Speaker offers 140° horizontal sound dispersion.
Press Release Summary:
Wide-Area Dispersion Speaker employs transducers mounted in vertical line or line array that radiates sound in cylindrical shape, providing 140° horizontal sound dispersion. Sound level drops off at 3 dB per distance doubled for first 40-55 ft, and frequency response from 200-11,000 Hz overcomes poor acoustics. Designed for indoor/outdoor applications, speaker is sealed with corrosion-resistant, off-white powder coating.
Original Press Release:
New Wide-Area Dispersion Speakers Offer Improved Sound Coverage and Intelligibility Plus Simpler, Lower-Cost Installation
UNIVERSITY PARK. IL. OCTOBER 2003-The latest innovation in the Federal Signal family of audible notification appliances for public address applications is the Wide-Area Dispersion Speaker (WDS). Engineered specifically for more efficient large area sound coverage and higher-quality reproduction of voice, tone and live public address, the WDS offers enhanced sound-level consistency plus improved intelligibility. In addition to producing an extremely wide horizontal dispersion of sound, the WDS reduces the number of required speakers to achieve a dramatic reduction in installation time and cost.
By mounting the transducers in a vertical line or line array, sound radiates in a cylindrical shape rather than spherically, as is the case with conventional speakers. So unlike a conventional public address speaker that provides 30 to 60 degrees of sound dispersion, the WDS Speaker Array produces 140 degrees of horizontal sound dispersion, thereby covering more than twice the breadth of area. The vertical positioning of the transducers in the speaker array enables sound to radiate in a way that minimizes sound-level decay, which typically occurs at 6dB per distance doubled. With the Wide-Area Dispersion Speakers sound level drops off at only 3dB per distance doubled for the first 40 to 55 feet, resulting in sound outputs of 103dB at 10 feet and 80 dB at 400 feet. This also eliminates the need for annoying high-output sound at nearer distances in order to sustain reasonable output levels at greater distances.
The significantly improved sound coverage and output performance of the Wide-Area Dispersion Speaker Array allows the use of a single array in areas that typically require four public address speakers. By reducing the number of speakers required, the WDS cuts both the time and cost for installation.
The unique design of the WDS Speaker Array produces a marked improvement in public address and voice message intelligibility. With a frequency response from 200 to 11,000Hz, the speaker array reproduces the low and high ends of the voice spectrum, enabling it to overcome the poor acoustics found in warehouses, factories and large open facilities.
The basic model, the WDS80, has a power rating of 80 watts with transformer taps at 80, 50, 25 and 12.5 watts. An optional WDS50 Extension Speaker Array increases power handing to 130 watts with taps at 130, 80, 40 and 20 watts. Both the WDS80 and WDS50 are adjustable for use in 100-, 70- and 25-volt systems, and can be employed in any centrally amplified public address and/or emergency evacuation system. Complete communication systems can be designed with Federal Signal's CTS amplifiers. Command Units and the full line of AudioMaster speakers.
The Wide-Area Dispersion Speakers are packaged with all required hardware for convenient wall mounting. Pole and I-beam mounting brackets are available separately. Designed for both indoor and outdoor applications, the Wide-Area Dispersion Speakers are sealed with a corrosion-resistant off-white powder coating.
According to Rebecca Malley, Marketing Manager, Federal Signal's news Wide-Area Dispersion Speakers represent "One of the most significant developments in public address speakers in the past decade." Elaborating, Malley points out that the full-range transducers mounted in a vertical line offers measurable benefits when compared with the horn-loaded speakers typically used in industrial environments. By employing multiple transducers working in unison, the WDS (wide-area dispersion speakers) offers the equivalent radiating surface area and performance capabilities of a 10-inch speaker
More about Federal Signal Electrical Products Group
Federal Signal Electrical Products Group is a leading supplier of audible and visual signaling, warning equipment, and communications equipment for the industrial marketplace. The Company provides its customers with everything from warning lights, intercom systems, horns, bells and sirens, to controllers, audible warning systems and digital message devices. Federal Signal also offers complete plant-wide communication systems for both indoor and outdoor applications.
