Meyer Sound ULTRA-X40 Wide Coverage Loudspeaker

About: Meyer Sound ULTRA-X40 Wide Coverage Loudspeaker

Meyer Sound’s ULTRA-X40  designs continue the tradition of the highly successful UPA loudspeakers—so versatile they have been a universal standard in almost every application for over 35 years. From touring performances to theme parks, worship venues to theater shows, and lecture halls to large scale concerts, Meyer Sound technology has delivered exceptional fidelity with high power, low distortion, and uniformly predictable behavior.

Features

• Exceptional fidelity and surprising power capability delivered in a compact, light enclosure
• Extraordinarily flat amplitude and phase response ensures tonal accuracy and precise imaging
• Wide Pattern (or Controlled pattern - ULTRA-X42)
• Rotatable horn provides installation flexibility
• Integral stand mount and QuickFly mounting options facilitate rigging

To this legacy, Meyer Sound incorporated technology from the popular and award-winning LEO family of loudspeakers to bring multiple enhancements to bear in the ULTRA-X40 design:

• Innovative, highly efficient class-D amplifier and advanced signal processing that reproduce any sound source with linearity over a wide dynamic range.
• Weight reduction of 25 lb (11 kg), as well as a reduction in overall size compared to the UPA loudspeakers for increased power-to-weight and -size ratios.
• Concentric driver configuration with all the benefits of a coaxial driver, yet none of the disadvantages. In addition, this configuration supports directional control of frequencies down to 400 Hz.
• Extremely well-behaved, rotatable horns designed for very precise, even coverage. These horn designs, in conjunction with the concentric driver configuration, deliver consistent patterns despite the orientation.

With these enhancements, the ULTRA-X40 loudspeakers provide high power output, low distortion, and consistent polar response in a more compact, vented enclosure. The ULTRA-X40 loudspeaker features two 8-inch cone low-frequency drivers and one 3-inch diaphragm compression driver coupled with a rotatable 110° x 50° Constant-Q horn. A more controlled pattern is available on the ULTRA-X42 model, which is fitted with a 70° x 50° constant-Q horn.

Because of the proprietary, high-frequency horns, the beamwidth remains consistent within close tolerances in both the horizontal and vertical planes and across the horns’ operating frequency range. Uniformly predictable polar behavior takes much of the guesswork out of system design and assures optimal system performance.

A proprietary three-channel, class-D digital power amplifier powers the ULTRA-X40 loudspeakers, which each have a total peak power output of 1950 watts. Advanced audio processing includes electronic crossover, correction filters for phase and frequency response, and driver protection circuitry. Phase-corrected electronics ensure flat acoustical amplitude and phase response, resulting in exceptional impulse response and precise imaging. The amplifier/processing package incorporates Meyer Sound’s Intelligent ACTM, which auto-selects the correct operating voltage, suppresses high voltage transients, filters EMI and provides soft-start power-up. The ULTRA-X40 cabinet provides audio XLR and powerCON20 input and looping output connectors.

The optional RMS remote monitoring system module provides comprehensive monitoring of loudspeaker parameters from a host computer running Compass software.

Meyer Sound builds the trapezoidal enclosure out of premium multi-ply birch with a slightly textured black finish. A powder-coated, round-perforated steel grille provides protection to the front of the loudspeaker.

The ULTRA-X40 includes 11 integral M8 rigging points. It also includes an integral 35 mm stand mount receptacle with M20 threads for added stability. With this versatile integrated rigging, the ULTRA-X40 is ready for a wide variety of applications including those requiring pole mounting, hanging individually in horizontal or vertical orientations, or clustering.

Optional rigging accessories include an adjustable 35 mm pole with M20 slug, a U-bracket, a yoke, a pinnable link on a channel that allows the hanging of multiple units from a single pick-up point, and cluster plates for horizontal and vertical loudspeaker grouping. Other options include weather protection and custom color finishes.​

A New Standard of Power and Clarity in Point Source Loudspeakers

• PRECISION CONCENTRIC DRIVER CONFIGURATION - The ULTRA-X40 brings the technology breakthroughs in our flagship line arrays to a versatile, compact loudspeaker. Its innovative concentric-driver configuration couples two 8-inch cone drivers to a rotatable waveguide surrounding a 3-inch high-frequency compression driver, to deliver smooth response across its entire range and directional control down to 400 Hz.
• IMPRESSIVELY POWERFUL, STUNNINGLY COMPACT - The ULTRA-X40 breaks new ground in power-to-size performance, thanks to its ultra-efficient 3-channel Class D amplifier that provides peak output of 1,950 watts with a max sustained current draw of just 1.3 A (230 V AC). All this in a speaker that's just 12.5 by 22 by 14 inches and less than 55 pounds—20 pounds lighter than its predecessor, the UPA-1P.
• BROADEN (OR NARROW) YOUR HORIZONS - Two horn options give you total flexibility in system design. The ULTRA-X40’s precisely-tuned, rotatable 110° x 50° Constant-Q horn delivers uniform response throughout its coverage area. Need more focused coverage? Choose the ULTRA-X42 variation, which offers a narrower 70° x 50° pattern.
• ALWAYS ON POINT - The ULTRA-X40 brings new versatility to system design and deployment. It’s at home in any portable or installed application requiring predictable, controllable wide coverage, from concert halls and clubs to houses of worship, theatrical sound reinforcement, theme parks, stadiums, concert halls, and nightclubs. It’s perfect for frontfill and under balcony use and in portable A/V systems and small voice-reinforcement systems.
• READY FOR RIGGING - If you can dream it, you can install it, with ULTRA-X40’s flexible rigging and mounting options. An integral handle can be used for portable applications or removed for permanent installation; 11 integral M8 points and an integral 35 mm pole-mount receptacle broaden the possibilities. Optional rigging accessories include an adjustable pole with M20 slug, a U-bracket, a yoke, a pinnable link on a channel for hanging multiple units from a single pick-up point, and cluster plates for versatile loudspeaker grouping.

It Meets Expectations, Every Time

• SOPHISTICATED DSP - The ULTRA-X40’s internal signal processing includes electronic crossover management, phase and frequency response correction filters, and driver protection circuitry. It all adds up to ultra-flat amplitude and phase response for exceptional impulse response and precise imaging.
• POWER UP WITH PEACE OF MIND - ULTRA-X40 is equipped with Meyer Sound’s Intelligent AC, which auto-selects correct operating voltage, suppresses high-voltage transients, filters EMI, and provides soft-start power-up.
• SYSTEM STATUS IS A CLICK AWAY - Don’t leave system management to chance: Optional RMS remote monitoring lets you keep a close eye on loudspeaker parameters from a Windows or Mac computer.
• WHATEVER THE WEATHER (PROTECTION) - The ULTRA-X40’s trapezoidal enclosure is crafted from premium multi-ply birch with a finely textured finish. A powder-coated, perforated steel grille protects the driver elements. Full weather protection and custom color finishes are also available.

Why Self-Powered?

Self-powered loudspeakers offer several advantages over their passive counterparts when it comes to fidelity, reliability, and simplicity. The great part is, you’ll start to reap the benefits of a self-powered system before you even power up.

Ease of Deployment

System set-up is so much easier when you have fewer components and fewer cables to worry about being miswired. Since self-powered loudspeakers incorporate amplification, you’ll never have to deal with matching speakers to amplifiers or connecting components. You don’t have to worry about calibration of gain and crossover setting which means more time focusing on the show. Eliminating amp racks doesn’t just streamline system deployment, it streamlines your inventory whether you’re a rental house or a road warrior. And when you consider that the average amp rack weighs nearly 300 pounds and takes up four feet of truck space, the efficiencies get even clearer. Let alone when you want to fly the amplifier racks to get closer to the speakers, often requiring more rigging points and more motors.

Predictable, Reliable Operation

Internal amplification is closely matched to drivers. Because individual components have been optimized during manufacturing, you can expect consistent sound from show to show. Built-in, factory-optimized protection circuitry provides extra assurance without degrading signal quality. And, when you have less equipment, you have less risk of failure.

Better Frequency and Phase Response

Because self-powered loudspeakers incorporate sophisticated processing, they are calibrated to exhibit optimal response curves in key performance parameters. Active crossovers are more precise, sophisticated designs, and bi-amped systems are time aligned, eliminating phase issues. The result? Accurate sound throughout the speaker’s range, at any volume level.

Unparalleled Clarity

In powered monitors, internal amplifiers are precision-matched to drivers, delivering optimal power at all times for cleaner sound. And because amps are built into loudspeaker cabinets, there’s no need for long lengths of connecting cable, which can become prone to distortion and signal loss.

Tighter Transients

Since self-powered loudspeakers have very short internal cables, amps inside can more effectively dampen driver mechanical motion, which leads to better sonic accuracy and tighter, crisper transients. (And, there’s none of the loss in levels and signal quality inherent over long cable distances.)

Specifications

• ACOUSTICAL
  • Operating Frequency Range -  55 Hz – 19.5 kHz
  • Frequency Response -  56 Hz – 19 kHz ± 4 dB
  • Phase Response -  90 Hz – 19.5 kHz ±45° 
  • Maximum SPL -  138 dB
  • Linear Peak SPL
    • 132.5 dB with 18 dB crest factor (M-noise)
    • 130 dB (Pink Noise), 131 dB (B-noise)
• COVERAGE
  • Rotatable horn: 110° x 50°
• TRANSDUCERS
  • Low Frequency -  Two 8-inch cone drivers; 4 Ω nominal impedance
  • High Frequency -  One 3-inch diaphragm compression driver connected to a rotatable horn; 8 Ω nominal impedance
• AUDIO INPUT
  • Type -  Differential, electronically balanced
  • Maximum Common Mode Range -  ±15 V DC, clamped to earth for voltage transient protection
  • Connectors
    • XLR 3-pin female input with male loop output
    • optional XLR 5-pin connector to accommodate both balanced audio and RMS signals.
  • Input Impedance -  10 kΩ differential between pins 2 and 3
  • Wiring
    • Pin 1: Chassis/earth through 1 kΩ, 1000 pF, 15 V clamp network to provide virtual ground lift at audio frequencies
    • Pin 2: Signal +
    • Pin 3: Signal –
    • Pin 4: RMS (polarity insensitive)
    • Pin 5: RMS (polarity insensitive)
    • Case: Earth ground and chassis
  • Nominal Input Sensitivity -  0 dBV (1.0 V rms) continuous is typically the onset of limiting for noise and music
  • Input Level -  Audio source must be capable of producing of +20 dBV (10 V rms) into 600 Ω to produce the maximum peak SPL over the operating bandwidth of the loudspeaker
• AMPLIFIER
  • Type -  3-channel, Class-D
  • Total Output Power -  1950 W peak
  • THD, IM, TIM -  < 0.02%
  • Cooling -  Convection
• AC POWER
  • Connectors -  powerCON 20 input with loop output
  • Automatic Voltage Selection -  90–265 V AC, 50–60 Hz
  • Safety Agency Rated Voltage Range -  100–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz
  • Turn-on and Turn-off points -  90 V AC turn-on, no turn-off; internal fuse protection above 265 V AC
• CURRENT DRAW
  • Idle Current -  0.27 A rms (115 V AC); 0.25 A rms (230 V AC); 0.29 A rms (100 V AC)
  • Maximum Long-Term Continuous Current (>10 sec) -  1.9 A rms (115 V AC); 1.0 A rms (230 V AC); 2.2 A rms (100 V AC)
  • Burst Current (<1 sec) -  3.1 A rms (115 V AC); 1.5 A rms (230 V AC); 3.4 A rms (100 V AC)
  • Maximum Instantaneous Peak Current -  6.9 A peak (115 V AC); 3.4 A peak (230 V AC); 7.9 A peak (100 V AC)
  • Inrush Current -  < 20 A peak
• RMS NETWORK (OPTIONAL)
  • Two-conductor twisted-pair network that reports all operating parameters of amplifiers to system operator’s host computer.
• PHYSICAL​
  • Dimensions (WxHxD) -  12.51 x 22.31 x 14 inch (318 x 567 x 356mm)
    • 'D' with handles - 15.38 in (391 mm)
  • Weight -  52 lb (23.6 kg)
  • Enclosure -  Premium multi-ply birch with slightly textured black finish
  • IP Rating -  Weather-protected version rated IP54
  • Protective Grille -  Powder-coated, round-perforated steel
  • Rigging -  11 integrated M8 threaded points; 35 mm Pole Mount with M20 thread; optional accessories available for various rigging options