Utilising highly advanced point source speaker design, extremely efficient power management amplifier technology and totally unique hybrid signal processing, KV2 has created the first major advancement in large scale concert sound reinforcement since the development of the Line Array.

The VHD5 Constant Power Point Source System is a true feat of engineering. Over five years in development it brings the benefits of point source technology to large‑scale concert sound reinforcement. The system delivers audio over large areas with clarity and definition simply not achievable from the digitally processed line arrays that are so commonly used today.

For some time now line arrays have been predominantly used for large concert sound systems. Having all components in a single axis array has solved certain issues in respect to comb filtering problems in the horizontal plane, but destructive interference still occurs from the multiple HF horns mounted vertically. The loss of high frequencies and cancellations through air disturbance caused by audience heat and wind is another major issue. Manufacturers have attempted to correct these problems in numerous ways both through acoustic design and DSP, however the end result has been further reductions in resolution, due to the limitations of digital sampling and the simple principles of physics that cannot be ignored.

Dispersion Pattern of Line Array vs Dispersion Pattern of Point Source

At KV2 we believe that definition equals distance and the higher the reproduction quality of the source, the better the intelligibility over distance. The theory that line arrays have less losses over distance than point source is not only incorrect, but somewhat irrelevant if the sound is not intelligible at the back of the venue anyway. To achieve the high definition needed to cover long distances we have focused on developing unique hybrid processing, which takes the very best available technologies in both the analogue and digital domains, advancing system design to a whole new level. The end result is ultimate resolution, Very High Definition sound, impulse accuracy and phase coherent audio arriving at the listening position, even over long distance.

To cover very large crowds you need a large system capable of delivering high SPL, running multiple components. To do this, as one large point source enclosure is somewhat difficult as it would be almost impossible to move around or transport. With the VHD5 Constant Power Point Source Array, KV2 has focused on creating a modular system that has minimal destructive interference while utilising multiple components in a small number of cabinets. VHD8.10 Low Mid Expansion Boxes are arrayed around the VHD5.0 Mid High Enclosure providing the extra headroom needed to deliver the low mids, keeping the sound balanced.

In essence the system is pieced together to represent one very large point source, each part of the system is proportional in size to the frequency wavelengths it reproduces. The radiated power of each bandwidth therefore remains consistent and balanced in relevance to the overall frequency response. This ensures the same sound is delivered to every seat in the house. The high frequency horn in the VHD5.0 combines three 3” NVPD (Nitrate Vapour Particle Deposition) Titanium Drivers on a special manifold horn with summing wave‑guide. Delivering incredible output with extremely low distortion, this unique horn assembly provides crystal clear highs over distance with much higher resistance to air disturbances.

Download VHD5 Brochure (pdf, 4 MB)

VHD5.0 MID HIGH MODULE

The VHD5.0 is a three‑way enclosure handling low mids, mids and highs over a frequency range from 45Hz through to 20kHz. It incorporates eight front‑loaded ten inch low mid drivers, six horn‑loaded eight inch mid range drivers and three 3“ NVPD (Nitrate Vapour Particle Deposition) Titanium compression drivers on a custom designed, manifold horn assembly with summing waveguide. With the capacity to run full range down to 45Hz the VHD5.0 is usually crossed over at 70Hz to the VHD4.21 Active Sub Bass Modules.

Both the VHD5.0 and VHD8.10 cabinets incorporate very simple to use integrated fly ware that links cabinets together quickly and easily.

VHD8.10 LOW MID EXPANSION MODULES

When multiple low mid drivers are arrayed on a single axis they sum providing a considerable increase in the amount of low mid energy present and available in the 200Hz to 500Hz range.

A lot more energy is needed in this area than in the higher frequency ranges so this summing effect helps deliver headroom in the system and keeps the overall sound balanced.

To provide the required energy in the low mid, needed to cover very large audiences KV2 developed the VHD8.10 Low Mid Expansion Box. This enclosure carries a further 8 front‑loaded ten inch speakers and 3 of these cabinets are added to each VHD5.0. This provides a total of 32 ten inch speakers giving the extra headroom needed in the low mid band and extended projection of these frequencies over distance.

VHD5.1 DOWNFILL MODULE

VHD5.1 is a dedicated downfill performance enclosure and integral to the VHD5.0 system. A three-way design featuring a 3″ high frequency compression driver with NVPD treated dome assembly; one horn loaded 8″ mid range woofer featuring AIC technology and six front loaded 10” low  mid woofers. All speaker components employ neodymium magnets to increase force, improve control and reduce weight.

VHD4.21 ACTIVE BASS MODULE

The VHD4.21 Active Bass Module consists of two purpose designed Very High Definition enclosures, one active and one passive, each containing two custom designed 21“ woofers. A Low Q design has been applied to attain the optimum speaker loading, enabling a high sensitivity of 109dB 1w/1 m.

Running at close to 100% efficiency on any voltage from 160 to 270 Volts, the amplifier for the VHD4.21 is a revolution in electronic engineering, utilising a huge bank of capacitors as a power store. This unique and innovative new power management system enables the onboard amplifier to deliver peak output levels of 14 kW, whilst operating at a modest constant power consumption of 3.5 kW from a 16A circuit. The VHD4.21 Active Module represents proven KV2 Subwoofer Amplifer technology that has been consistently improved over the last decade to provide maximum control over the movement of large mass speakers.

The end result is a fast, dynamic, Very High Definition subwoofer, truly capable of reproducing the articulation in a bass guitar, whilst also extending down to 28Hz.

VHD5000 Amplifier Controller, VHD5000S Slave Amplifier, VHD5100 Amplifier for Downfill

The VHD5000 amplifier controller contains two

Class AB amplifiers totalling 900W for the high frequencies and a 1200W Class H amplifier for the mids. It also controls the VHD5000S which houses two 2500W Class G amplifers that power low mids in the system. The VHD5100 is a two channel, three-way, active control and amplification system specially designed for the KV2 Audio VHD5.1 Downfill and ESR215MkII loudspeaker system.

The VHD5000 incorporates state of the art hybrid processing via discrete ultra fast analog circuitry and our proprietary 20MHz PDM technology for all required filtering and time alignment.

A front panel touch screen allows easy muting and level adjustment of the frequency bands and full adjustment of the digital delay lines and other parameters on board. Control can also be done remotely via Ethernet or Wi Fi.

The VHD5000 is fully networkable allowing viewing and adjustment of all amplifiers and slaves from the one remote location. Onboard two 96Khz PCM delays are available to adjust the position of the subs or for creating cardoid sub patterns while two Very High Definition 20MHz PDM delays allow movement of the main system without the loss of resolution experienced when using much lower sampling rates.

A harmonics restoration circuit is also built in and fully controllable from the touch screen. This adds back in harmonics lost through a digital sampling process earlier in the audio chain, such as losses caused by the internal processing of digital mixers. Full diagnostics show a number of parameters including impendance sensing, providing information in respect of any potential problems with the system’s components.

Logistics

The VHD5 is a Constant Power Point Source System designed for large audiences, long throw and intended to be flown at a minimum height of 10 metres. As well as the exceptional audio quality, what is also remarkable about the system is how fast and easily it can be deployed. The system does not require complicated set up or pre show analysis via prediction software, although this is available and the pan and tilt aspects of the VHD5 Flybar system mean that any fine tuning or environmental adjustments can be made to the coverage area once the system is flown.