Tannoy has released CMS 3.0, the third generation of its in-ceiling loudspeaker system. The new driver features Omnimagnet™ technology and a unique Torus Ogive Waveguide™ assembly to deliver more consistent and controlled directivity, with notable improvement in higher frequency ranges. The brand new design also delivers improved time alignment and greater coherence between LF and HF for enhanced performance both on and off-axis.
More details from Tannoy (www.tannoypro.com)
In the early 1990s we took our studio-grade Dual Concentric™ drivers and put them in the ceiling, with the creation of CMS (Ceiling Monitor System).
Tannoy CMS Series revolutionized the commercial audio market, delivering consistent and practical high quality audio reproduction from an in-ceiling device for the first time. Over the two decades that followed we pioneered this approach, virtually carving out the market for premium in-ceiling audio in both performance and everyday sound applications. As other manufacturers sought to follow, we evolved CMS along the way, consolidating its status as the preferred choice of in-ceiling loudspeaker among the audio consultant community. But nothing stands still, and we refused to rest on our laurels.
And now, the best just got better.
Introducing CMS 3.0…. The 3rd generation of Tannoy’s premium in-ceiling loudspeaker system, featuring a new evolutionary milestone development of our Dual Concentric™ transducer technology.
Bringing even higher degrees of intelligibility, more consistent broadband directivity, and a brighter, more accurate soundstage, CMS 3.0 represents a new pinnacle in sonic performance from a ceiling loudspeaker device. In addition to improved sound and smooth predictable coverage, the all-new CMS 3.0 also introduces several mechanical and aesthetic features to benefit both systems designer and contractor alike.
The new line of Dual Concentric equipped CMS comprises 5 models – CMS 403DCe, CMS 503DC, CMS 603DC and CMS 803DC – each designed to replace previous equivalent iterations – plus an all-new CMS 803DCQ 8” high-Q model, designed for high-ceiling/longer throw applications. At the heart of each device is the next-generation Dual Concentric™ transducer, providing improved performance by virtue of a fundamentally new design.
Arguably the most significant evolution in the Dual Concentric design for over 20 years, the new driver features revolutionary Omnimagnet™ technology and a unique Torus Ogive Waveguide™ assembly to deliver more consistent and controlled directivity, with notable improvement in higher frequency ranges, in comparison to previous generations. The brand new design also delivers improved time alignment and greater coherence between LF and HF, resulting in an even wider sweet spot and brighter, more defined and precise sound – for appreciably enhanced performance both on and off-axis.
Philippe Robineau, Director of Engineering for Tannoy, commented “Having enjoyed huge success with CMS Series over a long period, we had a good feel for the market in terms of how we could develop the product further. We listened closely to the consultant community and our key contracting customers and identified the areas where we needed to focus, in order to make a great loudspeaker even better.”
“We believe we have achieved just that, and we’re confident that CMS 3.0 represents the new benchmark in the premium in-ceiling audio space. We can only make that assertion, given that we had ourselves to beat.”
In addition to new driver technology, CMS 3.0 also benefits from new magnetically adhering grilles, easy to fit or remove (for hassle-free custom painting) and available in either Classic (traditional, inset within the bezel) or new Arco™ style – designed to conceal the entire unit including the bezel beneath a sleek architectural grille for use in applications where mitigating any aesthetic impact is a driving factor.
A new moulded baffle design contributes further to the loudspeaker performance, providing subtle extension to the waveguide effect of the driver itself. Around the back, there’s an all-new clamp design which offers greater extension (for thicker ceiling panels) and a unique locking design that prevents over-screwing that could lead to clamps falling out during installation. Each model (except CMS 401DCe) is available in both PI (pre-install) and BM (blind-mount) variants, as with previous CMS Series iterations. All models are 16 ohm, making them ideal for use in low-impedance systems, such as in conjunction with Lab.gruppen LUCIA amplifiers, while additionally featuring an integrated low insertion loss line transformer for 70 V / 100 V distributed applications.
