Daniel J SaitPMC will unveil four new models in its custom installation series at ISE 2020. The ci30, ci45, ci65 and ci90 complete the offering in this series of slimline, high-performance on-wall and in-wall custom installation loudspeakers, following the launch of the ci140 and ci140sub at CEDIA 2019.
The ci30, the smallest in range, is designed for discreet applications and may be installed in-ceiling, in or on-wall. While it may be compact, the ci30 reportedly out-performs speakers twice its size, thanks largely to the proprietary ATL technology, making it ideal for surround channels, including immersive formats like Dolby Atmos and stereo in smaller rooms.
Using a larger cabinet provides the ci45 with all the speed and power of the ci30, but provides it with a greater image depth, bass extension and dynamism. By adding a second, long throw, 130mm bass driver, the ci65 creates greater slam and presence, with increased headroom and extension. This model is suitable for use in medium to large sized theatres for all channels in a multi-speaker system.
With standard wall construction in mind, the ci90 slim is encased in a long slim cabinet, 280mm (11”) wide, which fits neatly between studwork to provide more flexibility as a retrofit option.
All four are designed with a shallow depth for wall mounting and may also be used in-wall, due to an optional mounting sleeve which fits around the cabinets to conceal the in-wall mounting system, creating an elegant on-wall model. The use of one product for both in-wall and on-wall reduces the number of models that need to be stocked and gives the installer greater mounting flexibility.
PMC has worked closely with installers during the development of the ci series, to make them “installer-friendly”. An example is PMC’s Qikfire spring loaded mounting system, which, with a simple twist of a screwdriver, mounts the loudspeaker securely and quickly and permits post installation micro adjustment.
Removal of the speaker is said to be just as easy. The on-wall mounting is a simple process using the optional interlocking wall bracket, which is designed to also offer pin-point level adjustment.
At the heart of every model in the range are the PMC developed drive units. The 130mm (5.25”) LT woofer and the longer throw and higher power handling LTx, use a doped natural fibre dished cone and inverted dust cap, to reduce unwanted high frequency reflections. Both drivers have been designed for use with the ATL bass loading technology found in all PMC speakers, which uses the energy generated by the bass units in a much more intelligent and efficient manner than ported or sealed boxes.
In ATL speakers, the highly braced cabinet is lined with custom-designed acoustic foam that absorbs all but the very lowest frequencies. These exit from a front-panel vent, extending the low-frequency response and creating the impression of a far larger speaker.
The vent features PMC’s Laminair technology, which is based on the aerodynamics used in Formula One. Laminair reduces turbulence and drag in the airflow, increasing efficiency, for a smooth laminar airflow as it exits the line with audible effects of a faster, higher definition bass, accurate timing and dynamics, without unwanted air noise.
All ci series cabinets are enclosed at the rear, ensuring that sound leakage to adjoining rooms is kept to an absolute minimum. It is therefore not necessary to rely on the cavity construction of the wall to enhance the sound. They benefit from the use of a solid, milled aluminium front panel, ensuring high rigidity, no cabinet flex and maximum damping effect at the area of highest pressure of the ATL.
The high frequency information is reproduced by the professionally proven tweeter found in PMC’s studio nearfield monitors. The 27mm soft dome is mounted within a custom wave guide that controls off axis response and eradicates edge diffraction. The unit’s small size enables it to be mounted as close as possible to the other drive units and is off set to smooth out edge reflections and work horizontally and vertically.
The four new smaller models join the flagship, the ci140 – a three-way design with four bass drivers and an all new 50mm (2”) dome midrange driver – and the ci140sub.
All speakers are supplied in black, with square perforated bezel-less metal grilles in black or white.
Find PMC on Booth 1-F60 at ISE, Amsterdam, 11-14 February 2020.