HEDD TYPE 40 System stacks up to three woofer modules per monitor

HEDD has introduced the TYPE 40 System, a scalable, modular active monitoring system for studios. It starts with the full-range TYPE 40 Main and grows with up to three XTD modules per channel.

The company describes it as a solution for rooms that need more output, low-frequency reach and listening distance than near-field monitors give, without the size and complexity of a traditional large-format main system.

The Main and the XTD modules

The TYPE 40 Main is a three-way sealed design with a 10.75-inch high-excursion woofer. Two 4-inch drivers sit on either side of an AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter in an MTM layout. Amplification is triamplified at 1,300 W in total.

Each XTD module adds a 10.75-inch woofer of its own with a dedicated 700 W Class D amplifier. The modules reinforce the range between 20 and 250 Hz.

With one, two or three front-fire ported XTD modules per channel, maximum SPL at 50 Hz rises by 6, 12 or 15 dB compared with the Main alone.

Four operating modes

Every XTD can run closed or ported. Ported raises efficiency and maximum low-frequency output. Closed favours control, definition and resolution, and gives cardioid operation over the widest frequency range. Switching uses an aluminium sealing panel together with rear-panel or software controls.

The modules can be set to front-fire ported, front-fire closed, cardioid ported or cardioid closed. Front-fire modes suit better acoustic spaces and speaker positioning. Cardioid modes cut low-end energy radiated behind the system, by up to roughly 10 dB, which helps next to walls or in reflective rooms. A single cardioid closed XTD controls direction from about 20 to 200 Hz.

Time alignment and control

Each unit has onboard DSP running at 96 kHz. Three time-alignment modes are available. Zero phase corrects amplitude and phase response. Flat corrects frequency response only. Off gives the lowest latency for tracking and real-time work.

High and low shelving filters and a desk filter let users tune the speakers to their position. The HEDD CTRL software switches speaker profiles, calibrates with a 12-band parametric EQ and can configure anything from a stereo rig to an immersive setup of up to 250 speakers.

The system is likely to be a special-order item through participating HEDD stockists. A pair with three XTD modules per side costs nearly $50,000.

Source: HEDD Audio