Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW) has introduced the MKD1200 Series, initially comprised of the new three-way MKD1294 and MKD1264 and the latest additions to the MKD Series of loudspeakers designed for installation applications ranging from small music venues to stadiums.
Both models incorporate dual 12-inch low-frequency transducers with 3-inch vented voice coils, joined by coaxial 3.5-inch voice coil midrange cones and 1.75-inch voice coil high-frequency compression drivers. Nominal beamwidth of the MKD1294 is stated as 90 x 45 degrees horizontal while for the MKD1264 it’s 60 x 45 degrees (both H x V) horizontal x 45º vertical. The large-format horn in both units can be rotated.
“The MKD Series takes concepts from our highly successful QX and MK Series, and applies them to new dual-woofer designs,” states TJ Smith, president of EAW. “We’ve developed new transducers that can be driven an octave lower than standard drivers through use of our Beamwidth Matched Crossover technology. Using this approach, we’re able to increase low-frequency output by as much as 6 dB while notably improving beamwidth along the axis of the dual woofers.”
All models in the MKD Series employ EAW Core Technology, including Beamwidth Matched Crossovers that are designed to eliminate polar irregularities in the crossover region, as well as Focusing that uses advanced DSP to refine the impulse response of the loudspeaker in the time domain, intended to eliminate horn “honk.”
The dual woofers are configured in the enclosures using a slanted mounting technique first developed for KF860 touring line arrays and is now also used in QX Series loudspeakers. This configuration is designed to improve time coherency and also reduces the overall length of the cabinet, and the result is that dual-woofer MKD loudspeakers are no larger than MK enclosures but provide improved low-frequency pattern control and extended low-frequency response.
Overall frequency response for the MKD1294 and MKD1264 ranges from 47 Hz to 20 kHz, and maximum SPL is stated as 145 dB and 147 dB, respectively. Audio input is via rear-panel terminal block connectors and both models may be operated in passive or biamped modes. EAW recommends powering MKD Series loudspeakers with EAW UXA amplifiers for optimized performance.
MKD Series enclosures are constructed from Baltic birch and are available in standard black or white finishes, with options for custom colors as well as weather protection. Installation is facilitated by built-in M10 mounting points and optional wall-mount or ceiling-mount hardware. The curved front panel of MKD cabinets permits discreet installation in situations where visual unobtrusiveness is required.
The new MKD1294 and MKD1264 are shipping now.