Oct 22, 2004 3:50 PM

PMC TB2S-A
August 2005—The TB2S-A powered monitors from PMC (www.pmc-speakers.com) is the larger of two “digitally activated” speakers recently added to the line. The monitors, using a 6.5-inch woofer and 1-inch tweeter, use digital amplification from Flying Mole and PMC’s Advanced Transmission Line (ATL). The ATL technology boasts exceptional low-frequency extension, lower coloration, consistent balance at all levels and stable 3-D imaging. The black, unshielded monitors each weigh 20 pounds, are 15.7x7.8x13.7 inches (HxWxD) and are geared for near- or mid-field applications. XLR inputs are adjustable from 0 to -30 dB and reach SPLs of 111 dB at 3 feet. Options include mag shielding, a matching TLE1S sub and custom stands.

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PMC DB1-A, TB2-A
June 2005—Unveiled a year ago at AES Berlin, PMC's DB1-A and TB2-A monitors feature integral Flying Mole (www.flyingmole.co.jp/en) digital bi-phase fusion reference amp modules weighing only 1.1 pounds and supplying 160W. The units incorporate 5.5-inch and 6.7-inch LF drivers, respectively, with the same 1.1-inch soft-dome tweeter used in PMC's larger mid-fields. PMC is also now offering a $7,995 Mix Pack, an active 5.1 kit with five DB-1A monitors and a powered 150W SubTLE1 subwoofer. The 100W DB-1A has a 5.5-inch woofer, a ferrofluid-cooled aluminum tweeter and a response of 5 to 25k Hz (+0/-3 dB).

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PMC DB1-A & TB2A
July 2004—Shown at AES in Berlin, PMC's new DB1-A and TB2-A studio monitors feature integral digital power amps. The self-powered monitors house Flying Mole (www.flyingmole.co.jp/en) digital Bi-Phase Fusion reference amp modules, each weighing just 1.1 pounds and supplying 160 watts into 4 ohms. Proprietary LF drivers and cabinet design, along with hand-built crossover electronics, are said to ensure ultralow distortion and compression characteristics, enabling consistent performance at high SPLs. Both units incorporate PMC's 5.5-inch and 6.7-inch LF drivers, respectively, with the same 1.1-inch soft-dome tweeter used in the company's larger mid-fields. Flying Mole also showed its range of compact DAD-M100pro digital power amps.

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PMC MIX PACK
July 2004—Known for its unique transmission line (TL) monitoring systems, British manufacturer PMC offers the PMC Mix Pack ($7,995), a fully matched, active 5.1 kit featuring five PMC DB-1A loudspeakers and a SubTLE1 subwoofer. TL technology effectively creates a long tunnel within a monitor by using internal partitioning. The tunnel folds throughout the length of a heavily dampened cabinet, and at the tunnel's end, a hole vents into the room. As a result, the cabinet yields an extended LF range and dramatically reduces any extraneous coloration of the sound. According to PMC, the DB-1A loudspeaker is the world's smallest TL monitor design with an effective line length of five feet within its very small cabinet. The 100W DB-1A features a 5.5-inch low-frequency driver, an aluminum, Ferrofluid-cooled HF driver, and a frequency response of 5 Hz to 25 kHz (+0/-3 dB). The SubTLE1 Subwoofer includes two 6.5-inch shielded custom drivers driven by a 150W low-distortion amplifier. The subwoofer incorporates an effective TL of 9.5 feet, allowing the TLE1 to produce a flat frequency response down to 22 Hz.

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PMC DB1
November 2002-—Distributed by Bryston, PMC offers a wide range of studio and consumer loudspeakers. PMC's latest is the DB1, the world's smallest transmission-line design, with an effective line length of five feet in a compact two-way system, with LF output suggesting a much larger enclosure. Intended for stereo or surround applications (with the optional TLE subwoofer), the DB1 combines a 5-inch magnesium cast-frame woofer with a 1-inch aluminum-dome, Ferrofluid-cooled tweeter. Usable frequency response is 45 to 25k Hz. Dimensions are 11.4x6.1x9.2 inches (HxWxD); weight is 10 pounds. Retail is $795 each; options include a DB1-M horizontal center-channel speaker, a shielded version, four finishes, stands and wall brackets.

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PMC MB2 MONITORS
September 2002—The new MB2 Series of three-way loudspeakers from the Professional Monitor Company includes single- and twin-cabinet systems, in passive and active forms; matching horizontal center-channel versions are also available. The MB2 Series offers a 20-25k Hz (±3dB) frequency range. The MB2-A (active single-cabinet system) and MB2XBD-A (active twin-cabinet) PMC systems are driven by ultra-low distortion electronics co-developed with Bryston. An XB2 subwoofer provides an LFE channel for surround installs or when more bass headroom is required. The variants of the MB2 Series are based on a driver complement including a 12-inch woofer, 3-inch soft-dome mid and silk-dome HF tweeters. Prices start at $12,100/pair.

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PMC SUB BASS UNIT
March 2002—The new TLE1 active subwoofer system from PMC features an unusually tall and slender profile — the unit measures 21.5x7.75x19.75 inches (HxWxD) and weighs 42 pounds. Two 6.5-inch, shielded custom woofers are driven by a 150W, ultra-low-distortion amp based on a Bryston design. Featuring a true transmission line design with an effective length of 9.5 feet, the TLE1 offers a flat frequency response down to 22 Hz. The unit has stereo balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, level control with calibrated settings for THX™ specifications, variable phase control (0°-360°) and a variable roll-off (12 dB/octave) from 38 to 155 Hz.

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PMC BB-5
December 2001—The PMC BB-5 Active System ($138,000) is a top-of-the-line powered surround system from the Professional Monitor Company. The BB-5 monitor is available in active stereo pair configurations and comes in black ash, walnut, oak, cherry and rosewood finishes. Its transmission-line design features a 15-inch radial woofer, 3-inch fabric-dome midrange and 1-inch silk soft-dome tweeter with double chamber. Available in passive and active versions, the latter includes an external amp and electronic crossover, and sports a frequency response of 17 to 25k Hz. The company's XB3-A sub ($7,000 each) rounds out this massive system with its own 15-inch radial woofer, double-veneered MDF cabinet and 800W power-handling rating.

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PMC AML-1
June 2000—The AML-1 features a 6.5-inch carbon-fiber and Nomex honeycomb flat-piston bass driver, which allows large controlled linear excursions. A 1.25-inch high power-handling soft-dome unit is used for the monitor’s high frequencies. The two drivers are integrated by discrete, low-noise active crossovers. The AML-1’s amplifier and crossover designs are licensed from the high-end manufacturer Bryston. The speaker’s bypass controls provide for input level adjustment, LF roll-off, LF tilt and HF tilt. This bi-amplified monitor uses a 100W RMS LF amplifier and an 80W RMS HF amplifier. MSRP: $4,995 per pair.

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PMC IB1S
March 1999—PMC offers a variety of systems designed for surround application in both nonpowered and powered versions (with Bryston amplification, of course). The IB1S ($4,500/pair, nonpowered) mid-field monitor is a three-way design using transmission-line technology for extended bass reproduction, lower distortion and higher output. The IB1S combines a stiff carbon-fiber/Nomex woofer with soft fabric mid- and high-frequency dome drivers. Recently, PMC has introduced "low-profile" versions of its IB1S, TB1S (two-way/7-inch) and LB1 (two-way/4.5-inch) speakers, further expanding the suitability of PMC systems in post applications. The XBD subwoofer is available in 12- and 15-inch transmission-line versions, as well; the SB100 sub uses the same 10-inch driver as the IB1S. TO READ THE REVIEW, CLICK HERE.