In a world already packed with more than a few PA systems, a new system is probably the last thing we expect or need. Or is it? As part of its strategy of developing new and innovative systems, Bose Professional is embarking on a new adventure, continuing to create cutting-edge and different gear. We attended the presentation of the new system in Madrid.
Different because, after introducing its RoomMatch system a few years ago, and with it being received and adopted with great interest in many countries, the company got to work on this new system.
For its debut in Madrid (Hotel Auditorium) and Barcelona (Sala Razzmatazz), its distributor in Spain, GAPLASA, held some very interesting and interactive sessions for attendees. The day consisted of a presentation and explanation of the product by Oscar Valero (Product Manager of GAPLASA's Professional Division), capped off by a live performance by a band, followed by three workshops to get to know the system better. The workshops were divided as follows: first, an introduction to the system's components and hardware; second, an explanation of how the rigging works and its mechanics; and third, a virtual sound check where attendees could listen to and experience the system hands-on. After going through these three workshops, attendees had a clear idea of the system's possibilities.
Now let's get to know the system itself
ShowMatch is made up of five fundamental elements: three mid-high cabinets, a subwoofer cabinet and its amplifier/DSP system. Added to this are the nine accessory kits/systems available, which are mainly for rigging, except for the Waveguide systems, which we'll look at later.
The mid-high system consists of three cabinets: the ShowMatch SM10, ShowMatch SM20 and ShowMatch SM5. All three cabinets have 2x8" neodymium woofers and 4 EMB2S compression drivers. The frequency response of each of the three cabinets is 59-17,000 Hz, with a peak output of 145 dB.
The difference in naming from one cabinet to another is simply their vertical coverage angle: 10, 20 or 5 degrees. The rest of the components and their horizontal coverage are exactly the same in all three cases, with a 70- or 100-degree Waveguide system.
The Waveguide systems are not continuously variable in their angles; in other words, they're fixed, one or the other. They have a mechanical system in which you open the front of the cabinet (the grille) and swap them. A special mention for the system and its fit: you might think it could end up loose and vibrate when the cabinet is in operation, but I have to say that the build quality of the Waveguide and the way it's anchored inside the cabinet is simply perfect.
Where we do find a difference is in the optional Waveguides the brand offers, which are 55 degrees (exclusively for the SM5: SM5WG55) and 120 degrees (exclusively for the SM20: SM20WG12). For a quick and easy installation, Bose recommends first doing a projection with its Modeler software so you can calmly swap Waveguides if necessary. It never recommends making these changes at the installation site.
The fourth element is the SMS118 (1x18). It's a subwoofer with the same dimensions as the other cabinets, so aesthetically it blends perfectly into the system when flown. This subwoofer can reach down to 29 Hz (29-300 Hz) and has NL4 connectors on both the front and the back so you can place the sub "backward" and create a cardioid sub array.
The entire ShowMatch system is driven and configured with its PowerMatch amplifiers. These amps and DSPs, the brand's own, come in four or eight channels with power ratings of 1,000, 2,000 or 4,000 W. Naturally, the model and number of amps needed will depend on the size of the venue and the system to be flown.
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, ShowMatch is a different kind of system. In the words of Bose Professional's General Manager, Akira Mochimaru, Bose isn't looking to compete with the big brands in the touring sector, but it fully intends to establish itself and become a benchmark (it knows this takes a long time) in the installation world, and that's where this system's strength lies. According to Akira, installations and corporate events are ShowMatch's natural market, since it's not a market so tied to rider demands and sound pressure.
Akira told us with great passion and interest how this new system was developed. He explains that as soon as they launched RoomMatch (Bose Professional's first array), they began listening to and appreciating customer feedback. Akira describes himself as passionate about interacting with customers and maintains that they are the ones who define the product. They paid attention to the strengths and weaknesses customers found in RoomMatch in order to define and refine ShowMatch. Given the wide coverage ShowMatch achieves on the vertical axis, Akira doesn't consider his system a true line array, which is why he wants to make it clear that his design is an array. He acknowledges that as soon as people see the J shape of the flown system they'll say it's a line array, but given the differences between his design and that of a traditional line array, he believes they should be classified as completely separate products.
When a brand introduces a new and innovative product, it isn't always easy to predict its future; many factors come into play: quality, price, market conditions, whether or not it's right for the moment, etc… Personally, I think Bose has hit the nail on the head with this system for the market it wants to operate in. As Akira explains, the installation and corporate market isn't so driven by riders, brands and sound pressure; it's more a market of quality and clarity, and I think ShowMatch meets that goal with flying colors. If you'd like to learn more about this new system, don't hesitate to contact GAPLASA or visit the Bose Professional website.
