The VMPS Series II RM 50 Bipolar Ribbon Array
A state of the art loudspeaker should be a full-range system that can reproduce a big ensemble of players and singers in a large space for a substantial audience without strain or distortion. Ideally it would have high output levels, no colorations whatsoever, properly reproduce the width and depth of the live soundstage, be perfectly flat from 20Hz to 40kHz, and adjust to its environment and associated equipment via easy-to-use controls. It should be large, sturdy, handle lots of power (1000W +), have high (92 db/1W/1M or better) sensitivity, and be a stable, inert platform for its transducers both ribbon and dynamic. Price should be with reach of most audiophiles, and the speaker should look good. The Series II RM50 is all this.
We encourage all music lovers, if they can, to consider it, even if they have a smallish or untreated room (the controller can compensate for that). The RM50 accommodates all musical tastes, from classical ensemble to headbanging rock, and everything in between. Given the right sources and program material, the RM50 should please just about every music lover on the planet.
The Series II comes standard with your choice of outboard analog passive crossover or line level digital controller/crossover, the latter permitting an infinite variety of characteristics and EQ’s. The user can program the spare EQ bands for “warm”, “lean” or any tonal balance in between with a spin of the dial. Factory settings are a starting point. For example, they include a cut at the floor to ceiling room resonance mode (71 Hz for an 8ft ceiling, 63Hz for a 9ft ceiling, 56Hz for a 10ft ceiling and so on). You control how much cut you want. This is the only way to eliminate the one major room mode that does not respond to speaker or listening position changes. Room treatment (even bass traps, although helpful in other ways) doesn’t do the job here either.
The Series II RM50 is a bipole, which is the only speaker radiation pattern capable of replicating the two primary dispersion patterns of live sources, omnidirectional and cardioid. Our patented constant directivity waveguides on mid and tweeter lines make for a 180 degree “sweet spot”. A new side-firing 15” passive radiator expands soundstage well past the plane of the speakers, with excellent front to back depth and broad vertical dispersion. Dual 12” Kevlar/paper cone woofers each with 600W voicecoils are standard, as is the thunderous bass they provide.
The base model Series II RM50 appears in satin black (analog crossover or DSP controller included) with many available upgrades and options, such as superpremium capacitors, Bolder silver wiring, exotic veneers and finishes, modifications to the DCX controller to improve the signal throughpath, single amp or biamp operation, and choice of impedances (4 to 16 Ohms) to best match your amplifiers. Made entirely in the USA.
RM50 2010-2011 version
Specifications Series II
Driver Arrangement
- Dual Line Source / Bipolar
- Frontal Driver Array/Line: Dual Line CDWG
- Rear Driver Array/Line: equipped with CDWG
Bass – 2 x 30 cm (12″) 18mm Xmax bass, 38 cm (15″) Passive Radiator
Mid – 5 rectangular 10 x 20 cm (4 x 8″) Neo ribbons (front three / back two), 220 Hz – 6.9 kHz
Treble – 9 (front seven / back two), 6.9 kHz – 40 kHz
Impedance & Sensitivity – 8 Ohms, 92 dB/1W/1m
Power handling – 1200 W rms / 8 Ohms, 20 W min.
Frequency response – 20 Hz – 40 kHz +0/-3 dB
Dimensions & Weight – 188H x 38W x 50D cm, 168 kg (74″H x 15″W x 20″D cm, 375 lbs)
Output levels and distortion – max. 1% THD fullrange / 1W, max. 115+ dB SPL / 1m
Finishes
- standard satin black, lite oak, dark oak.
- Optional all kinds of exotic woods ie. african ebony, maple, birch, rosewood, walnut
Ribbon Monitor 50 at Las Vegas T.H.E. Show 2010 Live vs. Recorded Demo (photo: Spintricity)
For more on this event click here.