The new AS8 ACDC from Avante Audio is a portable PA system with an integrated rechargeable battery. Designed for easy setup, this active column speaker system offers flexible input options including Bluetooth 5.0+ wireless connectivity. It is made for acoustic solo performers, small bands, comedians and mobile entertainers to perform anywhere without the need for power outlets.
Building on the success of the original AS8, the new AS8 ACDC offers the same combination of portability, connectivity and quality audio reproduction with the added benefit of an inbuilt 5,000mAh Lithium-Ion battery, which is capable of providing an average run time of 4 to 5 hours. A four-segment LED battery level indicator is provided on the rear of the unit and the same power inlet socket is used to charge the battery and run the system directly from a power supply (100 to 240 VAC 50/60Hz).
The AS8 ACDC’s audio system combines an 8-inch neodymium subwoofer with an array of six precision-aligned 2.75” neodymium high/mid drivers. The subwoofer, which has a 1.5” voice coil and a 28 oz. magnet, is built into a vented enclosure which also contains the battery pack, amplification, and mixer. This system is powered by a 250W RMS (1000W peak) Class D amplifier with a switching power design and delivers a maximum output of 110dB with a frequency response of 180-20kHz.
The mid/high drivers are mounted into a column enclosure and the system is also
supplied with an optional spacer column piece. These connect to the sub unit using Avante Audio’s proprietary SAM (Secure Array Mount) system, which allows the array column and spacer to lock securely to the sub and to one another reducing risk of being toppled over. The SAM connection also passes the audio signal from the sub up to the array column, through the spacer if it is used, removing the need for speaker cables and further speeding up setup time.
A flexible 3-channel mixer is built into the sub unit. This features a 2-band EQ, a Power/Clip LED signal indicator and an XLR output for daisy chaining the audio signal to another powered speaker. It offers XLR/TRS combo jack connections on the first two channels (switchable between mic and line level) and a choice between a stereo pair of 1/4” jacks, a single (mono) 1/4" jack or a 1/8” jack input on the third channel. This allows direct connection of line-level audio sources as well as microphones and a guitar, for acoustic solo performers, duos, and small bands without the need for a separate external mixer. The unit is also equipped with Bluetooth 5.0+ connectivity, allowing wireless streaming of music from a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
In addition, the TWS feature uses Bluetooth 5.0+ technology to wirelessly link two AS8 ACDC systems to create a stereo pair. This is set up using the dedicated ‘TWS’ and ‘Pair’ buttons, each with corresponding LED indicators, located on the mixer panel. When activated, the TWS mode will automatically root inputs connected to the primary mixer to the secondary speaker, with stereo signals split accordingly between the two systems. Use of the TWS feature does not prevent the use of Bluetooth 5.0+ to connect an audio device, this is paired to the primary AS8 ACDC system after the TWS pairing is completed.
When used without the optional spacer column (Compact Position), the AS8 ACDC system comes to a height of 47.6” (1208mm) and is designed for performances from a high stage. When the spacer is used (Extended Position), the AS8 ACDC has a total height of 79.1” (2008mm), for performances either from the floor or a low stage. The system is designed as a PA for musicians, performers, and DJs, playing in bars, lounges, coffee shops and small event spaces.
All three components of the system are constructed from molded Polypropylene, finished with 1mm steel grills to protect the speaker cones. The system is supplied with a padded-bag – divided into two separate compartments – for storing and carrying the column speaker and spacer, while the sub unit features an integrated carrying handle. The combined weight of all three components is 47.8 lbs. (21kg), meaning that the compact system can be carried into a venue in a single trip by one person and transported in a small car.
“Offering complete portability and excellent audio quality at an affordable price, the AS8 ACDC is sure to prove popular with all kinds of performers and event professionals,” comments Avante Audio’s Product Engineer, Tony Mirador. “The system’s powerful rechargeable battery and compact, easy to setup, design means that it can be used absolutely anywhere, while its versatile in-built mixer and Bluetooth 5.0+ connectivity makes it a flexible PA that can be easily scaled and adapted for use amplifying everything from spoken word to DJ sets, live acoustic music to vocal groups using backing tracks.”
For more information, visit https://www.avanteaudio.com/as8-acdc.
