German Design Award for PASSIO loudspeaker
"PASSIO is a new high-performance loudspeaker with an integrated, modular fastening system. Developed for the professional rental market, PASSIO meets high demands for perfect acoustics as well as for versatility in mounting options without compromising on design. The slim-line, smooth-surfaced enclosure with an embedded input connector on the rear panel and central mounting point signals dynamics, and the speaker's continuous angle adjustability allows precisely directed sound." These were the reasons stated by the "German Design Council" for honouring the PASSIO with the "Special Mention 2014" at the German Design Awards.
This is the second prestigious award that the compact loudspeaker has won. In October 2012, the PASSIO received the "Focus in Silver", the Baden-Württemberg international design prize awarded by the Design Center Stuttgart at its "Focus Open 2012" competition.
The latest award ceremony and the opening of the exhibition take place today, 7th February, during the "ambiente" consumer products fair in Frankfurt am Main. "The second award underlines once more just how valuable our work is," says Hartmut Bubenzer, who created the PASSIO's exterior design at N&M's Stuttgart branch office and also developed the associated N&M modular rigging system.
The twofold aim of the cooperation between N&M and Kling & Freitag was, on the one hand, to develop a modern loudspeaker system set apart by its design, whereby inconspicuousness was at the forefront of the companies' considerations. On the technical side, they wanted a system with high and symmetrical directivity. Last but not least, it had to be a loudspeaker that could be quickly installed in any location with the added advantage of low operating and maintenance costs.
The goal of the two enterprises was therefore to create a loudspeaker with a high aesthetic and technical standard that, thanks to its discreet design, blends into its surroundings regardless of the installation application. The result was the PASSIO, whose combination of elegant enclosure, modular fastening system and outstanding acoustics ensures that it meets the high standards demanded in the field of professional sound systems.
The fastening modules in particular were designed with maximum compactness and maximum flexibility in mind. The universal swivel clamp with integrated spigot for fastening the loudspeakers onto trusses as well as the L-bracket for mounting them on stands both allow continuous angle adjustability and, consequently, precisely directed sound. The mounting elements are locked into position by means of one single centrally positioned 90-degree quick release fastener, enabling the PASSIO to be rigged and de-rigged more quickly without sacrificing precision. Apropos: when the PASSIO is suspended in high rooms or halls, an additional flying rod ensures that the centre of gravity can be varied – so that different coverage angles right through to the horizontal can be realised even when working at heights.
Unlike conventional loudspeakers, the top and bottom have a five-degree angle so that the enclosure tapers towards the back. "The shape of the enclosure signals dynamics in the sound emission direction – so that the loudspeaker seems to be opening to the room, towards the audience," Hartmut Bubenzer explains. These were the optical and acoustic virtues that convinced the German Design Council, one of the world's leading international centres of excellence for design, which this year celebrates its 60th birthday.