NHTPro Introduces M80Xd Tracking Monitor
 November 1, 2004
NHTPro used the 117th AES Convention to announce a new tracking monitor
specifically designed for studio professionals requiring a powerful and accurate speaker with
substantial output and transparent sonics.
The M80Xd, scheduled to ship in Q1 '05 features DEQX
Calibrated DSP speaker correction. With this process, all listeners, including those sitting far
off axis, will enjoy ruler-flat response and even dispersion, according to the company.
The M80Xd system consists of a compact monitor, the XdA processor/amplifier and the XdB
slave amplifier. The monitor's driver array includes two (2) 8" magnesium cone woofers, two
(2) 2" aluminum dome midrange drivers, and single 1" aluminum dome tweeter. The midrange
and high frequency drivers are driven by NHT's XdA DSP processor/amplifier, which houses
the DEQX DSP processor, four amplifiers, and switching power supply.
Inputs/outputs include line and balanced (XLR) inputs, four powered outputs to power the
midrange and high frequency drivers for up to two monitors, plus line and balanced outputs
that connect to the XdB. (The XdB is a separate, external stereo 250 Watt amplifier that drives
two 8" woofers per channel.) Additionally, the XdA is "future proof" thanks to the addition of a
USB 2.0 port and a microphone input, both of which are designed for upcoming upgrades.
Unlike most systems, the XdA features only two controls for the respective channel boundary
filter set in order to compensate for monitor placement artifacts.
The system's compact size is maintained thanks to the use of multiple low distortion drivers
that are combined with DEQX's DSP based digital crossovers. The steep slopes allow NHTPro
to run each driver to its maximum output without affecting performance. By spreading the
power over a number of drivers, compression is kept to a bare minimum. SPL is maximized to
a level not typically associated with a monitor measuring less than two cubic feet in volume.
The M80Xd's cabinet is internally laminated and braced to stiffen the enclosures panels,
thereby minimizing resonant behavior. The design allows for horizontal or vertical placement
on console meter bridges and speaker stands, in addition to being mounted on a wall.
Australia based DEQX developed a processing scheme that corrects loudspeaker behavior in
the time and frequency domains. With the DEQX design, digital crossovers of up to 300dB per
octave allow optimization of each driver's performance within its operating range. The steep
slopes reduce comb filtering, providing virtually identical on-and-off axis response, in addition
to increasing power handling. In spite of the complex processing, the system boasts very low
latency -- less than 10ms.
In addition to providing flat response and extremely high resolution, the XdA is fully
upgradeable. In the near future, NHTPro will offer a room correction module and a variety of
application dependent filter sets, all of which will be downloaded to the XdA via its USB port.
The XdA includes four internal monaural amplifiers developed by Power Physics of California,
featuring the company's patented One Cycle Sound, class D design. Each amp module is
rated at 150 Watts RMS, 600 Watts peak. The amplifiers are small and 96% efficient,
producing little heat but with less than 0.05% THD across the frequency spectrum at full
power. A 500 Watt switching power supply contained in the XdA is power factor corrected,
maintaining spec at virtually any voltage.
The XdA's chassis measures only 1U and weighs less than 12 lbs. The M80Xd's cabinet is
constructed of medium density fiberboard (MDF), measures 10" x 22.5" x 14" (H/W/D), and
weighs 38 lbs. The XdB is housed in a matching chassis to the XdA of approximately the same
weight.
The matching S-80 powered subwoofer is designed to provide considerable bottom end
without sounding "boomy," making it the ideal counterpart to the M-80 monitor. The subwoofer,
scheduled to ship in mid 2005, will employ two, 12" aluminum cone drivers. Details on the S-
80's power module and features are still under development and will be released in the near
future.
NHTPro's M80Xd system will be available direct from the manufacturer in Q1 2005. MSRP for
a two channel monitor system is approximately $7000.
For more information, visit their web site at www.nhtpro.com. | 
