M-AUDIO GSR SERIES PREVIEW
Posted on Wed 13 October 2010 in entries
We find out if the newly launched GSR series of PA speakers from M-Audio can live up to the GSR motto: “Serious sound, roadworthy design”…
Our live sound guys are always keen to get all the newest PA gear into the absolutemusic showroom, and there is none newer than M-Audio’s GSR series. The GSRs are a range of active sound reinforcement speakers comprising the bi-amped 10- and 12-inch PA cabinets and an 18-inch subwoofer designed to augment the low frequencies, resulting in a great bass reproduction in larger spaces.
Developed by the team behind M-Audio’s industry-leading studio reference monitors, the GSRs promise studio-grade sound and reliable roadworthy performance for musicians and DJs who perform in small to mid-sized venues.
Studio heritage, serious sound
M-Audio’s US engineers applied their years in speaker design to build the GSR series from the ground up. Based on a two-way Class D bi-amplified design, the GSR12 features a custom 12-inch low-frequency driver with a 2.5-inch voice coil and 1.3-inch titanium high-frequency compression driver.
The drivers are integrated using a precision-engineered 24dB/octave crossover to ensure a smooth, seamless transition and articulate, balanced sound across the entire spectrum and you can definitely hear the difference, putting these speakers on a par with much higher priced rivals.
Built to perform
When you’re gearing up for a marathon set, you need to know your speakers will go the distance. So it’s good to know you’re relying on the GSR10 and 12’s state-of-the-art bi-amplified design, delivering 250W and 300W respectively of continuous power.
The Class D power amplifier provides sustatined high-output levels with minimum distortion and extremely low heat, even when operating at near-peak levels over extended periods.
All round the room
The M-Audio boffins have developed their own ‘Optimage’ wave guide technology to ensure
the GSR speakers have broad, even coverage, from the stage right to the back of the room. The HF compression driver in the GSR10 and 12 is paired with an optimised horn geometry to provide wide dispersion of the mid and high frequencies as well as excellent off-axis response. With the GSRs, you hear the same full, balanced sound whether you’re right in front of the speaker or across to the side.
Portable and flexible
The GSR speakers are built with lightweight components making them easy to set up, install and transport. The compact neodymium magnet is half the weight of ceramic magnets found in other systems. Less lugging means you can save your energy for your performance!
The GSR10 and 12 are supremely flexible too, featuring four unique presents so you can adjust the speakers’ tonal characteristics for different applications. Whether you’re performing live, DJing, playing back music or giving public address, it’s easy to dial up great sound without additional processing.
Bass in the place
For larger venues where you need more low end sound reinforcement, the GSR10 and 12 can be paired with the GSR18 subwoofer. It has an 18-inch LF driver, 500W Class-D amplifier, stereo XLR/TRS inputs and XLR outputs.
Hear the difference
As with most speakers, it’s easy to compare specs and numbers, but to really get a feel for this new PA range, come in-store and have a demo from our live team.
GSR SERIES SPECS
Max. power: 200W + 50W (GSR10); 250 + 50W (GSR12); 500W (GSR18)
Frequency range: 70Hz - 18kHz (GSR10); 55Hz - 20kHz (GSR12); 40 - 150Hz (GSR18)
Dispersion angle (GSR10 & 12): 90° high x 60° wide
Presets (GSR10 & 12): Four – Normal, Hi-Fi, DJ, Voice
Purchase the M-AUDIO GSR12 300W ACTIVE PA SPEAKER