New S1 Active Subwoofer Joins M1 Active in Alesis Line for complete surround sound monitoring solution

January 28, 1999 -- Alesis introduces the S1 Active, a reference source for monitoring the low frequency channel in multichannel surround monitoring. S1 Active Subwoofer and M1 Active Biamplified Reference Monitors constitute a standardized playback source for stereo or 5.1 surround production. The S1 Active ($499 USD MRSP) features a 250-watt internal amplifier with a long-throw 8" woofer, an optimized crossover network, and connections for either active or passive satellite speakers.

"Expanding our active monitoring line is important to Alesis, so we're thrilled to be introducing the S1 Active right on the heels of the M1 Active's extremely successful launch," comments Jim Mack Alesis vice president of sales and marketing. "The S1 Active powered subwoofer in combination with the M1 Active biamplified reference monitors make an affordable professional surround sound monitoring system."

The S1 Active features a 250-watt front-firing 8" woofer made of mica-infused polypropylene, a stiff lightweight material that makes it agile and extremely responsive. The woofer combined with the S1 Active's front firing port offers excellent transient response and improves bass frequency articulation. Compared to powered subs in a similar price range, S1 Active yields significantly higher SPL. S1 Active's compact design makes it ideal for use in a small- to medium-sized project studios.

The S1 Active features a user-selectable crossover frequency control that can be set to 60, 80, 100 or 120Hz. The control allows precise and repeatable settings, making the subwoofer easy to integrate into a new room or existing audio system. The selectable frequency response is from 40Hz to 60, 80, 100, 120Hz (+/-2dB). In stereo applications, S1 Active's crossover network sends low frequency signals to the sub and passes the high frequency spectrum to dedicated satellite outputs on the rear of the sub.

In addition to being used with powered monitors, like the M1Active, the S1 Active can be used with passive speakers like the Alesis Monitor One. Special speaker level inputs allow the S1 Active to be connected directly to the same amplifier outputs as those feeding the satellite speakers.

The S1 Active features a unique cooling solution. The internal amplifier's heat sinks are mounted in the bottom slot on the front panel and are cooled by the air displaced with each excursion of the woofer. The lack of exposed heat sinks provides safe handling of rear panel controls and allows more flexibility in positioning the speaker.

For the flexibility required in studios, the S1 Active provides a polarity (phase) reverse control, a gain level control, line level inputs and outputs and 5-way binding posts. The S1 Active is magnetically shielded for use in close proximity to computer and video monitors.

While the S1 Active can be used with a wide range of speakers, the subwoofer was designed concurrently with the M1 Active, making them exceptionally well matched. The M1 Active is currently available and the S1Active is expected to ship in the second quarter of 1999.

For more information, visit Alesis at www.alesis.com.