EAW Adds MicroWedge8 and MicroWedge10 to MicroWedge Series Stage Monitors

EAW announces recent additions to its MicroWedge Series of stage monitors. The MicroWedge8 (MW8) and MicroWedge10 (MW10) are a small-format continuation of the well-received MW line from EAW. Although even smaller than the already compact MW12 and MW15, the MW8 and MW10 offer volume levels and voicing that rival full-size industry-standard 12" and 15" monitors from other manufacturers. The MW8 and MW10 are suitable for applications that demand the high level of performance, audio quality, inherent feedback stability, smooth coverage and ergonomic design of the MW12 and MW15 without the need for MW12/MW15's levels of power-handling and size; they are designed for mid-to-high-volume rock/alternative performers, houses of worship, theatres, edge-of-stage fills, corporate shows/events, and presenters. They are also a suitable tool for front-of-house or monitor engineers looking for a live monitoring option on the console meter bridge.

The MW8 is the smallest in the MW line of products, featuring an 8" woofer, and the MW10 features a 10" woofer. Both units' coaxial designs pair the respective woofers with a 3"(diaphragm) coaxially-mounted HF compression driver, providing full yet controlled 90-degree horizontal dispersion. Both units feature an excellent size-to-performance ratio, feedback stability, LF output from a surprisingly small package, durability and great sound out of the box with fewer enhancements necessary from EQs and other processors, the company says.

In applications requiring extremely high vocal and instrument volumes in monitors, the unique design properties of the MicroWedge Series allow coherent multi-wedge / multi-mix configurations that bring the quality and clarity of stage monitoring to new levels. Dave Rat, owner of Rat Sound, and co-developer of the MicroWedge Series with EAW, states, "The design philosophy of the MicroWedge Series is to be able to exceed the competition in loudness with feedback stability, clarity and maximum volume. The MicroWedge12 can match or beat just about any other 15"-based wedges on the market in feedback stability and even low-frequency output, and the MicroWedge15 pushes things up another whole level. The concept behind the MW10 is to go head-to-head with most 12"-based boxes, and the MW8 to challenge 10"-based monitors. The MicroWedge project is all about perfecting a compact, attractive, turnkey wedge system that sounds great and reaches high gain before feedback levels with minimal effort."

Jeff Rocha, EAW senior director of engineering, added, "Our new MicroWedge8 and 10 are a direct result of feedback from our key end users in the market. We wanted to create smaller versions of our MW12 and MW15 with the same voicing and relative power, without sacrificing any of the performance features that make those larger boxes so successful."

Designed for a variety of applications including stage monitoring, concert sound, live TV events, corporate AV, houses of worship, theatres, auditoriums and clubs, the MW8 and MW10 are suitable for performers and venues who want to take advantage of the power of the existing MW series in a smaller size format.

A key application of the new MW8/MW10 is for front-of-house or monitor engineers who want a monitoring option at the console. The MW8 and MW10's small footprint allow them to be mounted on top of or next to a live or monitor sound desk, offering an accurate reference to what the performers are hearing on stage without the need for a massive wedge. Rat continued, "Surprisingly most of the stage monitors out there are voiced to sound-correct with playback music, but MW8 and MW10 are optimized and specifically tailored for live sound. They offer great clarity at high volumes -- unlike most stage wedges, the MicroWedge is not an afterthought based on the main system; these wedges are designed from the ground up. With their small, convenient size, they will be of great use to any live engineers."

The MicroWedge Series MW8 and MW10 are capable of withstanding the rigors of club and touring life. The Baltic birch cabinets are protected with EAW's proprietary RoadCoat finish, which is highly resistant to dings and scratches, and the rugged steel grille keeps its distinctive shape, even when stood upon by performers. All transducer components are highly liquid tolerant -- virtually impervious to spilled drinks as well as natural elements like rain, the company says.