About Electrovoice
On September 1, 1927, Lou Burroughs and Al Kahn began a small business servicing radio receivers in South Bend, Indiana. As a result of the Great Depression, the two found themselves insolvent to the extent of $5,000. They decided to move their business to audio products, and on June 1, 1930, they incorporated under the name "Electro-Voice".
That year, the company designed a PA system for Knute Rockne, the famous coach of the Notre Dame football team at the time. Knute called his new system his "Electric Voice", which insipired the name of the company.[1]
Burroughs and Kahn perceived an opportunity to capitalize on what they perceived as the generally poor quality and high prices of existing microphones. They purchased a lathe and a drill and started producing about one microphone a week. Soon after, Burroughs withdrew from the business, leaving complete ownership to Kahn. By 1933, the previous business debts were completely paid off, and Electro-Voice began hiring employees to help in the production of the products. In 1936, twenty people were hired, and Lou Burroughs returned as chief engineer.
In 1946, the business moved to a bigger facility and expanded its engineering efforts. In 1948, they began successfully producing phonograph pickup cartridges. In 1950, they started production of the first automatic TV booster, which sold in great quantities. They also started to design and produce a loudspeaker line.
In 1963, EV received an Academy Award for their 642 Cardiline shotgun microphone, the first ever given for an audio product.[2] In the late 1970s, EV became the first microphone manufacturer to use neodymium magnets in its microphones. The PL80 microphones were introduced in the early 1980s, around the same time EV's first wireless microphones were being produced. In 1990, the HM2 headset microphone—EV's first headset microphone—was introduced.
In the early 1970s, EV developed the first commercial system for matrix four channel stereo called Stereo-4. When Columbia/CBS and Sony developed their Stereo Quadraphonic system (SQ) that system become the leading matrix system and Electro-Voice adapted their decoders so they also could play SQ records as well as Sansui's QS records. The EV system could also simulate four channel sound from two channel sources.
Prior to the February 1998 merger with Telex Communications, the company was owned by Mark IV Industries, Inc. through its subsidiary, Gulton Industries, Inc.,[3] and had manufacturing plants in Buchanan, Michigan; Newport, Tennessee; Sevierville, Tennessee; and Gananoque, Ontario. Electro-Voice's headquarters were in Buchanan, Michigan until the merger with Telex Communications.[4][5]
In June 2006, EV, along with all of Telex Communications, became part of Bosch Security Systems division.[6][7] Today EV manufactures widely used broadcast microphones as well as loudspeakers and various other professional audio equipment.[8]
Now
A driving force in concert sound reinforcement since its beginning, EV is dedicated to developing products that exceed the ever-higher expectations of audiences, performers, and production professionals the world over. We channel our industry-leading engineering experience and R&D resources towards product designs that push the art and science of sound forward, rather than following the pack. To achieve our goal of creating a line array with the best acoustic and mechanical performance, we talked to dozens of touring professionals and combined their real-world insight with our decades of line-array know-how. The result is the next generation of our legendary X-Line family, offering breakthrough new components that work together to surpass the performance of other leading line arrays, and all in a more compact, flexible, and faster-to-set-up package. Designed, engineered, and tested for ultimate reliability by Electro-Voice in the USA.
X-Line is a large concert sound loudspeaker system that combines high-level sonic impact and vocal intelligibility with the uniform, predictable coverage that only a line array can deliver. The X-Line system provides wide horizontal dispersion from a single vertical line array with exceptionally coherent wave-front summation in the vertical plane. Extended low-frequency polar control produces more uniform power response, further enhancing overall intelligibility.
The two full-range boxes in the line are three-way systems that incorporate the Electro-Voice Hydra® time synchronized, high-frequency plane wave generator to provide excellent summing in the far field. They also employ Ring-Mode Decoupling (RMD™) to provide level independent fidelity, greater mid-bass clarity, and high frequency accuracy. All models in the line share the same footprint and are connected by proprietary rigging that facilitates rapid venue load-in and load-out.
Whether at a medium-sized festival, in a large concert hall or house of worship, or as a supplementary system used with X-Line, XLC compact line arrays have a proven record of performance and reliability. It's no wonder that XLC is one of the most popular line array systems in the world. All modules incorporate Quik-Rig hardware for fast set-up and tear-down.
When a line array with limited size and weight is required, XLVC is the choice of professionals around the world. XLVC Very Compact Line Arrays combine reliability, intelligibility, and acoustic performance in a package that is easy to configure and suspend. All cabinets feature simple, quick, integrated rigging.
System design is easy using Electro-Voice's free LAPS II software.
The Expandable Vertical Array (EVA) series is a vertical line array with an elegant system design which provides a simple solution for installed sound applications. EVA offers true line array performance, and coherent far-field summing from the patented Hydra® plane wave generator. The internal, hidden rigging not only looks great, but also makes EVA incredibly easy to install. The sophisticated internal crossover lets you power up to eight EVA full-range modules from a single amplifier channel, eliminating the need for external crossovers or DSP. The four full-range modules in the series are complemented by two matching subwoofers that can be flown in the array. If you think that your budget isn't big enough for a great sounding line array, EVA may be just the answer you're looking for.
The EVH series is a dedicated installed sound solution that builds on everything Electro-Voice has learned from the globally successful FRX/FRX+ series. Delivering exceptional value in venues of all sizes, these mid-sized 15-inch two-way cabinets feature a unique coaxial horn loaded design that is unmatched for pattern control and intelligibility in reverberant environments.
A 400-W SMX2151 woofer provides the EVH's deep, rich lows, horn loading extends directivity control down to 500 Hz. High frequencies are handled by a pure titanium compression driver— a standard 2-inch (S models) —protected by an advanced fourth order crossover network. Six coverage patterns (ranging from 40° by 30° to 90° by 90°) on Rotatable Constant directivity ™ waveguides offer extraordinary versatility.
Three finishes available, including two for outdoor application. EVH loudspeakers come installation-ready with 28 M10-threaded suspension points, making rigging extremely flexible. Wherever extended pattern control is a priority, the EVH series provides a proven, effective solution.
EVH systems are mechanically compatible with the EVF subs.
The EVH series is a dedicated installed sound solution that builds on everything Electro-Voice has learned from the globally successful FRX/FRX+ series. Delivering exceptional value in venues of all sizes, these mid-sized 15-inch two-way cabinets feature a unique coaxial horn loaded design that is unmatched for pattern control and intelligibility in reverberant environments.
A 400-W SMX2151 woofer provides the EVH's deep, rich lows, horn loading extends directivity control down to 500 Hz. High frequencies are handled by a pure titanium compression driver— a premium 3-inch with neodymium magnetic structure (D models)—protected by an advanced fourth order crossover network. Six coverage patterns (ranging from 40° by 30° to 90° by 90°) on Rotatable Constant directivity ™ waveguides offer extraordinary versatility.
Three finishes available, including two for outdoor application. EVH loudspeakers come installation-ready with 28 M10-threaded suspension points, making rigging extremely flexible. Wherever extended pattern control is a priority, the EVH series provides a proven, effective solution.
EVH systems are mechanically compatible with the EVF subs.
EVF is the most comprehensive series of front-loaded loudspeaker systems ever offered for installed sound. Available in 12" or 15" two-way configurations, and enhanced with dedicated low-frequency systems, EVF loudspeakers match exceptional audio performance, efficiency, ease-of-use, and aesthetics with unprecedented value. EVF systems incorporate the latest Electro-Voice components to ensure years of reliability and exceptional sound. "S" designated systems are equipped with SMX series symmetric drive woofers and ND2B 2-inch titanium compression drivers.
EVF two-way full-range systems are offered in seven coverage patterns that provide solutions for the widest possible range of installation challenges. The 12" Constant Directivity waveguides can be rotated to work with a vertical or horizontal orientation. Bi-amp operation is supported, but the sophisticated fourth-order crossover and protection network makes cost-saving, passive operation extremely attractive. Using optional rigging accessories, you can create attractive clusters that include EVF full-range systems, as well as EVF subwoofers or EVH full-range systems. Cabinets are available in three finishes: EVCoat (interior use), PI (indirect weather exposure), and FG (fiberglass - for direct weather exposure); they include twenty-two M10 threaded suspension points.
Bringing ultracompact design to the EV-Innovation family of installation loudspeakers, the EVU series shines in applications including delay, under-balcony fill, front-fill, wall mounting, and distributed audio. EVU loudspeakers feature a rotatable constant-directivity waveguide that provides truly uniform sound dispersion while allowing the horizontal coverage pattern to be independent of enclosure orientation. Sonically matched to complement the other EV-Innovation products, EVU helps make EVInnovation the industry's most comprehensive and versatile line of loudspeakers.
A 4th-order, 90 Hz high-pass filter is recommended for use with all EVU loudspeakers.
The Electro-Voice Xi series brings premium, tour-quality sound to installation. The Xi series offers a potent combination of high output and ultra-linear performance in two-way systems. Xi series loudspeakers incorporate the acoustic advantages of Ring-Mode Decoupling (RMD™) and feature HP horns for excellent directivity and even coverage. To achieve sound performance without compromise, the Xi series is designed for active operation, with the exception of the Xi-1082, which contains a passive crossover network. Xi loudspeaker cabinets are made of 18-mm, 13-ply birch plywood finished in black, EVCoat, and are protected by a full-face, steel front grille that is backed with foam. All systems except the Xi-1082 have integrated handles and two L-tracks on the top and bottom. A detailed flying manual is available.
EVI provides a simple, economical solution for permanent installations requiring even coverage over a fixed rectangular area. In a typical room, the distance from a front-mounted loudspeaker to the last row is two or more times the distance to the front row, resulting in a substantial front-to-back difference in level and intelligibility. The Variable Intensity horn counters this problem by increasing the sound sent to the back of the room by six to eight dB, balancing SPL distribution without the expense and complexity of additional systems or components.
This speaker remains one of our most popular choices for speech reinforcement, for under balcony and on-wall locations in permanent installations, and as a high-quality monitor system. Dual 8" drivers in a tuned enclosure are matched to a 1" titanium compression driver with a 100° x 100° Constant Directivity horn. The FRI-2082 comes with a mounting bracket for horizontal or vertical orientation, while the FRI-28LPM has non-skid rubber mounting feet to make it more appropriate for stage monitoring.
The QRx series has become the standard for regional sound companies, rental professionals, and contractors who want compact high-performance loudspeakers with concert-grade EV components. Covered with rugged EVCOAT, QRx looks great stacked, on poles, as monitors, or flown with simple, integrated, L-track rigging points. Unique, fully-rotatable asymmetrical horns have a 15-degree downward bias to ensure high-frequency coverage without the need to tilt the enclosure toward the audience. Our powerhouse DH7 large-format driver (three-inch voice-coil, 1.4-inch exit) provides the high-frequency engine, while a selection of DL and EVX woofers anchor the low and sub frequencies. The combination of high-level components, unique design, and versatility make QRx series one of the best values in the industry.
Designed for top-notch quality with amazing versatility, the ZX/ZXA series sets a new standard of performance and practicality in sound reinforcement loudspeakers. Featuring high-end components and lightweight molded enclosures, the ZX/ZXA line is at home in any installed or portable application, from commercial sound to clubs, HoW, stages, arenas, and stadiums. Newly-designed high power woofers and drivers ensure full-range sound with awesome richness and clarity. Sleek contemporary styling fits in anywhere. Light weight makes transport easy while enabling a multitude of flying and mounting options that are each supported by innovative mechanical solutions. Whether for portable use or permanent installation, the ZX/ZXA series represents the next level in advanced loudspeaker technology.
The new ZX1-Sub is optimized for performance with a variety of EV loudspeakers, including ZX1, EVID, and EVU models, and will add a deep low-frequency punch that you can feel as well as hear. An ideal choice to complete a wide range of smaller fixed installations or live sound systems.
With ZLX, Electro-Voice set out with a singular goal: to deliver best-in-class performance across every detail. ZLX combines decades of proven pro-audio engineering know-how with a bold new look and user-friendly features that give you an extraordinary amount of control over your sound – all with the renowned EV quality and reliability the pros trust. Available in powered and passive 12- and 15-inch two-way versions and perfect for use as either mains or monitors, ZLX represents a new standard for musicians, DJs, and all performers looking for more from a portable loudspeaker.
Clear, powerful, and musical, the Live X series was born to command the stage for professional music performance. Available in both powered and passive versions, Live X loudspeakers offer top-quality components in remarkably affordable configurations that put the EV-quality experience within reach for artists, engineers, and live-sound businesses. Designed for a wide range of portable sound applications, Live X loudspeakers are housed in hardy stackable enclosures of solid wood, making them lighter than comparable-quality composite or plastic boxes and therefore easier to load, transport, and set up. With high output, extended frequency range, and high sensitivity, Live X loudspeakers are clean, flat, and hot, making music of all kinds sound its best. The Live X series is serious gear for serious sound.
The SX series includes some of the most popular loudspeaker designs in history. SX loudspeakers offer the tour-proven performance and reliability for which EV is known. A versatile range of speaker configurations and lightweight enclosures covers applications in commercial sound , pro music, club sound, and performance and sports venues. In live performance, the SX line can handle tasks such as front-of-house, side fills, delay lines, or stage monitors. For installed sound, easy mounting and multiple weather-ready versions provide flexible system configuration for both indoor and outdoor venues. With high power-handling, great coverage, and smooth, consistent frequency response, cost-effective SX loudspeakers are the hard-working, easy-setup solution to your installation and portable system needs.
Tour X brings the engineering excellence and aesthetic design of EV's world-class tour systems to an innovative and exciting series of portable loudspeakers. Combining bold design and breakthrough performance, the Tour X series is optimized for applications such as club sound, pro music, and concert sound. The line's full-range loudspeakers and monitors utilize either 1.25-inch DH3/2010A or 2-inch ND2 compression drivers, protected by an advanced fourth-order crossover. Rotatable horns provide coverage-pattern flexibility while 12-inch or 15-inch SMX woofers deliver high power handling with high sensitivity. Tour X 18-inch subwoofers, meanwhile, use high-excursion EVS-18S LF transducers to ensure plenty of impact with ultra-low distortion. For tour-class performance in a portable package that's surprisingly affordable, look no further than Tour X.
The EKX series is the newest member of the Electro Voice portable loudspeaker family, and combines legendary EV sound quality and reliability with the latest technology — all in a compact package suitable for a wide range of sound reinforcement scenarios, including musicians/DJs and live/club/installed sound applications. The EKX series features eight models (four powered and four passive), including 12" and 15" two-way models and 15" and 18" subwoofers. EKX is positioned above the ZLX and ELX series and below the ETX series.
The new ETX Powered Loudspeakers family builds upon the industry-leading innovation and 85-year heritage of Electro-Voice audio engineering to offer the most advanced professional portable powered loudspeakers available today.
A versatile high-end choice for live entertainment venues, rental companies, pro musicians and DJs, and installed sound, the ETX Powered Loudspeakers family features three two-way models (10-inch, 12-inch and 15-inch, all with a precision HF titanium compression driver), a three-way model (15-inch with a 6.5-inch MF driver and a precision HF titanium compression driver) and two subs (15-inch and 18-inch drivers).
Positioned above the ZLX and Live X families respectively, ETX Powered Loudspeakers complete a trio of recent EV portable loudspeaker offerings—each of which was designed to bring best-in-class performance to its price point.
Inside each low-profile, tour-grade wood enclosure are a host of unique new features that set ETX Powered Loudspeakers apart, combining intelligent technology and innovative industrial design for spectacular results across all applications. EV-engineered high-efficiency transducers and high-powered Class-D amplifiers, Signal Synchronized Transducers (SST) waveguide design and smart FIR-Drive DSP all work together to provide peerless EV sound quality and precise coverage at the highest SPLs
Contractor Precision Series amplifiers combine top-quality performance and reliability with innovative designs perfectly tailored to the needs of professional sound installation. Available in 2 RU configurations of up to eight channels, CPS amps are compact and efficient to operate, with every detail thought through from the contractor's point of view. For fast installation and setup, each model features Phoenix-type input and output connectors, programmable power-on delay, remote power-on/off, rear-mounted attenuators, and switchable high-pass filters. For worry-free dependability, there's full protection against hazards such as excessive heat, overloads, shorts, DC, back-EMF, and inrush current. And for the ultimate in system control and supervision, the optional RCM-810 module enables the inclusion of CPS amps in IRISNet networks of up to 250 devices. Offering exceptional ease, flexibility, and audio performance, CPS series is the ideal installation solution for cinema, club sound, commercial sound/life safety, and performance and sports venues.
Building on a legacy of power and performance, Q Series amps take Electro-Voice’s unique amplifier philosophy to a new level of efficiency and value. The Q series achieves superb audio performance because it's designed for superior dynamic headroom and transient response, resulting in 30% greater output capability for short-duration signals. High-power Q99 & Q1212 models use sophisticated Class-H topology that dramatically reduces heat and cuts energy consumption by up to 50%, yielding racks that are easier to power and easier to cool. Smaller Q44 & Q66 models are based on the proven Class-AB designs of EV’s reference-standard P series. All models incorporate dynamic limiting to prevent dangerous output clipping, as well as extensive protections against thermal damage and electrical malfunction. Combining Class-H innovation with Class-AB sonic excellence and robustness, the compact, affordable Q series is the ideal amplifier line for all sizes of clubs, concerts, performance centers, and sports venues.
Designed for the most demanding applications in both touring and installed sound, EV's ultra-reliable Tour Grade amplifiers offer a unique combination of output power, sonic excellence and high efficiency, all in a compact, lightweight format that's ideal for life on the road. Based on grounded-bridge Class-H topology, Tour Grade amps feature an integrated switch-mode power supply for maximum power per pound, with plenty of headroom to handle transient peaks and low loads. The optional RCM- 26 remote control module adds state-of-the-art IRISNet- controlled DSP, including FIR-Drive loudspeaker optimization, IIR filters, signal routing, level control, dynamics and system supervision. The optional RCM-28 module provides additional DSP options as well as the revolutionary OMNEO Media Networking Architecture for the most demanding applications.
Built for the toughest tours and high-profile installations, Precision series remote control amplifiers deliver superb concert sound in a rugged package that stands up to the rigors of the road. High-power Class-AB designs drive your boxes as hard as you need to get full, clear coverage. Ultra-low distortion keeps your sound clean even at peak volumes with heavy loads. And road-ready design features—dual power supplies, multiple fans, and complete electronic protection circuitry—keep the show going while safeguarding both your investment and your reputation. Long a staple of top touring companies, Precision series amplifiers are better than ever with the inclusion of the RCM-24 module, which brings P series amps under IRISNet control with state-of-the-art DSP technology. Offering system supervision, signal routing, IIR filters, level control, and dynamics, Precision series remote control amplifiers set the standard for professional concert sound.
PA1250T, PA1150T, PA2400T, PA4150L
Compact Precision amplifiers combine outstanding audio performance with the highest-possible reliability and safety to create an ideal high-power solution for touring and rentals. Incorporating an innovative new switch mode power supply into Class-H technology, the CP series delivers clean headroom that is far above stated nominal output. This advanced design also results in improved performance-to-weight ratio for easier touring, reduced waste heat for closer rack spacing, and reduced power consumption for enhanced energy efficiency. A complete set of protection circuitry guards people and equipment against hazardous conditions, and a rigid, robust chassis, built to the highest precision manufacturing standards, ensures dependable operation on even the most grueling tours. With exceptionally clean power and tour-friendly touches that facilitate fast, flexible setup, Compact Precision amplifiers fulfill even the most demanding requirements of pro audio touring.
CP3000s, CP4000s
