Features
- Neodymium HF compression driver with 4″ (100 mm) voice coil and Truextent® beryllium diaphragm for exceptional high-frequency clarity and output
- Powerful built-in amplification with 830 watts LF and 275 watts HF power long-term sine wave to each driver (more than 2400 watts total peak) for a very high size-to-output ratio
- Wide 100º x 50º coverage or narrow 60° x 40° coverage
- Integrated DSP with SystemVUE network control and monitoring
Applications
- Theatrical sound reinforcement
- Portable and installed audio-visual systems
- Nightclubs
- Themed entertainment venues
- Houses of worship
Description
Starting with a “no compromises” design philosophy, VUE’s h-Class engineering team re-examined every single element of the loudspeaker equation, and then applied our most advanced technologies to deliver measurable improvements in clarity, frequency response and SPL. From precision transducers with cutting-edge diaphragm materials and suspension components to highly sophisticated active electronics and digital signal processing, every element of an h-Class system was optimized to deliver unparalleled sonic performance.
The two-way h-15 combines a precision-engineered, 15-inch LF transducer with a horn-loaded compression driver that features a Truextent® beryllium diaphragm at its core. Optional rigging hardware allows the h-15 to be deployed as a main system, within multi-cabinet arrays, or in a variety of support configurations.
h-Class Products
Finally, every h-Class model ships with networking capabilities right out of the box. And since VUE’s network technology relies on standard IP protocols, set-up is a breeze. Once assembled, supplied SystemVUE software provides control and monitoring capabilities through a highly intuitive and powerful user interface.
Quality Down to the Finest Details
Even the h-Class cabinets are intended to raise the standard for quality and attention to detail. For example, the grills and handle bezels are coated with a two-part finish that lays a transparent candy-apple red coating over a base coat of black. The durable finish has a deep red hue that’s uniquely attractive while remaining entirely unobtrusive. The heavy aluminum rear panel is both functional and visually impactful, with the “VUE” logo machined directly into the heat-sink fins.
All h-Class enclosures are manufactured to the strictest ISO standards, using multi-ply, cross-grain laminated birch with extensive interior bracing for resonant-free output. The h-15 features integrated hanging points, while optional flying hardware extends versatility even further. A rugged, polyurethane finish ensures years of on-the-road service.
Cutting-Edge Transducer Design
5-slit phase plug
The distance from the phase plug to the diaphragm is very precisely maintained to ensure maximum HF response.
The h-15 employs a VUE-designed compression driver that features a revolutionary Truextent® beryllium diaphragm. Beryllium outperforms both aluminum and titanium thanks to an extremely high stiffness-to-mass ratio, which dramatically reduces mechanical deformation (breakup) and shifts resonant frequencies outside the audible range. The net result is a more defined HF at much higher SPL than more conventional materials. HF performance is further enhanced thanks to a 5-slit phase plug (above) and a powerful, lightweight neodymium magnetic circuit.
The unique compression driver is mated to an equally capable LF transducer that was also designed and manufactured by VUE specifically for the h-15. This precision-engineered 15-inch transducer utilizes a large, 4-inch (100 mm) voice coil to dramatically increase power handling while minimizing power compression losses. An impregnated linen surround, curvilinear cone, and high coercivity ferrite magnet bring exceptional durability and ensure years of reliable service under the most severe conditions.
On Board Amplification
The h-15 is fitted with a 2-channel power amplifier module that supplies 830W long-term, sine wave (2000W peak) to the LF transducer, and 275W long-term, sine wave (400W peak) to the beryllium compression driver.
The module’s Class D circuitry allows for massive output and headroom in an extremely compact form factor, while producing significantly less heat than more conventional designs. The amplifier is mounted to a large aluminum heat sink with machined “VUE” logo. The combination of Class D amplification and ample heat dispersion eliminates the need for noisy cooling fans.
A lightweight, fully protected switch mode power supply with auto voltage detection provides hassle-free worldwide operation with universal mains operation for 120 V and 230 V. Self-protection circuitry includes input limiter, short circuit protection, DC protection of output, under and over voltage protection, intelligent mains fuse protection, power stage overload protection, and temperature protection of both transformers and heat-sinks.
Sophisticated DSP and onboard networking capabilities come courtesy of a 64-bit, 96 kHz sample rate, mixed-mode processor that delivers 120 dB of dynamic range with less than 600 microseconds latency.
Finally, since full networking capabilities were conceived as part of the amplifier module’s initial design specification, the h-15 module provides impressive amounts of detailed, real-time information, as well as access to key operating parameters when connected to the SystemVUE network. Accessible functions and monitoring options include: protect status, mute, heatsink temperature, clip (for each amp channel), output voltage (for each channel), output current (for each channel), and SMPS limit (power supply limit).