Technologies For Worship magazine shone a spotlight on Avante Audio’s Achromic AS8 portable column PA system in an ‘Out of the Box’ feature in their June 2019 edition. A magazine for worship techs, both professional and volunteer, TFWM is read by over 50,000 churches across the USA. The editorial team at the magazine recognised that the Achromic AS8’s compact size but impressive output and flexible in-built mixer make it ideal for portable churches.
Here’s what TFWM had to say:
Avante Audio’s new Achromic AS8 portable column offers an impressive output from a very compact system, and is a great option for portable churches and houses of worship looking for a versatile and easily portable PA setup.
The AS8 features six precisionaligned 2.75-inch neodymium drivers for the highs/mids alongside an 8-inch neodymium subwoofer with a 1.5-inch voice coil and a 28 oz. magnet. It features a powerful integrated 800W Class-D amplifier module with a built-in limiter and is capable of delivering a maximum SPL of 116dB while offering a dynamic frequency response of 55Hz-20kHz. It offers exceptional audio quality for amplifying both vocals and instruments clearly and accurately from an extremely lightweight and portable system.
Designed with speed and ease of setup in mind, the AS8 comprises of three separate components: a sub unit, a mid/top array and an array spacer. The compact floor-standing vented sub unit integrates both the amplifier module and on-board mixer. It connects to the mid/top array column using Avante Audio’s new SAM (Secure Array Mount) system which allows the array column and spacer to lock securely to the sub and to one another without risk of being toppled over. The SAM connection also passes the audio signal from the sub up to the array column, through the spacer, removing the need for speaker cables and further speeding up setup time. The AS8 has a total height of 79.1” (2010mm), which is perfect for performances either from the floor or a low stage, which makes this a flexible option for small event spaces.
The flexible 3-channel mixer built-in to the sub unit features a 2-band EQ, a Power/Clip LED signal indicator and an XLR output for connecting a second AS8 or any other powered speaker. It offers XLR/TRS combo jack connections on the first two channels (switchable between mic and line level) and a choice of 1/4” or 1/8” jack inputs on the third channel. This allows direct connection of line-level audio sources as well as microphones and even a guitar, making the system ideal for acoustic solo performers, duos and even small bands without the need for a separate external mixer. The unit is also equipped with a BLUETOOTH® audio connection that allows wireless streaming of music from a smartphone, tablet or laptop.
“The AS8 is a truly feature-packed stick PA that offers excellent audio quality at an affordable price; it is a super-compact and easy to move system that is ideal for houses of worship,” says Chuck Green, Director of Sales for Avante Audio.
The new AS8 joins the existing models in the Achromic Series: the A10, A12 and A15 full-range active speakers as well as the A15S and A18S sub units. Avante Audio’s expanding range of cutting-edge audio products also includes the recently-released Imperio Series modular ‘mini’ line array system. The Achromic AS8 is available now.
See the feature in the magazine:
http://online.tfwm.com/?issueID=35&pageID=16
