Monitor Audio has launched its new Creator Series in-ceiling and in-wall loudspeakers, bringing a fresh approach to the custom installation market to deliver high-quality sound and clarity.
Comprised of 19 models in total – 14 in-ceiling and five in-wall – the loudspeakers are arranged in three clearly defined tiers, each of which offers enhanced performance levels and additional functionality over the preceding tier.
Tier 1
Tier 1 consists of a range of in-ceiling and in-wall loudspeakers designed for cost effective installations where product simplicity and solid acoustic performance is required. All Tier 1 speakers are a 2-way configuration and feature new C-CAM mid-bass drivers and C-CAM tweeters with Uniform Dispersion (UD) Waveguide I.
Tier 2
All Tier 2 speakers are a 2-way configuration, with RST II mid-bass drivers, based on those found in the award-winning Silver 7G range, and C-CAM tweeters with UD Waveguide II.
Tier 2 models also have additional features that allow more freedom in speaker placement, such as boundary correction and high-frequency cut/boost. Where enhanced performance is required, Tier 2 models offer a significant step up over Tier 1 models.
As part of the enhanced flexibility of the Tier 2 in-ceiling models, the new T2X combines the previous generation’s ‘T2’ and ‘FX’ to bring all the qualities of each into one highly versatile speaker that can be used in ‘cinema mono FX’, ‘mono wide dispersion’ and ‘single stereo’ modes.
Tier 3
All Tier 3 in-ceiling speakers are a 3-way configuration with RDT III bass drivers, based on those found in the new Platinum Series 3G. A new Inverted Dual Concentric II (IDC II) coaxial mid/tweeter range driver array, a ground up redesign, now features a larger voice coil to ensure the UD Waveguide II can be used to control the high-frequency directivity. Effectively a point source, it creates an exceptionally large soundstage in the listening environment.
In addition, the C3L-A offers a fixed-angle IDC II for focused sound, ideal for in-ceiling LCR placement. The now fixed 25 degrees of angle ensures that the linearity of the speaker isn’t compromised and provides impressively wide dispersion into the listening area.
The Tier 3 W3M in-wall speaker is a high-performance 3-way arrangement based on THX certified Ultra Cinergy Series technology. It features an RST II mid-driver and MPD II transducer, which is positioned between dual RDT III bass drivers. A new rotatable IDC II coaxial mid/tweeter driver array is placed at the acoustic centre of the speaker, which improves versatility for use in LCR placement.
Depth, detail and bass are features that are heavily delivered in Tier 3 models, while also containing additional features to allow even more freedom in speaker placement, such as boundary correction and mid/high-frequency cut/boost. Tier 3 is discreet, high-performance, high-fidelity.
Installer friendly
Through Monitor Audio’s Partner Programme (MAPP), extensive feedback from a wide network of experienced installers has been collected and analysed. As a result, Creator Series is a more simplified range and accessory offering, ensuring performance levels are clearly defined.
The process of product selection is much more straightforward for the integrator thanks to the Creator Series’ streamlined and enhanced technologies, naming, applications and solutions.
A highlight of the series is the use of the patent-pending Quik-Link terminal, revolutionising the speed of installation. It allows the installer to remove the terminal block from the physical speaker and pre-terminate the speaker cables to it. Once the speaker is ready to be fitted within its cut-out, the Quik-Link can be offered up to the connection point on the speaker and magnetically snaps and locks into place.
Other features include Tri-Grip II, an evolution of the dog-leg mechanism that is considerably stronger and more reliable than the previous generation, making both speaker placement and extraction even simpler.
On the four Controlled Performance (CP) models in the Creator Series, built-in back boxes mean hassle-free installation and controllable sound, even in the trickiest of applications.
Performance
Not only is the Creator Series beneficial to installers, but end users will also find extra perks thanks to the inclusion of key Monitor Audio acoustic innovations traditionally found in its premium standalone loudspeakers.
Across the medium and large in-ceiling speaker sizes, the acoustic team have kept the overall cut-out sizes the same as previous models yet increased the driver size from 6.5” to 7” and from 8” to 9” drivers, pushing for greater high-fidelity performance.
Driver technology has also been carefully configured within each Tier from C-CAM tweeters and mid-bass drivers (Tier 1), RST II mid-range and bass drivers (Tier 2), and RST II mid-range drivers and RDT III bass drivers (Tier 3). The Tier 3 in-wall model also boasts an MPD II transducer based on the THX Certified Ultra, Cinergy home cinema series.
Design
The Creator Series is built upon an R&D philosophy of maintaining a balance between design and technology. One is never allowed to overpower the other and both play a vital role in delivering on the company’s promise of musical neutrality and acoustic transparency. The physical speakers are designed to sit comfortably within their environment.
Available in summer 2023, the Creator Series pricing ranges from £250 to £1,000.