Press Release

Media Contact: Rickey Gold
773-348-4973
rg@rickeygold.com

MacPherson Announces Release of Monolith Version 2

Enhanced Clarity & Sonic Performance

SKOKIE, IL, July 20, 2001 --- MacPherson, manufacturers of high-performance professional loudspeaker systems, has announced the release of the Monolith Version 2 loudspeaker.

Building on the strengths of its predecessor, the Monolith Version 2 adds significant improvement to its audio performance. Long considered one of the best-sounding loudspeakers on the market, the Monolith Version 2 raises the "sonic bar" with flatter response, better phase coherence, and increased detail. The unique slim-profile design of the enclosure, a favorite of designers for tight installations, has not been changed.

Significant Improvements

Significant improvements have been made to both the mid-frequency (MF) and high-frequency (HF) sections of the loudspeaker. A new MF driver was selected, two of which are used in each Monolith Version 2. The new driver features a composite cone and an integrated phase plug. A new crossover network was designed to optimize MF performance. The new MF drivers and crossover work together to provide superior MF reproduction, especially in the critical voice frequency range. As an added benefit of the new design, the MF drivers are connected in a series arrangement, raising to 8 ohms the impedance presented to an MF/HF amplifier channel.

A custom-designed damping insert has been added to the HF compression driver. This reduces the standing waves that can be created by the driver's rear mechanical system. A completely re-designed HF crossover more effectively shapes and controls the response of the compression driver. The result is improved HF reproduction without changing the successful HF character of the original Monolith.

Minimal EQing Required

The improvements to the MF and HF sections work together to provide a flatter response with less phase interaction. Listeners will experience improved clarity with greater inter-sonic details. Field trials of the Monolith Version 2 have found that, overall, less equalization and response correction was necessary. Matching the performance of the loudspeaker system with the environment was faster and easier. With both the LF and HF/MF sections now having an impedance of nominally 8 ohms, improved amplifier utilization was also appreciated.

Upgrade Kits

In addition to shipping Monolith Version 2 units, MacPherson has also made upgrade kits available. These allow original-design Monoliths to be converted to Monolith Version 2 with all the aforementioned improvements. Upgrades can either be performed by users in the field or at the factory. This program is consistent with MacPherson's philosophy of offering product upgrade paths whenever possible, thus protecting the assets of MacPherson customers by allowing them to incorporate the latest design improvements into their loudspeaker inventory.

"We honestly didn't think we could improve on the original Monolith," said Gordon Kapes, president of MacPherson. "But we're convinced. The clarity of the Monolith Version 2 is high fidelity audio performance at its best. We can't wait for our customers' response."

About MacPherson

MacPherson designs and manufactures high-performance loudspeaker systems for discriminating FOH, floor monitoring, and installation applications. MacPherson loudspeakers can be found worldwide in theatres, churches, cruise ships and corporate applications. Known in the industry for the state-of-the-art Monolith loudspeaker, all MacPherson products share the design philosophy of delivering exceptional sound in compact form.