KSD Studio Monitors have announced the launch of a new and updated version of one of their popular active three-way nearfield monitors. The A200mk2 accepts both analogue and digital inputs, with all of its onboard processing incurring minimal latency thanks to the use of the company’s FPGA-based FIRTEC technology. KSD have also announced that they will be making their North American debut with the new monitors thanks to a new partnership with Sound Vision Works.
As with all of the company’s designs, the new version of the A200 aims to deliver the most precise reproduction and balanced frequency response possible. The cabinet houses three-inch midrange dome driver along with a one-inch fabric tweeter in an aluminium waveguide, a move which KSD says results in a homogenous sound field as well as allowing the monitor to be configured for vertical or horizontal placement. The low end is handled by a 10-inch driver that extends the system’s response down to an impressive 28Hz, providing a generous amount of bass without the need for a subwoofer.
KSD are no strangers to digital processing, and are said to the first company to bring a DSP-equipped speaker to market, all the way back in 1996. As with all of their monitors, the processing side of things on the A200mk2 is handled by FIRTEC, a patented system that employs phase-linear filters running on custom FPGAs. The company say that the approach results in low-latency, accurate and tonally neutral delivery across the entire frequency range. In addition to the filters, the onboard processing also provides a limiter, low- and high-shelf EQs, six user EQ profiles and adjustment of both delay and gain.
“The development of KSD speakers is driven by a relentlessly dedicated scientific method, and we’re eager to share such innovations with a new audience. Together with Sound Vision Works, KSD is first releasing the A200mk2: a three-way active monitor free from the physical limitations of traditional speakers. By implementing FIRTEC on the driver level, we solve the runtime difference between the highs, mids and lows, removing the constraints of analogue laws. With nearly imperceptible latency, extreme precision and no burn-in period, we believe our clients will find the A200mk2 to be a creatively liberating studio monitor.” - André Hammerschmidt, Managing Director, KSD Studio Monitors
“To our ears, KSD brings something new and exciting to the studio monitor arena, and there was no question we needed to bring this hidden gem stateside. The future expansion of our line-up is equally as exciting. Upcoming product releases include solutions for smaller studio spaces and a soon-to-be-debuted flagship monitor that will not only meet but exceed the expectations of even the most demanding engineers and producers in the largest rooms.” - Eric Larsen, Brand Manager, Sound Vision Works
Key Specs
- Analogue in: Line-level +4dBV
- Digital in: AES3 24-bit/192kHz
- Processing: 24-bit A-D/D-A FIRTEC FPGA
- Power amplifiers: 250W / 250W / 150W
- SPL (max) 116dB continuous / 124dB peak (pair)
- Frequency response: 28Hz – 22000kHz
- Weight: 17.2kg (20kg including packaging)
- Dimensions: 420 x 300 x 310 mm
- Remote Control: Optional KSD-RC controls user EQs, volume, delay etc.
Pricing & Availability
The A200mk2 monitors are available now, priced at $2849£2159 including VAT each. They can be specified with either black or cherry front panels.
