Martin Audio VRS800
Martin Audio VRS800 is a full-range, three-way horn-loaded sound reinforcement cabinet in a vertical format. Its low-, mid- and high-frequency sections form a complete loudspeaker system within one tall enclosure. This makes the VRS800 a different proposition from a dedicated bass cabinet: it reproduces the main programme, including voices and high-frequency detail, as well as its own bass section. The cabinet belongs to Martin Audio’s established RS-era equipment range and uses external amplification.
Three-way horn-loaded design
The original design combines an 18-inch bass driver, a 12-inch midrange driver and a titanium-diaphragm high-frequency driver with a one-inch exit. Each section has its own acoustic role. The bass section uses a ported horn and delay-line arrangement, while the mid and high sections use Martin Audio’s horizontal constant-directivity horn approach. For a buyer extending an existing system, this is useful model information: VRS800 is a substantial horn-loaded cabinet, rather than a compact direct-radiating two-way box.
Martin Audio lists nominal system coverage of 75 degrees horizontally by 35 degrees vertically. Those two angles describe the intended audience coverage in the cabinet’s normal orientation. They are relevant when planning speaker positions, coverage overlap and listening areas; simply adding more cabinets does not establish even coverage. The relatively tall enclosure also deserves attention when comparing physical deployment with a modern compact loudspeaker.
External amplification and crossover arrangements
The VRS800 has switchable biamplified and triamplified operating arrangements. Its internal 14-element high-level passive crossover handles the mid/high division in biamp operation, while triamp operation allows the three bands to be driven separately. The rear changeover switch therefore matters when connecting an existing amplifier rack. The selected cabinet mode and the external crossover arrangement need to agree before a system is put into service.
The published crossover information places the low/mid transition at 200 Hz and the mid/high transition at 1.5 kHz. These figures explain the division of work between the three drivers; they do not turn every amplifier or generic speaker preset into a suitable match. When replacing a cabinet in an established VRS800 system, compare the amplifier, crossover and cabling arrangements already in use with the original documentation.
Published performance and cabinet details
The manufacturer gives a system bandwidth of 35 Hz to 20 kHz. This is the stated bandwidth, without adding a response tolerance that the sheet does not specify. The published system power figure is 1,000 watts programme in triamp mode. Programme power is a particular rating category, so it should be read with that operating-mode qualification when comparing the VRS800 with products quoting continuous power or amplifier peak output.
The specification lists a cabinet weight of 104 kg and dimensions of approximately 570 mm wide, 1,290 mm high and 685 mm deep, with additional depth for the swivel castors. Its birch-plywood construction, steel grille, recessed handles and rear wheels reflect the scale of this system. These dimensions and weight are practical considerations for transport, loading access, storage and deployment. This is substantial professional equipment that needs a handling plan suited to the cabinet.
Full-range system role
The original application guidance places the VRS800 in short- to medium-throw live PA and installation work. Its vertical format provides a smaller floor footprint than a wider cabinet containing comparable sections. A separate sub-bass system can serve a different role when an application calls for additional low-frequency capability, but the VRS800 itself remains a full-range loudspeaker. This listing is for the VRS800 unit; no additional subwoofer, amplifier rack or system package is specified.
Condition and unit price
Martin Audio VRS800 is offered in Excellent condition. Available stock: 8 units. The price is €450 per unit. The stock figure is the quantity available, and the stated price applies to one unit.
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