The ESP-8 is a two-way loudspeaker, using a 2” voice coil 8” (203mm) neodymium low frequency transducer and a 2” (51mm) diaphragm 1” (25mm) exit coaxially-loaded high frequency transducer. The coaxial drive unit arrangement provides a uniform 100-degree conical dispersion pattern, with very smooth off-axis response and no parallax effects that would be present with separate LF and HF drive units. The result is a compact loudspeaker that provides excellent performance in a wide range of applications – from compact FOH use to powerful stage monitoring.

The ESP-8 utilises the latest in Class D amplifier technology, with a compact and lightweight module delivering a total power of 1200W RMS between the two drive units. Separate channels drive the low and high frequency transducers, allowing the ESP-8 to make the best use of the latest DSP for both performance as well as reliable limiting. The amplifier power supply is a universal voltage design, meaning the ESP-8 will operate happily across the globe. The amplifier is primarily passively cooled via the substantial heat sink on the rear of the enclosure, however for high temperature scenarios a fan is present within the loudspeaker itself to cool critical components in the high-demand scenarios. Four application-specific presets are available in the ESP-8 – for stand-alone use, use with a subwoofer, stage monitoring, and front fill applications. All functions are handled by the DSP including crossover, time alignment, and drive unit protection.

The ESP-8 has a combination XLR/1/4” jack input, and a male XLR link output. LED indicators for power, status and preset are provided on the rear panel, along with preset selection controls and a level control, and mains supply is handled by Neutrik® PowerCON True1 inlet and link output connectors. The ESP-8 also comes supplied with a 3m True1 power cable, as well as the loose link output connector for assembling link mains cables.

The drive unit is housed within a compact, vented enclosure. The robust enclosure is constructed from premium 15mm (5/8”) multi-laminate Birch plywood, and is heavily braced to minimise panel resonance. Five M8 threaded rigging points are provided (two top, two left, one on the rear right) to attach the optional rigging accessories and safeties, a 35mm pole mount is provided on the base for stand mounting, and a flush bar handle is positioned on the top for easy lifting of the 13.2kg (29lbs) loudspeaker. Lastly, a tough hex-punched steel grille backed with acoustically transparent fabric protects the drive units from damage – this grille can quickly and easily be removed for service purposes.