Refining numerous patented developments in full-range output control and precision that were the genesis of the large-format KF900 Series, DSA (Digitally Steered Array) Series loudspeakers utilize on-board amplification and DSP that allows system designers and integrators to easily attain optimized vertical coverage within any tough acoustical environment.

Combining true full-range concert-quality performance with exceptional intelligibility - not available from any other "steerable" column-type loudspeaker - the DSA Series is ideal for a wide range of venues, including theaters, theme parks, retail spaces, and government facilities. Its unique capabilities, however, are particularly well-suited for challenging acoustical, physical, and/or aesthetic environments, such as houses of worship, museums, and transportation terminals.

The DSA250i full-range module offers an LF section providing meaningful pattern control all the way down to 300 Hz. To achieve this,

	Vert. Beamwidth 120/Steering 0
	Vert. Beamwidth 15/Steering -30
	DSP can vary a DSA250i loudspeaker’s vertical beamwidth at any point between 15 and 120 degrees, and the beam can be steered ±30 degrees while maintaining even frequency response up to 16 kHz.

EAW engineers created a line comprising eight 4-inch LF cones, slightly offset to help minimize enclosure height, with closer vertical spacing creating a higher resolution that optimizes DSP control.

Output and driver spacing key the HF section design, where eight 1-inch soft-dome tweeters are loaded to a single, very shallow, multi-cell horn that keeps the drivers’ acoustic centers as close as possible. Again, this high-resolution transducer placement optimizes DSP control to substantially higher frequencies - full steerability to 16 kHz.

Each DSA250i loudspeaker is driven by a fixed 120-degree horizontal coverage pattern, while properly configured DSP can vary the vertical beamwidth anywhere from 15 degrees to 120 degrees. Further, the beam can be steered ±30 degrees while still maintaining even frequency response up to 16 kHz.

Radical steering angles and even intentional nulls can also be achieved - in particular, band-limiting the signal to around 8 kHz allows for radical shaping with smooth frequency response across a large area.

	At left, a single DSA250i with 120-degree beam, while at right, a single DSA250i with 30-degree beam, both showing octave band polars - 500 Hz to 8 kHz

Each DSA250i delivers 480 watts - eight 40-watt LF and eight 20-watt HF - as well as 16 channels of complex DSP that includes conventional HPF and LPF, delay, PEQ and limiting along with proprietary filters developed specifically to facilitate steering. The internal power and DSP modules also incorporate a robust driver and electronic protection system.

DSA230i LF modules can extend directional control to lower frequencies using classical line array theory by extending the length of the overall array, and like the DSA250i, includes eight 4-inch LF cones as well as eight channels of power and processing. In instances where more output and/or directivity are required, an effective cluster of several DSA250i and DSA230i modules can be constructed.

	Using sophisticated and complex algorithms, DSAPilot automatically manipulates time, intensity and frequency in various combinations to achieve the desired directional performance.

Adjustments are made via Windows-based DSAPilot software (provided with DSA Series loudspeakers) that calculates environmental parameters and then uploads specific settings to achieve the best possible coverage without physically relocating or moving loudspeaker cabinets. DSAPilot extends this capability to up to 32 DSA loudspeakers, and can be networked using standard EIA-485 or optional CobraNet.

Once a system is installed and connected, DSAPilot then seeks out and identifies all clusters and loudspeaker modules on the network. In a matter of seconds, it adjusts each module’s DSP setting in conformity to the design, and the system is ready for use.

	Molded plastic end caps house all connectors - AC power in one end and audio signal/network ports on the other. The intelligently designed enclosure allows easy access while connectors remain virtually hidden.

EAW engineers broke new ground in specifying a highly durable aluminum enclosure that’s attractive yet capable of blending into sensitive aesthetic environments. Molded plastic end caps house all connectors, with AC power on one end and audio signal and network communications on the other. The intelligently designed enclosure allows easy access during installation while cables and connectors remain virtually hidden.

	The standard mounting kit is a breeze to use, comprised of two 2-part brackets and a mounting template.

Installation is remarkably fast and easy. Each DSA250i and DSA230i includes a standard mounting kit with two 2-part brackets and a mounting template. One part of each bracket mounts to the wall and the other part to the DSA module. Installers simply lift the modules and set them in place, with swivel of up to ±55 degrees allowing easy access to connectors. An optional suspension bracket is also available.

In the professional audio industry, the phrase "breakthrough technology" has been used to describe innovations that fall considerably short. In this case, however, it’s completely justified. The DSA Series represents an important step forward in the quest for smaller, smarter systems that offer designers truly customizable tools to solve difficult application problems.