Mid /high Frequency Driver
The FR-100 uses the MR-52 wide-dispersion dome driver
to produce a smooth response into a solid angle, which is audibly
superior to systems using multiple drivers or horns. The MR-52
mid/high driver uses a huge magnet structure that provides a 17,500
Gauss flux density in the gap. This magnetic circuit, when combined
with the high stiffness and low mass of the dome, delivers both high
SPLs and excellent transient response at low distortion.
Low Frequency Driver
The FR-100's bass driver is equally impressive. A
massive, cast aluminum frame maintains component alignment in the
gap and eliminates flexion. Cone resonance, cone mass and stiffness
have been carefully designed to provide flat low-frequency
response to below 50 Hz. A vented pole piece allows rapid heat
dissipation from the 70 mm voice coil so the system may be
operated continuously at its maximum power ratings without
over-stressing its components.
Frequency Dividing Network
The crossover design of the FR-100 system is thirdorder
with 18 dB octave slope. This unit with two precision air core
inductors, five percent capacitors and resistors costs twice as much
as the simpler designs offered in competitive systems, but EAW
crossovers eliminate the measurable distortion that plagues others.
Ours have a dynamic headroom of three times the system's power
rating, the greatest overload margin of any available crossover.
Cabinet
The FR-100 uses the same 18-ply-per-inch crossgrain
laminated Baltic birch hardwood as EAWs larger systems. This
material has a much higher strength-to-weight ratio than the fir
plywood or particle board used by others, and is largely responsible
for the easy of portability of this system. The cabinet is finished in a
black polyurethane coating that is scuffresistant and cannot tear as
do the inferior vinyl finishes used on competitors' products. EAW
cabinets have acquired a reputation for being virtually indestructible,
which makes them an excellent long term value.
Among the niceties of the package are steel corners,
and steel mesh grille protection for the drivers. Tee nuts are
provided on the bottom of cabinets to permit mounting to a stand
(Atlas SS-2 or equivalent).
Application
This high performance loudspeaker system is ideally
suited for club or lounge sound reinforcement. Its wide dispersion
gives it excellent near-field coverage and its wide audio bandwidth
makes it possible for many types of venues to be served by a single
pair of FR- 100s.
For extremely high-level playback requirements, the FR-
100 may be combined with the EAW SB-200-LC or SB-600LC for
disco or distributed sound reinforcement systems. The FR- 100 is
designed as a step-up in performance from the widely advertised
multiple driver systems sold at a competitive price through music
stores. Qualitatively, the FR-100 provides an uncolored,
moderately efficient alternative to the honky-sounding, hornbased
systems often specified for full-bandwidth wide-dispersion
applications.
Description
The FR-100 system combines a rugged, cast-frame 300
mm bass driver with a 52 mm mid/tweeter installed in an enclosure
optimally vented to provide low frequency response to the 40 Hz
region. The cabinet is sufficiently small to permit unobtrusive
placement on a club stage. Two FR- 100s will easily fit into the back
seat of a compact car.
