Meridian has launched the High-Power Array (HPA), which is a technology upgrade that optimizes the output and coverage of sound when three Meridian architectural loudspeakers are arranged in a close-proximity array configuration.
When designing large home cinemas, integrators aim to achieve high SPL targets across the entire listening region, without distortion. CEDIA guidelines recommend a THX Reference level 105 dB for the main listening position. This can be challenge that typically requires the need to move to compression drivers that lack the required high frequency extension, resolution, and clarity; a deeper installation depth for larger high SPL speakers; and a greater number of larger power amps in the rack that generate more heat.
Meridian is providing the solution to this challenge with the newly developed HPA technology enabling integrators to install three identical DSP loudspeakers in a stack or array configuration. The HPA configuration ensures minimal interference and spectral variation between speakers, resulting in an even response. This installation method also enables the integrator to maintain the 100mm mounting depth and the additional channels don’t require any extra equipment in the rack.
“HPA represents a continuation of Meridian utilizing the power and flexibility offered by the DSP within our loudspeakers to solve problems that would otherwise be difficult or potentially impossible to solve,” comments Dr. Laurence Hobden, research and applied technologies team leader at Meridian. “By considering what is both objectively and subjectively important, we have been able to engineer an elegant solution to a real-world problem presented to us by our design and integration team. HPA processing minimizes the interference between close proximity loudspeakers by carefully controlling their magnitude and phase responses. This allows multiple loudspeakers to be used as a single channel, offering increased SPL whilst maintaining detail and fidelity.”
Available for use with Meridian’s architectural range — including the DSP520.2, DSP640.2, DSP750, and DSP730 — the three loudspeakers are installed with the center speaker assigned as the ‘primary’ product and the outer two speakers classed as the ‘secondary’ products. This is the same whether installed vertically or horizontally. To allocate a role, the integrator is required to send one RS232 command to each individual loudspeaker within an array.
When installing the loudspeakers, the spacing between each one should be 50mm or less — the closer the speakers, the better the performance. For horizontal installs, the listener’s ears should be positioned directly in line with the primary loudspeaker, and at a distance of at least 4m from the array, while for vertically mounted loudspeakers, the line should target the tweeter drivers.
For more information, visit www.meridian-audio.com.
