MSE Audio SoundTube updates line arrays

The What: MSE Audio is introducing an updated aluminum casing to SoundTube’s LA880i-II and LA808i-II line array speakers. While there are no acoustic changes to the superior sound quality of the speakers, they now come with aluminum cabinets for a contemporary look and cleaner aesthetic.

The What Else: SoundTube LA880i-II’s advanced LAPS (Line Array-Point Source) 3-way design provides a very short near-field extent and robust far-field performance. The LA880i-II maintains a more consistent ratio of array height to radiated wavelength with frequency tapering of low and mid-frequency passbands, ensuring a stable vertical beam width that outperforms many other single box line arrays. Measuring 7.91 inches x 40.87 inches x 11.99 inches, the LA880i-II achieves superb coverage in an enclosure. It features eight 4.5-inch woofers, eight 2-inch midrange drivers, and one 2.5-inch planar magnetics (ribbon) high-frequency driver for a highly smooth high-frequency response.

Recommended in spaces that have a large reverberation time, the SoundTube LA808i is designed to increase the directivity of low frequencies in SoundTube’s Line Array system. With identical dimensions to those of the LA880i, it can be used only in conjunction with the LA880i 3-way line array and placed directly above or below the LA880i (or both). When a single unit is added to the LA880i, the directivity of low frequencies is increased by up to an octave lower than with the LA880i alone.

The Bottom Line: The LA880i-II and LA808i-II line array speakers are currently available in black. The company has plans to release a white version at a future date. AV Network