VIDEO: ISE 2012: Tannoy unveils new VLS Series in Amsterdam

This year’s ISE show saw Tannoy take to the exhibition floor of the Amsterdam RAI to unveil its new VLS Series loudspeaker systems.

Comprised of three models, the VLS Series marks the latest addition to the company’s product range in the column array loudspeaker segement. Building on its flagship QFlex self-powered steerable array system, the VLS Series is designed to offer AV contractors and consultants an alternative in the form of a passive device, which balances performance and cost when active beam-steering isn’t required or affordable.

With transducer technology adapted from QFlex, combined with a new passive crossover network design, the VLS Series is the first Tannoy product to incorporate FAST (Focussed Asymmetrical Shaping Technology). Key to this is its asymmetrical vertical dispersion, which is aimed at gently shaping the acoustic coverage towards the lower quadrant of the vertical axis. By the nature of a typical application, an ideal column loudspeaker should be biased in the vertical plane, towards the audience and away from reflective surfaces above that can damage intelligibility. FAST is also designed to facilitate easier installation with less need for tilting or specific concern for optimal mounting height.

The VLS 7 (7 × 3.5″ LF) is intended for speech-only applications, while the VLS 15 (7 × 3.5″ LF with 8 × 1″ HF) and VLS 30 (14 × 3.5″ LF and 16 × 1″ HF) are both designed for more demanding full-range applications, as well as speech. Each model is IP64 rated for dust and water ingress and are salt spray and UV resistant, as well as subject to rigorous high/low operational temperature and humidity testing. This renders the VLS Series suitable for both indoor (House of Worship, Retail malls, auditoria) and covered outdoor use (transport hubs, concourses). Furthermore, wall-brackets are supplied for ease of mounting.

Specification is aided by the addition of an exclusive Tannoy edition of EASE Focus v2.0 software, which allows consultants to design systems with predictable results and specify the VLS Series in conjunction with Tannoy’s existing column loudspeakers, including I Series and QFlex, within the familiar environs of an industry standard software wizard.

Shipping in June 2012, the VLS Series is packaged in a powder-coated aluminium chassis with curvilinear aluminium grille. Each model is available in either black or white, though custom RAL finishes are available at additional cost and lead-time.