Description
The Electro-Voice ELX115 is a popular 15-inch, 2-way passive loudspeaker from EV’s “Live X” series. It’s designed for sound reinforcement, PA applications, and stage monitoring, offering a balance of power, clarity, and robust build quality. Being a passive speaker, it requires an external power amplifier to operate.
Key Features and Highlights:
- 15-inch Woofer for Extended Lows: The ELX115 features a 15-inch EVS-15K woofer. This larger woofer size, compared to a 12-inch, allows for a more extended low-frequency response, providing fuller bass and making it suitable for situations where deep bass is desired without necessarily needing a separate subwoofer (though a subwoofer will always enhance the overall low end).
- 1.5-inch Titanium Compression Driver: It uses a DH-1K, 1.5-inch titanium diaphragm compression driver for crisp, clear high frequencies. Titanium is often chosen for its stiffness and light weight, contributing to detailed treble.
- Two-Way Design: The speaker is a 2-way design, meaning it separates the audio signal into two frequency bands (lows and highs) and sends them to the appropriate drivers (woofer and compression driver) via an internal crossover.
- High Power Handling: It boasts a significant power handling capability:
- 400 W continuous
- 1600 W peak This allows it to deliver loud, clear sound reinforcement with good headroom.
- Wide Frequency Response:
- Frequency Response (-3 dB): 75 Hz – 18 kHz
- Frequency Range (-10 dB): 50 Hz – 20 kHz This wide range ensures that most musical instruments and vocals are reproduced faithfully. The -10 dB point at 50 Hz indicates its ability to reproduce substantial low-end frequencies.
- High Max SPL: Capable of producing a maximum SPL (Sound Pressure Level) of 134 dB, ensuring it can cut through in demanding live environments.
- Broad Coverage Pattern: Features a 90° horizontal by 50° vertical coverage-pattern waveguide. This helps distribute sound evenly across a wider listening area.
- Versatile Cabinet Design:
- Plywood Enclosure: Constructed from 9-ply, 15mm plywood, which is internally braced for reduced resonance and increased durability. This is a significant advantage over cheaper particleboard or MDF enclosures.
- Textured Black Finish: A durable textured paint finish helps protect the cabinet from scuffs and scratches during transport and use.
- Pole Mount: Includes a standard 35mm pole socket for mounting on speaker stands or on top of subwoofers (like the ELX118).
- Monitor Angle: Designed with a 60° monitor angle, allowing it to be used effectively as a stage floor monitor.
- Integrated Carrying Handles: For convenient transportation.
- Dual NL4 Connectors: Equipped with dual Neutrik NL4 Speakon connectors, allowing for easy daisy-chaining to other passive speakers or connection to a power amplifier.
- Passive Operation: As a passive speaker, it requires an external amplifier to provide power and an appropriate crossover (if not using the internal one).
- Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms. This is a common impedance, making it compatible with a wide range of professional power amplifiers.
- Weight: Approximately 21.9 kg (48.2 lbs), which is manageable for a 15-inch wooden passive speaker.
Who is the Electro-Voice ELX115 for?
- Live Sound Reinforcement: Ideal for small to medium-sized venues, concerts, and events where clear and powerful full-range sound is needed.
- Mobile DJs: Offers strong bass response for music playback without always requiring a separate subwoofer for smaller gigs.
- Bands and Musicians: Excellent for use as main PA speakers or as powerful stage monitors.
- Houses of Worship: Can provide clear vocals and music for services.
- Rental Companies: Durable and versatile for various applications.
Considerations:
- Requires External Amplifier: This is a passive speaker, so you’ll need to factor in the cost and logistics of a suitable power amplifier. The amplifier should be rated appropriately (e.g., around 600-800W per channel into 8 ohms for good headroom) to drive the ELX115 effectively without clipping.
- No DSP: Unlike powered speakers, it doesn’t have built-in DSP (Digital Signal Processing) for equalization, limiting, or crossover management. This would need to be handled by an external speaker processor or a DSP-equipped amplifier.
- Weight: While manageable for a wooden 15-inch, it’s heavier than equivalent plastic-molded passive speakers.
- Discontinued Status: The ELX115 is part of the older “Live X” series and has largely been superseded by newer models like the ELX200 series. While still a very capable speaker, finding new stock might be challenging, and you might encounter them more commonly on the used market.
