L-ACOUSTICS^® introduced the first coaxial loudspeaker for sound reinforcement, in 1989. Initially designed for multipurpose applications, the coaxial technology has demonstrated numerous advantages over classic two-way systems which typically suffer from interference around the crossover point resulting in lobing and uneven frequency and power response.

By superimposing HF and LF acoustic centers in a coaxial design, a virtual point source brings significantly improved radiation characteristics. This is particularly valuable in distributed sound reinforcement applications where most listeners are located off the system axis. As the sound field of coaxial enclosures is stable over the entire frequency spectrum and in all directions, all listeners benefit from an even sonic performance within the enclosure beamwidth.

The particular benefits of coaxial technology are related to the radiation characteristics of a point source. The natural studio monitor sound quality and the aural sensation of transparent sound typical of coaxial systems is adapted to proximity applications such as stage monitoring, front-fills, under-balcony fills and FOH live monitoring.

The point source technology is also suited to distributed applications in semi-reverberant spaces where a single reflected source offers a more coherent radiation field with less reflected virtual sources than a dual acoustic source typical of horn-woofer combinations.

All coaxial systems are available as plug and play solutions with built-in amplification and DSP (P series) or amplified controllers available with a complete set of dedicated preset libraries for FOH, fill and monitor modes. This integrated package offers the user a fast and easy set-up and
ensures performance consistency, predictability and the best possible component protection.

The 12XT active/passive cabinet is the mid sized model of the L-ACOUSTICS® XT coaxial series and has an operating frequency bandwidth of 55 Hz to 20 kHz. This response can be lowered to 32 Hz with the addition of the SB18 subwoofer.

The 12XT enclosure contains a 3’’ diaphragm compression driver coaxially loaded by a 12’’ low frequency transducer mounted in a bass-reflex tuned enclosure. In passive configuration, the 12XT onboard crossover network uses proprietary third order filters. The linearization and protection of the transducers is defined by the drive parameters contained in the amplified controllers.

The coaxial transducer arrangement produces a 90° axi-symmetric directivity output along with a smooth tonal response free of any secondary lobes over the entire frequency range.

Made of high-grade Baltic birch plywood, the cabinet design makes the 12XT perfectly suited to all multi-purpose sound reinforcement applications. Its wedge-shape allows short or long throw monitoring use with two fixed angle settings of 30˚ and 60° from vertical. The 12XT can also be pole-mounted using the integrated socket or flown using the complementary ETR12-2 bracket, XTLIFTBAR accessory or a 3rd party Omnimount® fixture.

The 12XT is driven by the L-ACOUSTICS® amplified controllers in the following active or passive modes (selectable by an active/passive switch behind the front grill):

• ‘‘FULL RANGE’’ mode for standalone use of 12XT at nominal bandwidth ([12XTA_FR], [12XTA_FI], [12XTA_MO], [12XTP_FR], [12XTP_FI] and [12XTP_MO] presets)
• ‘‘HIGH-PASS’’ mode with 100 Hz high-pass filter to possibly associate the complementary SB18 subwoofer (same presets as above with ‘‘_100’’ extension)

For each mode a distinction is drawn between [FRONT], [FILL] and [MONITOR] presets as they respectively match front of house, distributed applications and half-space loading operating conditions.

The performances of the 12XT enclosure depend upon the choice of preset and physical system configuration.

• 55 Hz - 20 kHz ([12XTA_FR] preset)

• 90° Axi-symmetric

• 133 dB ([12XTA_FI] preset)

• 12XT Passive: 380 W ([12XTP_FI] preset)
• 12XT Active: LF: 290 W - HF: 135 W ([12XTA_FI] preset)

• LF: 1 x 12’’ weather-resistant transducer
• HF: 1 x 3’’ diaphragm compression driver
• Nominal impedance: 8 ohms (passive), 2 x 8 ohms (active)

• H x W x D: 540 x 410 x 389 mm - 21.3 x 16.1 x 15.3 in.
• Wedge angle: 30° or 60° from vertical
• Weight (net): 29 kg - 63.9 lb.
• Connectors: 2 x 4-point Speakon®
• Material: 18, 24 and 30 mm Baltic birch plywood
• Finish: Grey-brown RAL 8019®
• Front: polyester powder-coated steel grill, Airnet® acoustically neutral fabric
• Rigging: integrated handles and pole mount socket, Omnimount® compatibility, optional ETR12-2 bracket and XTLIFTBAR accessory

Alex Schad
Sound Engineer
    Session Music
Alte Wollfabrik