Meyer Sound innovates in large-scale line array technology with Panther

The new Panther line array speaker from Meyer Sound is designed to respond to large-scale touring installation environments, with a compact size, light, powerful and energy efficient.

In a market with increasingly complex productions with high visual potential, along with stricter safety regulations, which often limit the space and weight allowed for speakers, while environmental policies require greater energy efficiency and a smaller transport footprint, Meyer Sound responds with its new line array speaker Panther.

The sound power of this system is closer to the characteristics of the Meyer Sound line array LEO, larger and heavier, but in the most compact format of the model Lyon, also from the manufacturer's line array range. With great performance, Panther weighs alone 68 Kg. and offers substantial energy savings compared to the speakers of the previous range.

Meyer Sound Panther features a network input module Analog AVB/Milan, with flexible signal distribution options and each box has as standard IP-55 rating.

"This is our most important speaker presentation in over a decade," says J.ohn Meyer, President and CEO of Meyer Sound- Panther promotes my commitment to making speakers with linear response, predictable coverage and ample leeway for dynamic, uncompressed music signal playback, especially in transient peaks".

Designed for maximum power

Panther's electronic module has a new design that incorporates a Class-D amplifier four-channel, coupled to an innovative power supply. With advanced power factor correction and higher voltage rails, this system provides higher peak current to the speakers, with a stable load to the AC line.

Panther also features new low-frequency cones, 12" and longer excursion, as well as with a 3" comprehension engine. Each incorporates advanced magnetic structures that use new materials for higher flux density., despite the substantial weight reduction.

Combined with a new design of LF port, the result is a maximum output of 150 db SPL, 2 dB higher than Lyon and 3 dB difference from leo box, which is much larger and heavier.

Without compromising performance, the Panther engineering team, led by Katie Murphy, Engineering and Speaker Development Program Manager, followed a unified approach to achieve significant weight reduction

"With Panther we created a complete system design approach," Murphy explains.. We had the electronics and mechanical engineers working in a coordinated effort., which means we could take advantage of the reduced weight of the amplifier with new designs and box materials to achieve our goals.".

Reducing the weight of the equipment means that you can fly with a single engine plus Panther speakers, and larger sets can share the same rigging and suspension points, next to a large video and lighting equipment.

In addition, larger, longer arrangements can be flown, while still complying with new safety standards related to weather events. Shipping costs are also significantly reduced, especially when air transport is required, in addition to contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions.

Three models for accurate coverage

The Panther family consists of three boxes with different horizontal covers. Models Panther M and W Have 95 and 110º, respectively, and will be more familiar options for those who currently work with Meyer Sound.

Panther L features a new long throw speaker, with a perfectly defined 80º horizontal pattern. Three options that allow system designers to customize coverage in any space, with a precise and uniform response from the front to the back and with the deployment of fewer fixes (or shorter) in some applications.

Like the rest of the manufacturer's speakers, Panther offers the longevity of service that is given by the optimal adaptation of speakers, amplifiers and processing of your self-powered systems. In addition, offers new features that ensure a higher return on investment in the long term:

Milan AVB Input Standard Certificate: by incorporating the new Milan input module, certified by the Avnu Alliance, Panther becomes the first Milan certified line array speaker, which extends the network systems based on this module to the speaker box, while parallel analog input, always on, ensures compatibility with existing hardware.

Weather protection standard: Panther complies with the new IEC IP55 standard, with full rain protection when using serial signal connectors Neutrik Top and Powercon, so that it does not require a protective cover.

Panther boxes can be used for indoor and outdoor events without the need for special preparations. The same inventory can be allocated to a wide range of applications, from theatres and convention halls to stadiums and festivals.

This greater flexibility means Panther systems spend less time in the warehouse and more time generating revenue.. In the case of tours, a tight truck fleet, without amplifier racks, further reduces transportation costs for a better return on investment.

In this sense, Panther will go into production and will be shipped this February to the rental company. Major Tom, based in the United Kingdom, for the tour of Ed Sheeran.

"Everyone on the team really came together and put their hearts into this project," Katie Murphy said.. We did our best to create a speaker that would define the technology of line array systems for years to come.".

John Meyer adds that "Panther is more than just a new product, we see it as something that adds a new dimension to what we do as a company.. It has the potential to change the path we are traveling in the audio industry.. I can't wait to see how industry professionals and, which is more important, the public, respond to it".

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