Daniel J SaitBass specialist Velodyne Acoustics has a packed programme at the upcoming ISE 2023 show. Get along to stand 2F120 for the full story or familiarise yourself with these new masters of bass.
First out the blocks, underlined by UK distributor Redline, is a new addition to the popular Impact X range. Made available in the UK last year, the Impact X range already boasts two models (Impact X 10 and Impact X 12) offering a combination of super-efficient front firing drivers working in tandem with a down firing bass reflex port, created to offer an efficient, tight, and punchy performance. The family is also characterised by delivering impressive low-end extension and very snappy delivery. Velodyne created new drivers just for this range and the subs also benefit from a Class D amplifier capable of 600W of peak power.
Right out of the gate this range has found fans around the globe, Redline was impressed with them from the minute the company had them on demo at Redline HQ and the range picked up many plaudits from the specialist press including the Impact X10 being awarded ‘Product of the Year’ by German Hi-Fi bible ‘Likehifi.de’. In conclusion, the review offered, “The Impact X 10 from the subwoofer experts at Velodyne Acoustics stays true to its name. He leaves an impression, and his bass can resemble a meteorite impact. It is equipped with four DSP pre-sets, which allow the low-frequency reproduction to be easily adapted to the situation. But even without a pre-set, it delivers rich, clean bass that is suitable for music as well as films and video games.”
Redline explains that into this already impressive space comes the new Impact X15, armed with a 15in driver and punching through with an SPL of 115dB and a frequency response down to 19hz. Whilst the 10in and 12in are bass reflex designs with a downward firing port, the Impact X 15in follows a similar design path, but adds a rear slotted port at the back to remove unwanted port noise and also comes with no fewer than nine DSP modes amounting to a very welcome addition to this already impressive family.
Also new…
Not bags of detail available as yet, but another new addition to the Velodyne family is the Vi-Q series. Available in 10in, 12in and 15in versions these represent powerful fully sealed designs with the larger model capable of an SPL of 120dB. All three models have the iWoofer Pro app controlled automatic acoustic room calibration ability complete with 25-band Parametric EQ. All these models also have XLR connections, making them suited for two-channel audio and studio consideration as well as home cinema and media room applications.
Another new offering from Velodyne is a bigger brother to the extremely successful MicroVee, the maker is calling Deep Wave (or DW). Like the MicroVee, these 10in and 12in models come with a front firing active driver array partnered by two side-facing passive radiators. This new family also benefits from the iWoofer Pro app acoustic room calibration and 25-band Parametric EQ. Other highlights include high-quality housing made of HDF with additional bracings presented in a high-quality scratch resistant black matte finish. Both passive radiators are covered with a flush mount black grill, and front grill is detachable. A newly designed DSP controlled Class D amp board with dual high output 880 W MOSFET power stage is also included and like all Velodyne’s subs, the Deep Wave series incorporates anti-clipping and overheat circuitry to limit amplifier clipping distortion.
Other news coming from Velodyne includes a new white finish available for the Deep Blue 8in model and the MicroVee X will now be available in a high gloss white and a super high gloss black finish too.
The SC-IW in-wall models will also get a new model this year in the form of a passive dual 8in in-wall system called the SC-IW 600 X. More news on that when we get it.
Martin Morecroft, Redline Managing Director, sums up, “Velodyne is one of the busiest AV manufacturers out there, the team is always working on something new and something of genuine value to add to the line-up whether that is in the performance or the aesthetics department. This year is no different with lots for dealers to get their eyes and ears around, so if you are planning a visit to ISE get along to the stand and find out more or get in contact with the Redline team.”