Peavey Electronics introduces the Aquarius AQ Series Enclosures, calling it an “evolution of speaker technology,” according to the announcement. “A culmination of Peavey’s 50-plus years of engineering experience and an ideal combination of reliability, performance, and value, the AQ Series delivers an increase in power while simultaneously using less power to create more output. The result is an environmentally friendly design that doesn’t cut back on output and reliability. Lightweight, efficient, and offering the modern features users require, the Aquarius AQ Series is competitively priced and ready to meet the demands of today’s consumers.”
The AQ Series debuts with two models: the Peavey AQ 12 and AQ 15, the key difference being a heavy-duty 12-inch woofer versus a 15-inch woofer. The woofer is designed for a warm, punchy sound with a built-in dynamic bass boost function designed to provide the maximum amount of bass in a small package. The DX 14 compression driver tweeter, with 1.4 inch titanium diaphragm, is coupled to a 110 by 80 degree coverage Quadratic Throat Waveguide. It is designed to provide smooth, even response, as well as low distortion and good high frequency dispersion.
Each fan-cooled unit features a bi-amped power section that provides a total 1000W of peak available dynamic power with signal compression to prevent audible overload. There’s 670W peak available for the woofer and 330W peak for the tweeter. Both amplifiers feature sophisticated signal compression, designed to virtually eliminate power amplifier clipping. A low-noise fan provides cooling for reliable operation.
Both AQ Series speakers have advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP), providing a crossover function, driver limiting, as well as the driver EQ to enable the speaker system to provide an accurate and neutral sound for any type of music. The DSP processing uses 56 bit double-precision for accurate and transparent sound processing, and the input/output sections use a 48 kHz sampling rate at 24 bits for maximum fidelity. Low-jitter clocking and professional grade components ensure sound quality.
On each speaker’s back panel, six EQ presets are accessed via a one-knob rotary selector switch. The six presets are Live Music, Club/DJ, Stream/Playback, Monitor, Acoustic, and Voice. There’s a balanced TRS quarter-inch input, which can connect to a mixer or an output from a media player, as well as a balanced XLR input, which allows for linking of additional speaker systems or feed of the signal to a powered subwoofer. A dynamic microphone can be connected directly via the XLR input and accessed via the Mic/Line switch. Alternatively, a Bluetooth signal can be streamed in, with a separate control for signal level adjustment. With these features, the AQ Series is designed for live sound reinforcement, public address, side fill system, karaoke, or musical playback.
Both the AQ 12 and AQ 15 have light yet durable injection-molded plastic enclosures, with a 1 ⅜-inch molded-in pole mount for live music or PA sound. The trapezoidal cabinet has three handles, and two extra angled sections on either side allow for use as a floor monitor. A full-length black powder-coated perforated steel grille provides system protection and a professional appearance.
MSRP $599.99 for AQ 12 and $699.99 for AQ 15.
Learn more about Peavey’s Aquarius AQ Series Enclosures and get a closer look at www.peaveyelectronics.com.
