The Quint Audio R12: Revolutionizing Professional Audio with
Precision and Performance
In the demanding world of professional audio, where clarity, dynamic range, and
reliability are paramount, the Quint Audio R12 stands out as a state-of-the-art point
source loudspeaker. Designed for touring, installations, and reference applications,
the R12 combines innovative Dutch engineering with high-end components to
deliver unprecedented sonic performance.
This whitepaper explores the R12's features, technical specifications, applications,
and construction, highlighting how it addresses the needs of sound engineers,
venues, and artists.
Founded on a philosophy of innovation and quality, Quint Audio's R12 sets new
standards for full-range audio reproduction, making it an ideal choice for classical
music, jazz, speech, and beyond.
1
Introduction
Quint Audio, a Dutch manufacturer established in
2012 by Peter Kaandorp and Hans Kwinten,
specializes in high-end professional audio
loudspeakers and systems. With roots in
groundbreaking audio R&D, the company was born
from a desire to overcome the limitations of existing
loudspeaker designs.
Quint Audio's philosophy revolves around achieving
full-range constant directivity, linear dynamics, low
distortion, and high sound pressure levels while
maintaining durability, safety, and realistic pricing.
The company's in-house capabilities include custom component optimization,
acoustic lens and horn design, 3D printing, CNC machining, and electronics
development.
Targeting sound engineers, rental companies, theatres, clubs, and architects, Quint
Audio emphasizes true-to-life sound reproduction and innovative features like
Active Noise Cancelling and Active Directivity Control. This commitment to
excellence is embodied in products like the R12, a bi-amped full-range reference
speaker that exemplifies the Dutch high-tech design.
The Need for High-Quality Reference Speakers
In professional audio environments, such as live theatres, studios, and other audio
installations where high-quality audio and speech intelligibility is required,
traditional loudspeakers often fall short in delivering consistent performance across
many relevant parameters. Challenges include uneven dispersion, limited
frequency response, and vulnerability to wear in touring scenarios. Reference
speakers must provide accurate, natural sound for critical applications like
classical and jazz performances, speech reinforcement, and studio monitoring,
where even the subtlest nuances matter.
Quint Audio addresses these needs by focusing on breakthrough technologies that
ensure fidelity, power, and versatility. The R12, in particular, incorporates patented
internal developments to become one of the most faithful and natural loudspeakers
in the industry, thriving in settings that demand vocal clarity and musical integrity.
2
Introducing the R12
The Quint Audio R12 is a compact, bi-amped full-range
reference loudspeaker featuring a 12" neodymium (ND)
woofer and a 5" neodymium Air Motion Transformer (AMT) for
the high frequencies. This design enables an unprecedented
dynamic range and sonic performance, making it very
suitable for stand-alone use or integration with subwoofers.
The R12 offers seamless rigging for flown or fixed
installations, ensuring flexibility in diverse setups.
Tailored for genres like classical, jazz, and speech, the R12
excels in environments requiring precise audio reproduction, such as live theatres,
opera houses, TV studios, and high-end venues. Its full-range capability (from 35Hz
to 20kHz) eliminates the need for additional bass support in many cases, while its
ergonomic design supports easy handling and deployment.
Air Motion Transformer
The 5-inch Air Motion Transformer (AMT) is
specially designed to reproduce high
frequencies with exceptional precision. The
AMT compresses and expands air, propelling
high frequencies more rapidly. With its quick
response and powerful projection, even the
finest nuances are reproduced with optimal
accuracy. This results in an unparalleled
transparent listening experience with superior sound quality, and high dynamics.
Cylindrical to spherical
Wavefront-Shaper
Ideally, the high frequencies of a point source, much like
how a light bulb disperses light in all directions
(spherical), are evenly represented. However, since an
Air Motion Transformer (AMT) behaves more like a
focused spotlight (cylindrical), Quint Audio modifies
these characteristics with a unique patent pending Wavefront-Shaper that
reshapes cylindrical into spherical wavefronts without affecting the signal integrity.
3
Horn
A resonance-free PU-molded horn allows us
to further tailor the desired behavior of the
high frequencies.
Together with the
Wavefront-Shaper, this
ensures precise HF
dispersion of 80° x 40°
Horizontal HF dispersion R012
(horizontal x vertical).
A carefully determined crossover zone between the AMT
and the woofer ensures the correct connection in both
frequency response and dispersion.
Woofer
A custom-designed 12-inch long-stroke radial
woofer has a maximum excursion of over 15 mm,
while ensuring that the voice coil never leaves the
linear magnetic field. This results in perfect
control and guarantees a highly detailed
reproduction.
Additionally, a system-specific internal cooling system ensures that the R12 exhibits
minimal power compression (<2dB), even under the most demanding and
prolonged loads.
Control
Quint Audio’s P9 speaker management
system, in conjunction with its high-end
A4 and A6 power amplifiers, ensures
distortion-free, powerful, high-transient,
and high-power driving of the R12.
The combination of minimal phase and complementary filtering by the DSP and the
high-end amplifiers, coupled with the uncompromising physical design of the R12,
results in linearity in dynamics, dispersion, frequency, and phase behaviour that is
unparalleled in the PA industry.
4
Construction and Design
Built for durability, the R12 features a birch plywood enclosure with internal bracing
for rigidity, coated in a durable hybrid finish resistant to wear, impact, and
weathering. The front steel grille, backed by acoustically transparent material,
protects components without compromising sound quality. The robust construction
ensures the R12 withstands the rigors of touring while maintaining aesthetic appeal
and acoustic integrity.
R12 comprehensive critical
acoustic damping
Easy setup
The tool free integrated
Quick Lock rigging
system, a rear panel with
dual NLT4 connectors,
and ergonomic side &
top handles allow for
quick setup in touring or
permanent installations.
R12 features accessories like the Mohawk flying adapter and U-bracket for versatile
mounting.
5
Technical Specifications
Model R12
Filter 2 channel DSP control
Loudspeaker components 12"/5"
Impedance 8 Ohm
Peak SPL* / frequency range (-6dB) 131.5 / 34Hz-20kHz
Max SPL* / frequency range (-6dB) 114.5 / 34Hz-20kHz
max SPL -10dB / frequency range (-6dB) N/A
max SPL -20dB / frequency range (-6dB) N/A
dispersion (HxV) 80 x 40°
Connections 2x SpeakOn 4
Weight 26kg
Size (WxHxD) 360 x 695 x 415mm
*Measurements are conform to AES-75 and carried out with P9 processor and A4 amplifier. Values
are scaled to 1m free field.
6
Applications
The R12's tailored design makes it versatile across various scenarios:
Compact Stand-Alone Full-Range Loudspeaker: Perfect for small venues or
events requiring high-quality sound without additional equipment.
Top Loudspeaker Combined with R-Sub Infra-Subwoofer: Enhances low-end
extension for larger systems.
Reference Loudspeaker or Studio Monitor: Provides accurate monitoring for
recording and mixing.
Specialized Use Cases
R12 in general is ideal for classical
music, jazz performances, speech
reinforcement in theatres, opera, and TV
studios.
Real-world examples include
applications in theatres where multiple
R12 units serve in the illustrious ‘one-
mic-one-box’ setup which is only
possible to achieve with an absolute
feedback-free design like R12.
Conclusion
The Quint Audio R12 represents a pinnacle in professional audio design, blending
innovative technology with practical features to meet the evolving demands of the
industry. By prioritizing sonic excellence, versatility, and reliability, the R12
empowers users to achieve superior sound experiences in any application. As
Quint Audio continues to push boundaries, the R12 solidifies the company's
position as a leader in high-end audio solutions.
For more information or to explore how the R12 can elevate your audio setup, visit
[Link] or contact Quint Audio directly.
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