ProAudio Review - July 2008 - (Page 51)

pass filter with four settings: bypass, 65 Hz, 85 Hz, and 130 Hz. Its low pass filter is continuously sweepable from 65Hz to 130Hz via rotary control. (Additionally, the CVA-121 has a dedicated parametric EQ.) To the right of all rear controls, a large heat sink runs top to bottom of the amp’s height. Both the CVA-28 and CVA-118 seem to be built incredibly, and strikingly, well. Cosmetically, they are truly unique; there is no mistaking these speakers for any other portable PA components on the market (see for yourself in the corresponding photos). The Active Series’ thick, multi-ply hardwood cabinetry is available in black “Cool-X” polyurethane paint or carpet coverings. The review units I received were painted, and I’d definitely recommend this thick-coat, ding-repelling painted finish. The same tour-grade aluminum handles were available on both the CVA-28 and CVA-118; the CVA-28 has one on its right side, while the CVA-118 has two on its left and right sides for fairly easy twoman transport. The CVA-28 comes with rubber feet on its bottom and left side (for wedge/side-firing use) as well as a pole mount on its bottom. The CVA-118 offers a pole mount on its top, allowing CVA28 full range speakers (or whatever full-range tops you choose to use) to fly overhead. The CVA-28 boxes can be mounted, installed, or flown in various ways via dedicated fly points (for horizontal or vertical suspension), flyware kits, and double/triple speaker mount kits. | IN USE First off, both the CVA-28 and CVA-118 are relatively heavy in weight. Thus, nearly every user of a CVA-28/CVA-118 component system will need help moving it. The CVA-28 is manageable, movable, and pole-mountable by one person; the CVA-118 is not. If working alone with the system, have a hand truck or dolly handy. Despite its heft, the Active Series is worth its weight in precious metals, and it doesn’t hurt that it looks like a million bucks. During this evaluation, casual observers of all pro audio stripes regularly went out of their way to comment on the visual appeal of the Active Series; “cool” was the common operative word. Then, once the same folks heard the Active Series in action, the common operative word became “wow.” The system was used at both an outdoor gig with a wide audience spread and an indoor gig at a 500-capacity rock club. Both environments seemed ideal for the attributes of the system — a need for bold, clean performance to cut through lots of open air and a loud bar crowd, respectively. This Active Series system’s impressive, full-frequency performance was immediate; together, the CVA-28 and CVA-118 behaved like someone had sculpted your house mix for an hour. Ultra-highs — cymbals, strings, vocal transients, etc. — were direct, powerful, clean, and pleasing. Midrange was smooth and solid. Its low-end — ah, the low-end of Cerwin-Vega! — was uniquely striking; it enveloped the crowd in both environments and never seemed too loud (but it was quite loud!) with a smooth thump that would punch you firmly in the chest, if warranted. The CVA-118’s variable LPF and HPF settings were flexible enough for my gigs’ needs, which also included between-set iPod background music that varied widely across the pop music spectrum — reggae, rock, country, and bluegrass. (Yes, summer outdoor events can offer a mixed bag of listeners — gotta keep it universally interesting). Importantly, the system offered very low inherent noise; it ran quietly as a mouse in between musical selections. I also used the CVA-28s as full-range standalone loudspeakers for rehearsal PA, on-stage reinforcement (sidefill and wedge), and – in “little-to-no drums” applications — the full PA. I really enjoyed using the CVA-28 pair even without their sub brothers. You can plug mic/DI-level signal into their rear XLR and a pair takes up very little space in a subcompact car trunk — great for those smaller gigs. A couple of small design-oriented issues troubled me about the boxes; while I (and everyone else) loved their striking grilles, it’s possible that something long and sharp could penetrate its rather large vertical gaps. I found myself turning them to face each other in transport to avoid this from happening. Is it possible that, in future runs, Cerwin-Vega! could discretely insert a thin “undergrille” mesh behind its great front grille? Secondly, in my opinion, any component over 100 lbs. that can be considered for use as a ‘portable PA’ should come with casters as a standard. The CVA-121 has four removable casters; I’d recommend that the CVA-118 have them, too. Most importantly, the Active Series is a nearly custom-like PA system, configurable for virtually any small to medium live gig. Usefully, the Cerwin-Vega! website offers a handy Q/A guide to which, and how many, components are best suited for your unique gig. Check it out: http://www.cerwin-vega.com/configure.php. SUMMARY I can whole-heartedly recommend a Cerwin-Vega Active Series system to anyone needing a truly professional mobile PA who cannot stand to be ignored; this PA will get sufficient public attention, I guarantee you. It’s compact yet hefty, smooth and discrete yet powerful, and, luckily, it’s a bargain for its build quality, design, and grade of components. And yes, it’s worthy of one more exclamation point! Strother Bullins is the Contributing Editor for Pro Audio Review. www.proaudioreview.com July 2008 | ProAudio Review | 51 http://www.cerwin-vega.com/configure.php http://www.equitech.com/ http://www.proaudioreview.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of ProAudio Review - July 2008

ProAudio Review - July 2008 Contents Publisher's Page: Inside Broadcast Production Studio News and New Products Steinberg Nuendo 4 Digital Audio Workstation Developments & Trends: Digital Audio Workstation I/O JZ Microphones Black Hole BH-1 Apple Logic Studio Behind The Scenes: JBL Professional – A 60-Year Legacy Broadcast News and New Products WLOY: Real World Facilities For An On-Campus Radio Station Post News and New Products Hot Gear InfoComm 08 Chandler Limited TG1 Abbey Road/EMI Series Limiter/Compressor Live News and New Products Cerwin-Vega! Professional Active Series CVA-28 and CVA-118 Speakers QSC Audio Model GX5 Power Amplifier From The Road: A Week In The Life — Gear Essentials Contracting News and New Products Taming The Driving Factor — Drums UpSampler: sE Instrument Reflection Filter Buyer’s Guide: Live Sound Amplifiers Single Slice: Roger Powell “Fallout Shelter”

ProAudio Review - July 2008

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