WPL

Features and Applications

Product Details WPL

WPL is a large-format, three-way bi-amplified array for stadiums, arenas and major festivals. Its all-horn architecture combines scalable electronic control with a 64 kg enclosure, addressing transport space and deployment time as well as acoustic output.

Hybrid LF loading

Two 12-inch neodymium LF drivers are front-loaded by hyperbolic horns and rear-loaded by ported chambers. Hybrid loading combines horn efficiency and projection with reflex bass extension. Differentially flared ports reduce turbulence, while high-excursion motors, forced-air cooling and low power compression support sustained output.

Martin Audio reports an efficiency advantage of approximately 4 dB over direct-radiating LF designs, useful pattern control down to 150 Hz, and reduced radiation towards the sides and rear. These are manufacturer-described characteristics of the Hybrid LF system.

Dedicated midrange and HF horns

Two 6.5-inch cone drivers use toroidal phase bungs and a fully horn-loaded constant-directivity waveguide. The midrange section maintains approximately 90° horizontal coverage through 300 Hz–4 kHz and carries the vocal band without splitting it between different driver types. A low-compression-ratio throat reduces distortion, while the patented HiBlade waveguide smooths horizontal response.

Three 1-inch-exit neodymium HF compression drivers each feed a separate 90° horn. The 4 kHz MF/HF crossover and smaller HF diaphragms are intended to reduce distortion, extend the upper range and avoid large-diaphragm breakup artefacts. Patented kite-shaped horn wedges flatten the wavefront for coherent line-array summation.

Rigging and cabinet protection

The integral three-point system supports approved arrays of up to 24 cabinets. DISPLAY calculates inter-cabinet angles from 0° to 7.5° and checks the applicable loading and deployment limits, including BGV-C1 requirements. Over-extending front hinges provide room for pinning and accommodate small height differences when joining dollies on uneven ground.

Rear splay angles can be pinned while cabinets remain closed on the dolly; lifting opens them to the selected angles. Updated construction, paint and metalwork provide the current IP54 specification, corrosion resistance, UV stability and protection against heat, cold and humidity. Side handles support handling during transport and setup.

Scalable resolution and DISPLAY 3

System resolution is set by the number of enclosures assigned to each independently processed amplifier circuit. More circuits give DISPLAY finer control over audience coverage, frequency response and SPL consistency. Resolution can be chosen for the project budget, increased later by adding amplifiers, or varied between main arrays and auxiliary systems.

DISPLAY 3 combines mechanical angle selection with DSP optimisation against user-defined SPL and frequency-response targets. It models audience and non-audience areas, improves low-frequency control and provides greater flexibility in array length. Martin Audio describes its acoustic model as accurate to within ±1 dB of measured data. Hard Avoid can reduce energy at reflective ceilings, balcony edges or areas beyond the audience by up to 30 dB, subject to the system design.

Amplification, network control and identification

The array forms a complete system with dedicated external iKON Class D amplifiers. VU-NET transfers DISPLAY parameters over Ethernet and provides real-time control and monitoring. Dante supports digital audio distribution over CAT5 cabling, including longer cable routes and integration with other network-audio equipment.

Each amplifier output provides up to 1000 FIR taps at 48 kHz for wide-band optimisation. On current enclosures, an LED addressed through VU-NET identifies the cabinet circuit. This integrated design supports repeatable deployment and compatibility between inventories using the same system platform.

Explore the Martin Audio Wavefront Precision range at B-Star for the available system options.

Technical Specifications WPL