German-based loudspeaker manufacturer d&b audiotechnik (no capitals, please) enjoys a notable reputation as a supplier of high-end touring systems and installed systems for elite performing arts centers around the globe. However, primarily due to premium pricing and a limited number of dealer/integrators in North America, to date the company hasn't been a big player in the small to mid-size church market. The recent introduction of their new V7P and V10P systems could signal a change. In some situations, smaller churches that might regard d&b as “too good for our budget” might consider these boxes as a middle ground between costlier line arrays and more limited point-source solutions.
Relatively large and powerful, the V7P and V10P are full-range systems with versions available for either permanent installation or portable use. Both are three-way passive systems with internal crossovers, differing only in nominal coverage patterns. The V7P has a nominal pattern of 75 x 40 degrees, while the V10P widens to a nominal 110 x 40 degree pattern with a rotatable horn allowing options for vertical or horizontal mounting.
Otherwise, we're told the two loudspeakers are identical. Both incorporate dual 10-inch neodymium magnet low-mid drivers in a dipolar arrangement, plus a rear-mounted eight-inch mid-frequency driver coupled to a dual chamber horn. The result of this arrangement is effective directional control in the vertical plane -- assuming your long axis is vertical -- down to 350 Hz. (More on this later.) The only difference is the coverage pattern of the high-frequency, constant-directivity horn, which is coupled in both models to a center-mounted 1.4-inch exit compression driver.
Exterior dimensions hint at the unusual design. The cabinet faceplates are a slender 27.5 inches high and 12 inches wide, which makes for an attractive profile from the front. But the 18.3-inch depth and 75 pound weight let you know that the internal arrangement is hardly typical. If you take off the faceplate, you won't see the cone drivers; all three are hidden by the acoustical baffling needed to assure the desired frequency response and directional characteristics. The extra baffling together with premium neodymium drivers result in speakers that are on the heavy side for passive units. That said, the power output relative to size/weight is quite impressive. When coupled to d&b's D80 amplifier, peak output is a potent 141 dB SPL. (With their smaller amps, claimed output drops by 3 dB. And yes, d&b insists that you use only their amplifiers.)
When low-frequency extension is desired below the nominal 59 Hz limit, the V7P/V10P units may be coupled with the companion V-GSub subwoofer. It's an unusual cardioid design that requires only one amplifier channel, with an 18-inch driver in a bass reflex enclosure facing forward and a 12-inch driver mounted in a dual-chamber bandpass system facing to the rear. The intent is significant rejection of bass frequencies behind the cabinets.
The V7P/V10P/V-GSUB systems are available in either portable or installation versions. Both offer a complete range of mounting and rigging accessories (yokes, fly points, pole mounts etc.), and the installation versions are offered with custom color options and weather resistant finishes.
As for pricing, d&b audiotechnik declines to assign a cost to a specific model; all products are sold only as complete systems through selected design/build integration companies. You can't order online or pick one up at your local music superstore. But, should your church consider these systems anyway? Let's look at a typical scenario, where one alternative might fall short while another proves even more costly.
I expect a good application for these units would be in smaller churches with seating in the 200-400 range, perhaps with overhead acoustical characteristics that make the room a bit boomy when things get loud – and we will assume you do want to get loud. What are your options?
One classic solution is a two-way box with a 15-inch woofer and large compression driver, which we will abbreviate as a “15/2”. If you look at good quality 15/2 models (at about $1,000 each), used with proper amplification, you can expect output of around 136 dB SPL and a frequency range (-10 dB) down to around 41 Hz.
Right away you can see that the V7P/V10P design offers more output power, which shouldn't be surprising. Undistorted low-mid power – all other factors equal – is proportional to total driver cone area, and the three drivers in the d&b units have about 21 square inches more cone area than the single 15. True, the single 15 may go a bit lower if used alone, but that's a moot point when both types are coupled to subwoofers.
I expect the more important issue here is directional control. Most 15/2 systems become largely omnidirectional at lower frequencies. Looking at the directivity chart on this typical 15/2 unit, at 90 degrees vertical (straight up) half the power (-6 dB) is still hitting the ceiling at frequencies below 1 kHz. That's pretty much everything from your high-mids on down. But with the V7P/V10P, the -6 dB point descends around 250 Hz when measured straight up from the speaker. That could cut your low-mid “boominess” problems considerably.
Of course, you could get similar directional control with a “short stack” of compact line array cabinets, but in that case you'd likely be paying considerably more than for a single V7P/V10P, assuming the same overall quality. True, you also would get longer throw, but if you have a relatively shallow room the added long-throw power would be wasted. And remember, setting up line arrays in portable applications is always more of a hassle.
Bottom line: the V7P/V10P package offers a unique solution. If you need a bit more power from a point-source box, along with low-mid directional control, these could a viable middle ground between typical two-way boxes and compact line arrays.
Be on the look out for a full hands-on review after the product starts shipping later this year.
