d&b introduces the XSL System compact line array

d&b audiotechnik's top of the range line array family, the SL-Series, has announced the arrival of its smallest sibling - the XSL System. The XSL System comprises installation specific and mobile touring variants. XSLi for permanent installations and XSL for mobile use. Both XSL and XSLi can be deployed as a stand-alone, self-contained package, or as a delay, or fill system to accompany its GSL and KSL siblings.

XSL’s small dimensions bring the SL-Series feature set - 2-way active design, high SPL and cardioid low frequency performance - to a wider range of installations and events.

"The performance-to-size ratio of the XSL System is unlike anything available in the current sound reinforcement market, or within the d&b portfolio," says Werner ‘Vier’ Bayer, d&b Product Manager. “For installation, the system's broadband directivity control drastically improves the ratio of direct to reverberant sound in acoustically critical spaces. In short, it will clean up your room! For mobile, a small footprint and improved sonic performance are really valuable. It’s an enormous step, it’s really impressive.”

Matthias Christner, Head of R&D Acoustics at d&b said, “Going into the design of this product we were actually a bit sceptical about whether we could achieve the signature SL-Series directivity performance in such a compact format. We’re really thrilled, slightly stunned and very proud that it works so well. I truly believe that the sound quality, dispersion, and clarity delivered by XSL will spearhead the evolution that we all expect from smaller arrays in the future.

The XSL System’s sonic performance is and enhanced further with d&b ArrayProcessing. It will be powered from the four channel Class D 40D/D40 controller amplifiers.

The XSLi installation systems, along with the installation specific 40D amplifier, will begin shipping in October. The mobile XSL package will begin shipping in January 2022.


Technical specifications:

• 80 and 120 degree dispersion patterns (XSL/XSLi8 and XSL/XSLi12)
• Splay angle setting: 0 -14 degrees (1 degree increment)
• Frequency response: 60 Hz – 18 kHz
• Max. SPL (reference amplifiers: D40 / 40D):
  
  • XSL/XSLi8 141 dB
  • XSL/XSLi12 140 dB
  
  
• Components:
  
  • 2 x 8” front LF drivers
  • 2 x 6.5” side facing LF drivers
  • 1 x 6.5” MF driver / horn unit
  • 2 x 1” exit compression drivers with 2” coil on a waveguide
  
  
• Weight: 39 kg (86 lbs)
• Dimensions: (WxHxD) 700 x 283 x 507mm