The 1.5AM+ is well suited for vocal monitoring and on-stage instrument reinforcement
USA - Unveiled earlier this year at Prolight + Sound 2017, Clair Brothers has introduced a new addition to its successful line of One Series 12- and 15-inch coaxial stage monitors: a self-powered version of the 1.5AM monitor called the 1.5AM+. This Clair Brothers extends One Seriesfollows on the heels of last year’s introduction of the powered monitor 1AM+, the amplified sister of the 1AM monitor.
The 1.5AM+’s internal, factory-programmed DSP loudspeaker processing gives users Xover, EQ, Limiter, and a total of four preset options. Of interest to current 12AM owners, the 1.5AM+ features factory-programmed processing that delivers two ‘12AM Emulation Mode’ preset options (32dB gain or 38dB gain); these presets provide similar frequency response voicing and low-frequency phase response for seamless compatibility for 1.5AM+ to be deployed harmoniously with existing fleets of 12AM monitors.
The two remaining presets are options designed for low-frequency optimization on stage as the 1.5AM+ may be coupled with other two-way monitors or with stage subwoofers. The “Mon A” preset offers a two-way phase vs. frequency characteristic and the Mon B preset includes an all-pass filter that aligns the low-frequency phase response seamlessly with subwoofers across the lowest octaves. It’s recommended to combine these monitors with Clair CS or kiT-Series subwoofers.
Like the 1AM+, the 1.5AM+ contains a lightweight, powerful amplifier module made exclusively for Clair by Powersoft; this module allows users to power a passive (non-powered) 1.5AM with a slave output. “Simply connect the 1.5AM+ by cable to a non-powered 1.5AM and power the pair. While this is a mono (not stereo mix) configuration, this is a very unique, value-added feature,” says Josh Sadd, vice president and chief engineer at Clair Brothers. The integrated amp notably delivers two-channel (1600W each) 3200W total power.
The 1.5AM+ offers a coaxial design and a proprietary high-frequency rotatable horn (40°H x 60°V standard dispersion) carved from premium Baltic birch. This proprietary horn design includes sculpted wooden acoustic filters that optimize the magnitude and phase response between the coaxial components in the crossover region – effectively avoiding the shadowing of the woofer with the horn, as well as the early reflection from the rear of the horn.
Clair Brothers vision of the 1.5AM+ is that it is well suited for vocal monitoring and on-stage instrument reinforcement (drum fill, bass and keyboard monitors), but especially for DJ / EDM monitors. Those looking for the Rolls Royce of stage monitors should certainly consider Clair Brothers 1.5AM+.
(Jim Evans)

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