The MicroWedge MW12 is collaboration between original MicroWedge Series inventor Dave “Rat” Levine (owner of Rat Sound Systems, Inc.) and the EAW Engineering Department, resulting in dramatically upgraded performance and ergonomics. The coaxial design pairs a 12-inch woofer with a 3-inch voice coil HF compression driver on a horn that provides full yet controlled 90-degree horizontal dispersion. The large port on the front of the cabinet enhances LF response in coupling with the floor, and it houses both the carrying handle and the passive/active mode switch. The port also contains dual input connectors. Integral rigging hardware mounted on the enclosure bottom facilitates easy flying.
General Specs:
Operating Mode: Single amp or bi-amp
Operating Range: 64 Hz to 20kHz
Beamwidth: 90° (h) x 90° (v) (conical)
Power Handling/Output: LF/HF - 122 dB average, 128dB peak
Connections: 2 Neutrik NL4 Speakon (in port)
Rigging/Mounting: Integral flytrack on enclosure bottom
Dimensions/Weight: 13.1" (H, rear) x 12" (w) x 22.8" (d)
Key Features:
Applications:
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Stage monitoring
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Concert sound, live television events, corporate AV, House of Worship, theatres, auditoriums, clubs
Documents:
EAW MicroWedge 12 Spec Sheet (456k, Adobe PDF)
MicroWedge Mix Strategies (27kb, Adobe PDF)
MicroWedge Design History (26kb, Adobe PDF)
MicroWedge Tips & Tricks Guide (26kb, Adobe PDF)
MicroWedge Configurations Overview (62kb, Adobe PDF)
The new EAW MicroWedge Series stage monitors raise the legendary sonic performance and superior design principles of previous versions to a new level. Renowned by audio professionals and discerning artists around the globe, MicroWedge is now further enhanced by the prowess of the EAW Engineering team – proof that indeed, the best can get even better.
All new MicroWedge models (coaxial with choice of 8-inch, 12-inch and 15-inch LF) feature increased fidelity, power handling and efficiency, attained with an optimum blend of upgraded transducers and EAW’s hallmark crossover design techniques. Mechanical durability has been advanced as well, joined by enhancements in enclosure fabrication, ergonomics and interconnection, along with dramatic weight reduction.
The capacity of the MicroWedge Series to exceed the most demanding expectations starts with inventor/developer Dave Rat’s decades of real-world audio experience as both a top mix engineer and the head of leading concert touring company Rat Sound Systems Inc. He tirelessly sought creation of the ultimate stage wedge by working with sound engineers at a grassroots level; in particular, relying upon the input and “critical ears” of monitor engineers, and then combining this with his own deep understanding of the specific needs of artists and sound vendors. As a result, it’s little wonder that MicroWedge already enjoys universal rider acceptance, now furthered by EAW’s long-standing record as a true high-performance audio innovator.
All MicroWedge Series models produce smooth, clear and consistent response with exceptional gain before feedback in a compact, coaxial design with very high power handling. They’re also processor enhanced (rather than processor dependant) for true “plug and play” operation, and eliminating the need to also purchase additional processing is very budget friendly.
The overall design philosophy is based upon the essential truth that a loudspeaker must naturally sound good without electronic enhancement, with processing added only to optimize for specific applications. (MicroWedge offers switchable passive or active modes.) Smooth, clear and natural sounding designs also greatly reduce the onslaught of dreaded feedback.
The coaxial driver arrangement pairs the user’s preferred woofer size with a 2-inch HF compression driver on a horn with full yet tightly controlled 90-degree horizontal dispersion. This design path guarantees that all frequencies emanate from the exact same point, eliminating crossover region problems and time/phase irregularities, as well as optimizing coherency.
The coaxial approach also contributes to a very compact, low-profile footprint that stays out of sight-and camera-lines, but attained without sacrificing fidelity and high output levels. For example, the 12-inch LF model measures only 16-in wide by 22-in deep by just 13-in tall while producing constant SPL of 124 dB (130 dB peak) – an incredibly high output-to-size ratio for any wedge.
The physical profile is also quite visually appealing while serving another valuable function in focusing upward-firing coverage to the area most comfortable for performers – close to the wedge. This is also a big plus when stage space is in short supply. And, the curved front affords more flexibility in visually placing wedges that are optimally focused.
A large port on the front of the cabinet serves to enhance LF response in coupling with the floor, and in another upgrade, this port also now houses both the carrying handle and the passive/active mode switch. The resulting look is very clean, with the switch easily accessible (but protected from accidental changes) and the handle location fostering very balanced, single-hand carrying, enhanced by reduced enclosure weight (less than 60 lbs).
Further, the port houses dual input connectors, keeping them concealed and protected while also facilitating an ideal way of making sure cables run very close to the floor where they can easily be secured in place with tape. The connector location also allows wedges to be placed as close together as desired, and again, there’s no cabling between wedges that can trip the performers.
Additional cable can be stored in the port without impacting LF performance, and it is also sized to accept a leg of a tripod microphone stand, providing added stability and security.
The trapezoidal enclosure sides allow wedges to be placed very close together in “arc” configurations, while the addition of rubber feet to the bottom of the enclosure reduces abrasion. New integral rigging hardware – also mounted on the enclosure bottom – means easy flying when desired.
Finally, MicroWedge is tough - very capable of withstanding the rigors of club and touring life. The Baltic birch cabinets are protected with EAW’s proprietary RoadCoat™ finish that’s highly resistant to dings and scratches, and the rugged steel grille keeps its distinctive shape, even when stood upon by performers. All transducer components are highly liquid tolerant - virtually impervious to spilled drinks as well as natural elements like rain.
From its inception to the latest EAW-produced models, the MicroWedge Series has always been a product line developed to meet the wants and needs of working professionals - the direct antithesis of being created in a vacuum. The result is a comprehensive stage monitoring solution that meets the true demands of world touring artists, while each of the individual designs are also equally at home in houses of worship, television, night clubs or DJ setups.
Inspired by the numerous oversights in commercially available stage monitors that continue to this day, and now backed by EAW, the new MicroWedge Series confirms that, yes, the best can indeed be made better.
