REPRINTED FROM AUGUST, 2005

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First Look

BY WAYNE BECKER

SC has widely been known for their Qpower amplifiers. Their reliable and accurate sound has been a mainstay

QSC ISIS WideLine Array Loudspeaker System

in touring and installed sound for decades. However within the past two years, QSC has made a bid for their place in the loud- speaker market, coming out with some very good, cost effective designs. One of their latest designs, the ISIS WideLine array has opened to a critical audience of audio professionals.

The design objective for the WideLine array as stated by QSC is “To design a com- pact system that would perform as a larger system in terms of power handling, frequency response and coverage. The primary focus is to be on the regional corporate user in ball- room situations, theaters and the myriad of small to medium size events that confront such users daily.”

And recently, I had a chance to demo the ISIS WideLine arrays at the Trump Taj Mahal Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The demo was held in the main ball- rooms A&B along with the entire line up of the latest QSC installed sound offerings. QSC did it up right with a full live rig includ- ing a Yamaha DM2000 digital mixing con- sole, a host of outboard effects and of course QSC power amps and loudspeaker processors all running under the control of their QSControl.net platform software, Venue Manager. And not only did they have various program material, but they had an entire live band made up of piano, drums, upright bass, guitar and vocalist.

The room roughly 150 feet x 150 feet was mostly empty, had plush carpeted floors, stuc- co walls and some moveable partitions, your basic huge conference room. A few chairs were set up in front of the room in the middle

section for attendees. The WideLine arrays were hoisted to both sides of the stage area sporting eight array modules along with subs on both sides. The frequency response seemed to be very consistent and the pattern control was well controlled from the front of the room to the back of the room. The hori- zontal response was very even and articulated throughout the coverage pattern. Even though the room presented a delay off of the back wall, the stack still presented a clear and unmarred direct field presence.

What I liked immediately about the sound of the WideLine is that it didn’t have a “hyped” high end, but rather a smooth midrange transi- tioning to a clean but not overly bright top end. Although not overbearing, I did notice a bit of “tubbiness” in the lower midrange, I attributed that to the room. Overall I was impressed with the wide horizontal coverage and linear and even transition of frequency response as I moved to different seating locations from the front to the back of the room and from side to side between arrays. The roll off of the pattern was decisive as well. The intelligibility was good, even in this less-than-ideal acoustical setting. I was also impressed with the mid- range frequency shading demonstration. It seemed to make a noticeable difference in the response and behavior of the array. Although I would have liked to do a few more tests with a male and female speaking voice, the live sound of the vocalist and the program material of var- ious artists (I selected the CDs) certainly pro- vided me with enough proof that these arrays are certainly a good solution for this type of environment and other stage settings where

quick set-up and quality sound are required.

THE PRODUCT

The ISIS WideLine Array is made of a lightweight composite cabinet, and comes in black or white finish with an optional weatherized version (black only) and weighs about 70 pounds. Its multiple aper- ture diffraction slot waveguide provides a wide dispersion of 140 degrees horizontal and 10 degrees vertical. It also provides three-way, biamp or triamp design with selectable frequency shading between the enclosure’s two woofers, which are 10- inch, 16-ohm long excursion, high power (380 watts), low-frequency transducers.

Copyright 2005 JRS Publishing, Inc. Reprinted with permission.

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QSC Audio manual QSC Isis WideLine Array Loudspeaker System, First Look
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WideLine Array specifications

QSC Audio has established itself as a leading manufacturer of professional audio equipment, and their WideLine Array series is a testament to their commitment to high-quality sound reinforcement. The WideLine Array is designed to handle a broad range of applications, from concert venues and theaters to stadiums and outdoor events. This advanced line array system offers a combination of innovative features, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional performance capabilities.

One of the defining characteristics of the QSC WideLine Array is its modular design. This allows users to easily configure the system to suit specific venue requirements, ensuring optimal sound coverage and clarity. The array's unique rigging options and lightweight construction facilitate easy transportation and quick setup, making it an ideal choice for touring professionals and rental companies.

Key features of the WideLine Array include its high-efficiency transducers, which deliver powerful and clear audio across a wide frequency range. The system typically includes multiple low-frequency and high-frequency drivers, working in tandem to produce a balanced sound that caters to both music and spoken word applications. Additionally, the WideLine's exceptional power handling capability ensures that it can handle dynamic peaks without distortion.

Another standout aspect of the WideLine Array is its intelligent design for wavefront control. The system utilizes advanced array shaping technology, allowing for precise control over the sound dispersion pattern. This results in consistent audio coverage throughout the listening area, eliminating dead spots and providing an immersive sound experience for audiences.

QSC employs proprietary technologies in the WideLine series, such as the Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW), which enhances the clarity and intelligibility of sound by minimizing distortion and improving the acoustic response. Furthermore, the array's integrated rigging components support both front and rear suspension setups, allowing for flexible deployment options.

Durability is also a key focus for QSC. The WideLine Array is built to withstand the rigors of touring and live events, featuring robust, weather-resistant enclosures that protect the internal components from environmental factors. This ensures reliability and longevity in various conditions, making it a trusted choice for sound professionals.

In summary, the QSC Audio WideLine Array stands out with its modular flexibility, high-efficiency transducers, advanced wavefront control, and durable construction. These characteristics make it a viable solution for any live sound application, offering powerful performance and exceptional audio quality.
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