Master Audio Launches Full-Range Self-Powered Compact Column Array

	R&D director Joan Amate and founder and CEO Juan Amate with the Master Audio JK46A.

Master Audio announces the launch of the JK46A, the engineering led, specialist PA company's first self-powered column array loudspeaker.

A professional high-performance, light-weight 4x6" active column array loudspeaker system, the JK46A is a fully optimized electronic and acoustic design, featuring custom-matched system components, including carbon-fiber coned neodymium drivers, audiophile specified class-D power amplification, and 48-bit programmable DSP control. The latest addition to the performance Joker series, the JK46A introduces a concept to small to medium fixed installation and mobile reinforcement sectors, with its LF response -- down to 50Hz -- enabling a compact column array to be deployed in a far wider range of applications and environments than would normally be the case.

Exceptional full frequency, high quality sound reproduction was the primary design objective, as Master Audio's chief acoustics engineer, Natàlia Milán, explains: "We set ourselves a major challenge in achieving this level of performance, especially low frequency performance, from a column array configuration, to out perform a classic 12"+HF driver system."

Master Audio's design team has taken every care in the development of the JK46A, meticulously matching component specifications and performance, to achieve a unique level of acoustical and digital engineering synthesis. The original Master Audio asymmetric horn, with PETP membrane compression driver, is custom configured with the four 6" carbon-fiber coned neodymium magnet drivers, to provide a tightly controlled directivity, with uniform front-to-back audience coverage. The very latest 700W (1,400W peak) class-D power amplifier circuit design provides the cabinet with a remarkable program level of 125dB SPL (128dB peak). The integral DSP control -- accessed from the rear mounted control panel with LCD screen -- makes system set up simple, with up to 40m delay-line management and rapid selection of pre-set corrective EQs, while performing sophisticated speaker management with a series of unique compression algorithms. The LCD screen provides comprehensive information about input and output levels, system status and amplifier temperature.

The same level of care and attention has gone into construction of the highly robust wear resistant cabinet. Manufactured from high quality plywood with high-resistant Polyurea paint finish, the cabinet features and a wide variety of fixings and accessories for quick, easy, and versatile installation. Uniquely for a column array, the performance of the JK46A is such that it offers an exceptionally compact and portable, high performance full range PA system for small-scale touring, providing the kind of sound coverage that would normally require a far larger top / mid cab and sub bass system. "Small performers who have to carry their own equipment are going to be delighted with the JK46A," says Daniel Bartolomé, Master Audio's product application engineer.

"The JK46A widens the application possibilities of column systems well beyond the usual small and highly specialist installation environments."

The JK46A is available immediately. With pre-orders in excess of the initial production run, the second run is already coming off the line.