VLA) system. This ultra compact loudspeaker system, weighing in at 52.9lbs. (24kg) with flying hardware. It features two 1.75-inch compression drivers and four 5-inch mid-woofers to deliver a peak SPL of 141dB @ 1m with four enclosures, and offers a frequency response of 100Hz to 20kHz. The cabinet uses two of Outline’s proprietary Double Parabolic Reflective Wave Guides – developed by Outline for its Butterfly line array systems – for the high-frequency section.

Mini-CompassiMode is the only compact VLA with variable, asymmetrical horizontal directivity. Steps of 15° can be manually set between 60° to 150°. Sixteen combinations of horizontal coverage (including asymmetric) are possible to fine-tune coverage according to the audience and acoustic properties of the venue. Because the sound can be directed by moving the ‘wings’ of the array, changing the radiation pattern is simple and straightforward. Embedded sensor-based recognition informs the DSP engine of the position of the cabinet wings, and the on-axis response is automatically adjusted in real time.

Following Outline’s ‘from console to enclosures in just one step’ concept, iMode technology embeds a Linux-based CPU with a custom kernel, integrated DSP, parameter control software and web server to drive the internal amplifiers. Audio conversion is handled at 192kHz, 24-bit resolution and users have real-time control over parameters including levels, delay, EQ and shelving filters. iMode also allows monitoring of performance parameters throughout the system, including vu meters, selected preset parameters, clip and limiter status, amplifier overheating and protection.

Mini-CompassiMode can be controlled via any standard web browser (no special software required). With standard IP-based communication, the iMode platform is controllable via iPad, iPhone or any internet-enabled device.

More: www.outline.it