d&b audiotechnik’s U-Series loudspeakers aims to set new standards for design, electroacoustical performance and system architecture freedom in ‘a radical reimagining of what compact multipurpose point-source loudspeakers can achieve’.
The line comprises three models with passive (U3, U5, U7) and networked (U3N, U5N, U7N) variants. These are identical physically and acoustically and deliver the same performance regardless of the amplifier or power topology. The passive variants use standard d&b amplifiers and workflow while the networked models offer a wide range of power, audio, and control/monitoring options, configuration possibilities and redundancy modes.
The acoustical concept behind the design features a bipole LF driver arrangement giving vertical directivity control from 500Hz for all models. Each cabinet has a tool-free rotatable high-frequency waveguide-horn assembly that ensures accurate HF dispersion, increase headroom, reduces distortion and delivers extraordinary off-axis behaviour.
All models exhibit a common full-range tonality and low-frequency extension down to 55Hz (-5dB), which improves sonic consistency and simplifies system design work.
d&b loudspeaker systems have previously relied on a four-channel DSP amplifier system architecture that is powerful and reliable, but is also predetermined and fixed. The U-Series offers a choice between centralised and decentralised electronics in different topologies, from star to daisy-chained and beyond.
While U-Series Passive variants are powered by d&b amplifiers, the Networked variants can be powered by AC, PoE++ or both for dual power redundancy, receive signal via Milan, analogue or both for dual signal redundancy, and can be operated via d&b’s R1 software control or offline with NFC control.
In ‘single cable operation mode’, power, signal, remote monitoring and control (PoE++, Milan, R1) can be supplied by single Cat6 Ethernet connection, bringing very significant savings in deployment efforts and cabling infrastructure costs.
B10 and B10N subwoofers pair with the U-Series and other compact d&b loudspeaker systems. B10/B10N feature dual high performance drivers, housed within a bass-reflex cabinet design with a new, sophisticated port design. The versatile form factor makes these subwoofers an ideal solution for small footprint applications or set-ups where low heights are necessary. Based on the same technology as the U-Series Networked variants, the B10N provides all hybrid-topology advantages, offering system architecture freedom also for high-impact low-end extension. The highly efficient subwoofer design of the B10 models allows them to achieve excellent performance with 5DM/5D amplifiers.