Building on the legacy of the TS3 series, Alto Professional has launched an even more powerful range of active speakers in the form of the TSF4 series, which provide superior Bluetooth audio streaming and enable app-based control. The smallest model in the TS4 series, the TS408, boasts a number of exceptional features that blow away the competition. For starters, it is one of the most powerful speakers in this price range to feature a small built-in mixer and yet work quietly without a fan. Secondly, it offers a wealth of applications, thanks not least to the various speaker modes available for voice and music applications, which enable optimised sound. And from the first time they take it to a gig, users will find the ultralight weight of this little powerhouse a real relief.
The versatility of this speaker is evident from the very first glance at the housing. Whether placed on the floor or on a stand, equipped with optional accessories, or used as a stage monitor, the whopping 2000W of power produced by the built-in Class D amplifier ensures a maximum sound pressure of 130dB (peak). Bass pressure is provided courtesy of an 8" woofer with a 2" high-temperature voice coil, while a 1" exit ceramic driver with 1.4" coil kicks in from a crossover frequency of 2kHz. After setting up the 9.4kg speaker and establishing the power supply, users are able to connect up two dynamic microphones or line signals to the two XLR combo jacks or stream sounds via Bluetooth from a smartphone or tablet.
For operators of clubs and multifunction rooms, the Alto TS408 can deliver both music and speech powerfully, either as a fixed installation or as a mobile speaker for use in different rooms. Service providers of all kinds will love this user-friendly speaker, as it lends itself to a huge variety of events and celebrations. The speaker's fanless and quiet operation will especially benefit theatre owners, conference room operators, hoteliers, and restaurateurs – indeed, anyone whose clients often sit close to a speaker. Solo artists and duos can quickly connect a dynamic vocal microphone to a mono keyboard or guitar and will find the low weight of this powerhouse particularly appealing, not least when it comes to dismounting it. Mobile DJs can select the EQ preset which has been optimised for them at the touch of a button and simultaneously charge their laptops from the 5V/2.1A USB charging socket.
Alto Professional is a US-based company that manufactures sound equipment for all areas of the live music industry (sometimes known as a sound reinforcement company), and its product range extends from loudspeakers and amplifiers to radio links and mixing consoles. Accessories such as protective covers and wall mounts are also available. Alto Professional additionally provides a large selection of products aimed at solo artists, DJs, and small ensembles. These products are reputed for being both lightweight and highly reliable on the road and play an important part in many live tours and events. Founded in 2000 by a group of passionate sound engineers, Alto Professional specialises in developing affordable sound technology for the live sector.
The sound from the Alto TS 408 can be further enhanced using the Alto app, available for iOS and Android, which not only allows the volume of the Bluetooth signal to be adjusted and provides access to the ready-made EQ presets, but also allows sound settings to be created and stored. Just one Alto TS408 brings a lot of power to bear, but another speaker such as a sub-bass can also be connected to the Mix Out if required, receiving a tailor-made signal courtesy of a three-stage high-pass filter. The speaker also comes with an additional feature that allows music streamed via Bluetooth to be played in stereo. This involves pairing the first speaker with the audio source via Bluetooth, setting up a second speaker, and linking the second speaker wirelessly to the first. Further speakers can be connected to the outputs of both speakers to increase the sound pressure level further.