Adamson Systems Engineering: Pioneering Sound with Kevlar Drivers

The pursuit of delivering clear and powerful sound to large audiences is both an art and a science.

Adamson Systems Engineering, with one of their most notable breakthroughs being their use of Kevlar drivers, which have redefined how sound is produced in demanding environments. Additionally, with the release of their VGt series featuring the M140 compression driver, Adamson continues to lead the way in driver construction and innovation.

Kevlar: A Material Built for Performance
 

Kevlar, a synthetic fibre known for its strength and durability, has traditionally been used in industries like aerospace and defence. Adamson saw the potential for this advanced material in audio, leveraging its unique properties to enhance their loudspeaker drivers. Kevlar’s strength-to-weight ratio, combined with its resistance to deformation, makes it an ideal material for loudspeaker cones.

The ability to control cone movement precisely is key to minimizing distortion and maintaining clarity, particularly at high power levels. Kevlar’s rigidity allows Adamson’s drivers to maintain their structural integrity, reducing unwanted resonances that can muddy the sound. This results in more accurate, detailed audio reproduction, even at extreme volumes.

Kevlar Drivers in Adamson’s Product Lines
 

Adamson has implemented Kevlar drivers across several of their leading product lines, each designed for specific sound reinforcement needs:

  1. E-Series: Used in some of the largest venues and music festivals in the world. The Kevlar drivers in the E-Series offer exceptional clarity and projection, withstanding the demands of high-output environments without compromising on sound quality.
     
  2. S-Series: Designed for smaller venues such as theatres and houses of worship, the S-Series delivers high-fidelity sound in a compact form, while still benefiting from the durability and performance of Kevlar drivers.
     
  3. IS-Series: For permanent installations, the IS-Series offers sleek, visually unobtrusive enclosures without sacrificing sound quality. These systems excel in environments like conference centres and corporate event spaces, where both aesthetic and acoustic performance are essential.

Across all these product lines, Kevlar’s inherent durability ensures that Adamson’s loudspeakers can handle the rigors of touring and outdoor events, making them a favourite among sound professionals.

Introducing the VGt Series and M140 Compression Driver
 

In their pursuit of audio excellence, Adamson has recently launched the VGt series, which takes advantage of both Kevlar technology and their latest innovation: the M140 compression driver. This compression driver brings new levels of clarity to the mid-frequency range, complementing the precision of Adamson’s Kevlar low-frequency drivers.

The M140 compression driver is designed to handle the intense demands of live sound environments, delivering pristine high-end detail without distortion, even at high sound pressure levels (SPLs). When paired with Adamson’s signature Kevlar cones, the VGt series offers an unparalleled audio experience across the entire frequency spectrum, making it the perfect choice for concerts, festivals, and large-scale venues.

By incorporating both the M140 and Kevlar drivers into the VGt series, Adamson has created a system that delivers full-range, high-performance sound, with the unique ability to switch between omnidirectional and cardioid modes in Adamson’s class leading Array Intelligence design and control software.

Enhancing Sound Fidelity and Precision
 

One of the key benefits of Kevlar drivers is their ability to handle dynamic changes in the audio signal with exceptional accuracy. This transient response is crucial in live sound environments, where the audio signal can vary widely in intensity. Kevlar drivers can reproduce fast, sharp transients with minimal distortion, ensuring that even the most complex mixes retain their clarity and impact.

This precision extends across the entire frequency range, with Kevlar cones providing powerful, controlled low-end response and detailed, articulate mid-range performance. When combined with the M140 compression driver, Adamson’s systems offer smooth, extended high-frequency reproduction, ensuring that every element of the mix is delivered with stunning accuracy.

Built for the Toughest Environments
 

Live sound reinforcement is a demanding field, requiring equipment that can perform reliably in a wide range of conditions. From the heat and humidity of outdoor festivals to the constant setup and teardown of touring systems, durability is essential. Kevlar’s resistance to environmental factors such as moisture, temperature changes, and mechanical stress makes it an ideal material for long-term use in professional audio.

Adamson’s Kevlar drivers are built to withstand these harsh conditions, providing consistent performance over time. The Kevlar cones maintain their shape and acoustic properties even after years of heavy use, reducing the need for replacements and minimizing maintenance costs. This reliability is a major factor in why Adamson’s systems are trusted by sound engineers around the world.

                                    Adamson E12 installation at The Corner Hotel in Melbourne, Australia.

Real-World Impact
 

Adamson’s Kevlar drivers have garnered praise from audio professionals who have used Adamson’s systems in some of the world’s most demanding environments.

Sound engineers frequently note the clarity and consistency of Adamson’s loudspeakers, even in large-scale productions where high SPLs and complex mixes are the norm. The VGt series in particular has been highlighted for its ability to deliver precise, high-definition sound, ensuring that every nuance of the performance is heard, no matter where the audience is positioned.

Innovation and the Future of Loudspeaker Design
 

Adamson Systems Engineering has always been at the forefront of innovation in the pro audio industry, and their use of advanced materials like Kevlar is just one example of how they continue to push the boundaries of sound reinforcement technology. The introduction of the M140 compression driver in the VGt series further demonstrates their commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions for the most demanding audio environments.

Whether used in a stadium concert, a theatre performance, or a corporate event, Adamson’s Kevlar technology offers an unmatched audio experience that meets the highest standards of the industry. As they continue to innovate, Adamson Systems Engineering is ensuring that the future of sound is brighter, clearer and more dynamic than ever before.
 

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By Travis Taylor 

National Technical Sales & Systems Design

 

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