This combination of
Class D and Class H
amplifier technologies
helps keep distortion
to a minimum while
reducing the need
for massive heat
dissipation. In fact, to
a level low enough
to eliminate the need
for heavy heatsinks.
The advantage of this
unique combination
of two-tier and Class
D amplification has
reduced extraneous
heat to the point that
NX550P’s can easily be
used in any orientation (close
to walls, floors and in close arrays
with multiple cabinets). Competitive
active loudspeakers, with large
finned heatsinks, need to be operated
vertically and with plenty of clearance (to
ensure proper heat dissipation and ventilation).
Since you have more versatility in regards to
the orientation of the enclosure, the NX550P
becomes ideal for flying in large clusters and in
point-source concert sound systems. Yorkville’s
designers took extra care making sure that in
tight clusters overheating would not be an issue.
Taking advantage of the design process,
an opportunity was taken to tweak the
electronics for maximum overall speaker
performance and protection. Solutions were
borrowed from our high-end TX-Series PA
systems. The limiters used, at the input and
crossover stages, are a complex combination
of gain reduction and sweeping filters. If
the NX550P is pushed to its maximum input/
output levels, advanced filtering begins
rolling off unnecessary subsonic frequencies.
The processing also protects individual
components ensuring failure free operation
(even after long term operation at close
to maximum output levels). The filter has a
remarkable response time, less then 70ms,
allowing the system to constantly be re-tuning
itself. This makes sure the output is as clean,
as loud and as clear as possible at any
given moment. This is achieved without
negatively affecting the overall sonic
quality of the cabinet. This ensures that the
essential part of the mix, like the vocals
or solo instruments, come out clean and
clear when the cabinet
is being operated
at the extremes of
power and woofer
excursion. Extremely
fast and accurate
limiting is in
place to protect
the speaker
components.
As a bonus, the
NX550P has a built
in mixer! This allows
the loudspeaker to
be used directly with a
microphone and/or line source. The loop
output allows additional active cabinets to
be driven from one source (up to a maximum
of 50 NX550Ps). If desired, you can combine a
pair of the NX550P’s using the mixer inputs on
each cabinet and coupling the loop outputs.
In this example you would have an ideal
presentation system. Two microphone inputs,
two line inputs (optimized for CD, Cassette or
laptop computer audio source), complete
within two speaker cabinets. As mentioned,
our active cabinets can be linked together,
the limitation is that only three ‘mixers’ can
be active at any one time. This allows three
Mic sources and six line sources available
in an array of three or more cabinets). The
microphone inputs have equalization and
high pass filtering designed appropriately for
vocal applications. The trim control allows
looped cabinets to be individually adjusted in
level. This is invaluable in applications where
large numbers of cabinets are used such as
in clusters or in trade show applications (or
when NX550P’s are used as repeater cabinets
or for side fill). The 100 Hz high pass filters allow
the NX550P to be used more efficiently with
any active subwoofer.
NX550P Active Full Range Loudspeaker
Using the popular nx20 as a base, adding 550 Watts of bi-amped power and topping-it-off
with advanced signal processing, the NX550P is destined to set the new standard for active
loudspeakers. The woofer amplifier, or low frequency amplifier, amp delivers over 450 Watts to
the 12 inch neodymium woofer. To reduce the overall weight of the amplifier section, the woofer
amplifier uses Class D switching technology. A 100 Watt, two-tier linear technology, Class H amplifier
drives the 1 inch diaphragm horn driver. This allows the horn to produce clean transients while
keeping up with the high output of the woofer. Two-tier amplifier technology isn’t typically seen
in a product like this, however we found the advantages (lower weight, more efficiency, higher
headroom and lower operating temperature) made it a perfect choice for powering the top end.
