Description
d&b audiotechnik E8 2-Way Coaxial Loudspeaker
Offering distinct advantages for fixed installation, including smaller cabinets, horizontal or vertical placement, and greater clarity than traditional designs, the point-source The E8 is a high-performance 2-way multipurpose loudspeaker, employing an integrated coaxial driver. The E8 can be used for speech and music as a stand-alone full-range system or incorporated into larger distributed sound reinforcement applications. With the addition of a d&b E12X subwoofer in passive or active mode, or any other E-Series subwoofer, it can also easily reproduce high-quality program music.
d&b audiotechnik E8 Point-Source Loudspeaker—At a Glance:
- 2-way compact, light-weight, direct-radiated coaxial loudspeaker
- Rotatable high-frequency horn
- Flexible use as a standalone, monitor, or fills
- 5″ low-frequency driver
- 1″ high-frequency driver
- 100° x 55° dispersion pattern with rotatable horn
- 123dB Max SPL
d&b audiotechnik E8—Parsing the Details
The E8 is a high-performance multipurpose loudspeaker employing an integrated 8″/1″ exit coaxial driver design with a neodymium magnet and constant directivity horn loading. The horn with its 90° x 50° (hor. x vert.) dispersion pattern can easily be rotated through 90° providing a 50° x 90° pattern without the use of tools. The E8 is a two-way design with a built-in passive crossover network. Its frequency response extends from 62Hz to 18kHz.
The enclosure is constructed from polyurethane integral hard foam with an impact-resistant paint finish. The cabinet shape allows use either in a vertical or horizontal orientation as well as deployment as a stage monitor. The front of the loudspeaker cabinet is protected by a rigid metal grill backed by an acoustically transparent foam.
The loudspeaker cabinet incorporates a handle, a pole mount socket, and six M10 threaded inserts to connect to different rigging accessories like Z5350 Flying bracket E8, Z5020 Flying adapter 02, Z5025 Flying adapter 03, or a Z5351 Horizontal bracket E8. An additional M10 thread in the rear panel can be used to connect a safety wire.
The connector panel of the E8 cabinet is recessed and tilted to allow deployment as a stage monitor. With the panel on the right-hand side, the cabinet is oriented correctly.
Advantage of coaxial speakers for fixed installation
The holy grail of speaker design, coaxial speakers, otherwise known as point-source, offer at least two distinct advantages over traditional designs. Since the high- and low-frequencies emanate from the same point, the speaker delivers full-range sound in phase, resulting in a smoother overall frequency response and greater clarity than traditional designs. The second advantage impacts installation. Because there is no physical distance between drivers, the cabinet can be smaller, which allows you to take advantage of limited real estate. Also, thanks to the coaxial design, the cabinet can be oriented horizontally or vertically with no change in performance.
CUT mode
The E8 can be used standalone or supplemented by different subwoofers from the E-Series. Set to CUT, the low-frequency level is reduced, enabling the E8 to be used with d&b active subwoofers.
HFA circuit
In HFA mode (High-Frequency Attenuation), the HF response of the system is rolled off. HFA provides a natural, balanced frequency response when a unit is placed close to listeners in a near field or delayed use. High-Frequency Attenuation begins gradually at 1kHz, dropping by approximately 3dB at 10kHz. This roll-off mimics the decline in frequency response experienced when listening to a system from a distance in a typically reverberant room or auditorium.
CPL function
The CPL (Coupling) function compensates for coupling effects between the cabinet and close boundary surfaces or when the cabinet is used as a stage monitor. CPL begins gradually around 1kHz, with the maximum attenuation below 250Hz. To achieve a balanced frequency response, the CPL function can be set to dB attenuation values between 0 and –9. Positive CPL values create an adjustable low-frequency boost (0 to +5dB) and can be set when the system is used in a full-range mode without subwoofers.
Operation with E-PAC
Selecting E8 mode enables the E-PAC to drive up to two E8 loudspeakers. LO IMP mode configures the E-PAC to drive a maximum of four E8 loudspeakers with a 6 dB reduction in input level to the loudspeakers. For acoustic adjustment the CUT and HFA modes are available.
The E8 cabinet
The E8 cabinet has an impact-resistant paint finish incorporating a handle. The loudspeaker cabinet is also available in Special Color (SC) and Weather Resistant (WR) options. The Weather Resistant option provides an IP54* rating and enables the operation of loudspeakers in changing ambient conditions. Both options are supplied with metal plates in the specified color covering the handle recesses and loudspeaker stand socket.
*The IP Code or International Protection Rating, sometimes also interpreted as Ingress Protection Rating. IP54: Protected from limited dust ingress, no harmful deposits. Protected against water splashed from all directions, limited ingress permitted
E8 cabinet options
The special color (SC) version of the cabinet is available in all colors of the RAL** color table. It comes without a handle. The respective opening of the cabinet is covered by a plate in cabinet color. The connector type is NL4.
**RAL is a color-matching system that defines standard colors for varnish, powder coating, and plastics. It’s the most popular Central European color standard used today.
WR option (Weather Resistance)
A number of d&b loudspeakers are available in special options suitable for different types of installed applications and environmental conditions. The following options are available for the E8 loudspeaker:
- Weather resistant (WR): This option is suitable for outdoor use. The cabinets have an impact and weather-protected black PCP (Polyurea Cabinet Protection) finish.
- Sea water resistant (SWR): This option is suitable for outdoor use, especially in wet and acid or salty environments.
WR cabinets are equipped with a recessed connector panel including a Faston-type connector (2 x 6.3 mm, female). A cover plate that accepts single or dual PG cable glands (Type PG13.5 for cable diameters from 6 – 12 mm) is enclosed.
E8 Applications
- Musical productions
- Theater and opera
- Conferences
- Industrial presentations
- Broadcast studios
Recommended amplifiers
The d&b D20 and 30D amplifiers are recommended to drive the E8. The d&b D80, 10D, and D6 can also be used. When the E8-X configuration is selected an E8 can be driven passively in parallel with an E12X-SUB from the same amplifier channel.
Architectural specifications for detailed project planning
If you require architectural specifications for a d&b system or a specific d&b Series, you can find the most important technical specifications ready for download on the d&b audiotechnik website.
For more information or assistance configuring a system with d&b audiotechnik E8 point-source loudspeakers, call or chat online with your Parsons Audio professional today.
Specifications:
System data
- Frequency response (-5dB standard): 62Hz-18kHz
- Frequency response (-5dB CUT mode): 120Hz-18kHz
Max. sound pressure1
- D6/10D: 126dB
- D20/30D: 129dB
- D80: 129dB
1 1 m, free field, SPL max peak test signal: pink noise with crest factor 4
Loudspeaker data
- Configuration: 2-way compact coaxial loudspeaker
- Nominal impedance: 16 ohm
- Power handling capacity (RMS/peak 10 ms): 150/800W
- Nominal dispersion angle (h x v): 90° x 50° rotatable
Components
- 8″ driver with neodymium magnet
- 1″ exit compression driver with 1.75″ rotatable CD horn
- Passive crossover network
Connections
- 2 x NLT4 F/M
- Optional 2x EP5 or 2x NL4
- WR option: Faston type connector (2 x 6.3mm)
Dimensions (approx.)
- H: 11-13/16″ (300 mm)
- W: 7-7/16″ (188 mm)
- D: 7″ (175 mm)
Weight
- 16.1 lb. (7.3 kg)
